Chicago Cubs: Starting pitchers aplenty in the 2020 MLB Draft

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A mere four months away, the 2020 Major League Baseball first-year player draft proves to be a fun time. For the Chicago Cubs, it is crunch time to figuring out the next future wave of talent to bring into the organization. Luckily, there is a ton of talent.

In recent years, the Chicago Cubs regime has been stealthily prudent with their behind-the-scenes draft plans. Two years ago, Chicago took shortstop Nico Hoerner with their first-round pick. Hoerner reached the big leagues last season and put a spark into the Cubs’ lineup.

Last year it was Ryan Jensen. While Jensen did not see formidable action in his first season, at Low Class-A Eugene, he did post some impressive stats. As those two continue to blossom, it gives way to turn our attention back to the draft and, more importantly, which direction the Cubs will choose.

There are a lot of talented hitters in this class. I have previously discussed what the best moves for the Cubs maybe, but being as that was four months ago, a lot can change. This time around, I am focusing solely on starting pitching. As the rotation continues to age out slowly, the importance of fresh arms has never been higher. Luckily, there are some pretty dang good pitchers in this class, too.

Chicago Cubs: SP J.T. Ginn – Mississippi State, Sophomore

Originally from the small town of Brandon, Mississippi, J.T. Ginn has made waves over the past couple of years. Now heading into his sophomore season as a Bulldog, Ginn hopes to establish himself this upcoming year as a future first-round draft pick as part of this year’s draft class.

Ginn is a dominant presence on the mound. At the same time, he is about three inches shorter and thirty pounds lighter than Jon Lester, the 20-year-old displays specific characteristics in his windup and delivery similar to that of Lester.

The Los Angeles Dodgers drafted Ginn in 2018 at the tail end of the first round. However, Ginn decided to forgo the opportunity and chose to attend Mississippi University instead. It certainly has worked out in his favor thus far. Ginn finished an awe-inspiring freshman year off in the challenging SEC, posting a 3.36 ERA over 20 starts and an 11.54 K/9.

Ginn offers a smooth, slow delivery. Watching Ginn, I see most of his power come from his hips and rotation. He displays the slightest stutter step in his windup, which helps the fluidity of his delivery. Ginn’s strengths are his fastball, which can reach the mid-90’s and his wicked mid-80’s slider that seems to drop off into its vortex.

It is projected that Ginn lands in the middle of the first round, which would provide an excellent opportunity for Theo Epstein and the Cubs to scoop him up as their next future rotational piece. Ginn will be a fun kid to follow this season.

SEC baseball (Photo by Peter Aiken/Getty Images) /

Chicago Cubs: SP Tanner Burns – Auburn, Junior

The second guy on this list is another hard-throwing right-hander from the University of Auburn. Tanner Burns was born in Decatur, Alabama, about three hours Auburn. Through his first two seasons as a Tiger, Burns has produced a 2.89 ERA in 32 starts.

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As a freshman, Burns posted a 3.01 ERA in 17 starts, pitching to an 8.00 K/9 with a 3.84 BB/9. He struck out a respectable 77 batters in 86 2/3 innings. Last season, Burns improved in a significant way. The ERA dropped to 2.73 across 79 innings, as Burns saw his strikeout rate increased to 11.39 K/9, and the walk rate drop down to 2.39 BB/9.

Burns is a muscular guy. His stockiness plays to his strength as he uses his plant foot to deliver most of his power. The motion is fluid and consistent lending way to the success he has found in his first two years pitching in the SEC. His curveball may low-key be his best pitch. When it works, it displays a sharp outwardly bite, forcing a lot of swings and misses. His fastball is strong, too, sitting in the mid-’90s.

The Cubs need another hard-throwing righty with a nasty breaking ball. Burns could fit that mold for Chicago as the 21-year-old is projected to go in the mid-to-late first round. If Burns is somehow still on the board when the Cubs pick at number 16 overall, they better be sure they do not pass up on an impressive young talent such as Burns.

(Photo by Brace Hemmelgarn/Minnesota Twins/Getty Images) /

Chicago Cubs: SP Mick Abel, Jesuit High School (OR)

The final guy on this list is just too freaking good to fall to the Cubs at sixteen. He is by far and away, in my opinion, the best prep arm in this entire draft class. Mick Abel is just 18 years old but carries a fastball that can reach into the mid-’90s.

A tall, lanky kid Abel reminds me of a young Chris Paddack. Not that Paddack is old or a veteran by any means, but the size of Abel and his delivery sway me in the direction for that comparison. The makeup of this kid is ridiculous. Per Carlos Collazo, from Baseball America, Abel reached 97 mph on his fastball at Perfect Game Nationals. He can sit on it between 93-95 mph.

Abel also has a sharp curveball, a good out pitch the teenager can continue to develop in his arsenal. His slider sits in the mid-’80’s and the changeup is starting to come around. His windup allows him a little stutter step, helping to drive his power. The nature of his windup and delivery are smooth, and for a teenager, Abel makes it look almost effortless.

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Abel would be the perfect option for the Cubs. I understand trading up does not exist as the competitive balance is essential, so it is highly unlikely Chicago lands Abel. Conveniently, Abel does have a commitment to Oregon State University, so there is a chance he diverts to that path, which may allow the Cubs to take him next season, but again highly unlikely. Keep an eye on Abel this season.

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