Chicago Cubs: Five things to look forward to in 2021

While not a stacked system, the Cubs farm has some notable prospects

There are several prospects that will be using 2021 to either get close or to the big leagues. Some of which have already had MLB experience even if very brief. Watching top prospects develop is always fun whether in the minors or up in the majors. While not limited to these names, here are some of the notable prospects in the Cubs system to watch in 2021.

Adbert Alzolay

The hard-throwing righty just turned 26 and really should make the opening day roster. He has an opportunity to be in the rotation come Opening Day, if not the bullpen. Do not be surprised if he starts in the pen and makes his way to the rotation. Time will tell. Alzolay has pitched 33 2/3 MLB innings as both a starter and reliever. Last year he pitched in 21 1/3 innings and put up a 2.95 ERA, 3.05 FIP, 1.2 WHIP, 5.5 BB/9 and 12.2 K/9.

Brailyn Marquez

The best pitching prospect in the Cubs system is the 21-year-old lefty from the Dominican Republic. Marquez is a hard-throwing lefty with great stuff. He has been a starter in his professional career and sports a career 3.19 ERA, 10.1 K/9 and 1.3 WHIP in the minors. Worth noting 55 of his 57 games in the minors were starts. He probably starts 2021 in the minors but very well could return to a big league mound this summer. He pitched two-thirds of an inning in the majors last year.

Brennen Davis

The best hitting prospect the Cubs have in terms of being close to the majors, Davis is a five-tool outfielder that is high on a lot of people’s radar. He is currently getting playing time in spring training with the big league club. In 2019 with South Bend he hit .305/.381/.525 with eight home runs, 30 RBI and nine doubles in 50 games. 2021 might still be early to see him get MLB time in the regular season but fans should watch his progress with great interest.

Miguel Amaya

Nearing 22 years of age, the native of Panama has been a ranked prospect in the Cubs system for several years. Amaya is very athletic with potential to be a power hitting, plus defender player. So far he has played as high as High-A ball and spent 2020 in the Puerto Rican Winter League. From 2018-2019 he played in 215 games and hit 23 home runs. He sports a minor league career slash of .243/.334/.375 in 331 games. He still has some seasoning to do in the minors before he gets to the majors but hopefully he will take a big step in 2021.