Chicago Cubs: Latest Kris Bryant trade rumors aren’t so bad

Chicago Cubs: Adding young rotational depth

After leading off the package with Waters, pitching becomes tantamount to any deal. The number one pitching prospect the Cubs should look to add is 6’6″ left-hander Kyle Muller. The 22-year-old is currently ranked as the number ten overall prospect in the Braves organization and for a good reason.

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Muller has been a consistent workhorse, moving quickly through the system after his second-round selection in 2016. In 2018, Muller began in Class-A Rome. After six starts, he was promoted to Class-A Advanced Florida and then to Double-A Mississippi. Last season, Muller spent the entire year in Mississippi, where he posted a 3.14 ERA in 22 starts.

He improved on his strikeout rate, driving it up to 25.6 percent. Muller also held opposing hitters to a .206 average and a home run rate of 0.40 HR/9. The command was a bit of a struggle as his walk rate rose; however, he could improve as he continues to grow.

Muller has a standard easy-going delivery. His fastball is his best pitch, as it has been graded as a “plus-plus.” It generally sits in the mid-90s with an uptick to 97 mph. The curveball is his next best pitch, where he can generate a strong 12-6 movement. The control needs work, but it can be developed into a strong pitch Muller can rely upon.

If everything with Muller’s development continues to go well, he has the makings of a reliable number three in a starting rotation. For a team in need of pitching as their young guys develop, the Cubs can benefit from a guy like Muller and should be asking for him in any deal for Bryant.