Cubs Minors: Three prospects team should consider in the Rule 5 draft

This year’s Rule 5 draft poses to be an interesting affair. The Cubs have a few open roster spots and a lot of intriguing talent from which to choose.

One of the most unique avenues existing in baseball, as well as one of the more underrated is the Rule 5 draft. Each December the draft rolls back around, giving organizations like the Cubs an opportunity to add talent to their respective ranks. As the age-old idiom goes – one man’s trash is another man’s treasure.

The likelihood of finding an impact player in the realm of this avenue is small. It does however, happen. Former starting pitcher and ace Johan Santana is the coup de grâce and platinum standard of Rule 5 picks who went on to enjoy a successful career. Josh Hamilton, who himself experienced a rollercoaster of a career, is another example.

The Cubs 40-man roster sits at 37 after the additions of right-handed pitchers Cory Abbott and Keegan Thompson, and infielder Christopher Morel. All three were Rule 5 eligible this year. Newest figurehead Jed Hoyer now has decisions to make regarding the three open roster spots. Thankfully the pot from which to pick is full of potential surprises.

Cubs: Mining for middle relief gold

The first of the prospects who will undoubtedly garner attention across the Rule 5 draft construct next week is Los Angeles Dodgers left-handed pitcher Marshall Kasowski. The now 25-year-old has been in the league for three seasons. He was drafted in the 13th round of the 2017 amateur player draft and since has found budding success.

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Kasowski’s personal story is a journey in and of itself. Five years ago to the month, Kasowski headed back to a friend’s house after a family gathering when he was involved in a car accident that nearly took his life. He was just 20 years old at the time.

The next year, Kasowski’s scholarship was lost due to a lack of playing time. He transitioned from the University of Houston to a small Division II school, West Texas A&M, and impressed. Following his selection by the Dodgers, Kasowski began 2017 first in rookie ball in Arizona and saw playing time at Class-A Great Lakes. He posted a combined 3.18 ERA over 11 1/3 innings.

In 2018 Kasowski improved upon his previous year’s numbers, this time registering a 2.09 ERA in 41 games. He jumped from Class-A to Double-A Tulsa and has not looked back. Last season Kasowski spent more time in Tulsa, posting a remarkably low 2.45 ERA and a 2.50 FIP and 3.11 xFIP, respectively.

In 107 2/3 career minor league innings, Kasowski carries a 2.26 ERA and a 39.3 percent strikeout rate. How this guy has lasted this long without rising to the majors is perplexing. His control at points has been an issue, which is most likely the underlying reason. However, his fastball generates a ton of swings and misses, and he is continuing to improve upon his off-speed arsenal of a changeup and curveball.

Cubs: Low-risk high-reward flyer

The second prospect on this list is a former top 20 prospect in the New York Yankees system, and that is right-handed pitcher Garrett Whitlock who is considered by many as one of the top options in this year’s Rule 5 draft.

Whitlock is a bit of a mystery and defines a ‘draft day flyer’ in its purest form. A selection by the Yankees in the 18th round of the 2017 MLB Draft, Whitlock has already assembled an excellent professional resume.

His first season with a legitimate sample size came in 2018 at Class-A Charleston. After seeing a minute amount of action in the lower levels, Whitlock made seven starts for the RiverDogs. He finished the year with a 1.13 ERA over 40 innings and carried a robust 29.7 percent strikeout rate along with a 4.7 percent walk rate. Not a bad beginning for a guy passed over 541 times by teams.

Whitlock was not done during the 2018 campaign, not by a long shot. He jumped up to Class-A Advanced Tampa, making 13 starts, and finished with a 2.44 ERA and 25.1 percent strikeout rate. The free passes increased in a limited capacity, but it did not stop Whitlock from climbing up the minor league ladder.

The 24-year-old finished the year at Double-A Trenton for a cup of coffee, where he enjoyed a smattering of innings, 10 2/3 to be exact. Much of his statistics on paper show a less than stellar showing. However, Whitlock did somehow manage a 0.84 ERA over the span. In 21 starts, when it was all said and done, he had finished with a 1.86 ERA over the three levels and looked ready to prime.

Unfortunately, in 2019, Whitlock underwent Tommy John surgery. He did manage a strong campaign in return to Trenton beforehand, finishing with a 3.07 ERA and 3.14 FIP, respectively. His 3.09 xFIP was his best mark since his time at Class-A. As a 6’5″ pitcher who weighs a mere 195 pounds, Whitlock commands the zone with his sinking fastball, which has reached the thralls of 96 mph.

If they were to select the righty, one benefit for the Cubs would be his rights and the cost associated with it. Whitlock is not on the Yankees’ 40-man roster, nor a part of the Triple-A 38-man roster. He comes with no strings attached and would cost Chicago $24,000. They would also not be required to place him on their 40-man or risk the loss. If there is one player to take that flyer on, it is most certainly Whitlock.