Chicago Cubs: Josue Huma is playing above his age curve

Chicago Cubs: 2019…and beyond!

This past season was a major one for Huma’s development, and the 19-year-old more than rose to the task. He began his year back in the AZL, playing in 36 games and hitting .271 with a 119 wRC+. The on-base rate raised to .400, too, and even his slugging percentage slightly increased.

Huma worked diligently to keep his strikeout rate manageable as he struck out at a rate of 18 percent. The walks somehow increased tenfold, as Huma finished 161 plate appearances with a crazy high 16.8 percent rate.

To close out the season, Huma was moved to Eugene. Somehow, Huma managed to walk at a higher rate than he struck out at, posting a 17.1 percent walk rate to a 15.8 percent strikeout rate. The on-base percentage was still at a solid .360, which may have been overlooked.

Huma provides intrigue at the lower levels. He displays super quick hands with a fluid drive through the zone. When Huma connects, the ball jumps off the bat. Huma is also speedy as we saw with his 20 stolen bases during his first season in the organization.

Huma is Rule 5 eligible next December. If the Cubs make the correct decision, it will be that to making sure no other team will be swooping in to scoop up his talents. There are still eons of time for the Cubs and, most importantly, Huma to push his development. Let’s hope we see this kid in 2022-23.