Five Cubs prospects you’ll see at Wrigley Field next season

Chicago Cubs: An option in the rotation or pen

It feels strange to talk about so many pitchers in a discussion of Cubs prospects, and it’s doubly so because three of the biggest names are all hard throwing lefties who could help the big league club in 2021. After the pair of electric southpaws Marquez and Carraway, there’s also a guy who sits in low 90s as a starter but can also touch 98 mph when needed. Justin Steele.

I’ve written about Steele before, and the same things still apply for the big left-hander. If he can overcome his disappointing 2019 season (that seems eons ago), there’s a chance he can help the Cubs in 2021, probably out of the bullpen. Steele has the stuff and makeup to be a starter, but he probably won’t get that chance right off the bat. He was activated by the big league club in 2020, but never actually saw any time; this should totally change this coming season.

We know from reports coming out of “camp” that guys were doing some solid work in South Bend, working on their tools and honing their craft. If Steele could have done the same things Alzolay did while making the best of a crappy minor league year in 2020, he could be an option for the Cubs in relief right out the chute in Spring Training. If he shows solid command and good stuff, he could be with the big league club most of the year.