Chicago Cubs: Some Triple-A performers to keep an eye on

Chicago Cubs could look to Iowa arms a lot in 2020

Iowa featured a pair of standout arms this season. But let’s start with not just one of the best pitchers in the Cubs organization this year, but one of the best performers in all of Triple-A in right-hander Colin Rea.

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The 28-year-old joined the Chicago Cubs via free agency after being designated for assignment by the San Diego Padres in 2019. He started all 26 games he pitched, averaging 7.3 strikeouts per nine. Rea, a native of Cascade, Iowa, worked to a 3.95 ERA in an extremely hitter-friendly Pacific Coast League en route to PCL Pitcher of the Year honors.

Living in Iowa, I make my way to games at Principal Park several times each year. Another guy who stood out to me, despite some less-than-stellar numbers was 25-year-old Matt Swarmer.

His win-loss record wasn’t great at 10-11. Nor was his earned run average, which clocked in at an unsightly 5.65 this year. But he led the team with 137 punchouts, walking just 47 of the 663 batters he faced. In short, he pounded the zone – something that’s always helpful to have waiting in the wings. That being said, he clearly needs to miss more bats moving forward.

As the Cubs potentially shift their focus as an organization in 2020 and beyond, knowing your way around these names could become more and more important. Stay tuned as we start to break down more of the players to know as we ramp up for another season of Cubs baseball.