Ranking top 4 Chicago Cubs prospects who could make an impact soon

Chicago Cubs: 4 prospects who could make an impact soon – #4: Brailyn Marquez

Brailyn Marquez remains number one in the Cubs organization in terms of prospects despite not having yet having played this year due to a shoulder strain. Of course that stunts his development quite a bit after not having a full season of work due to the COVID-19 pandemic last year.

That being said, Marquez has shown flashes in the minors of elite stuff. Winning Cubs Minor League Player of the Year in 2019, the left-hander and his potential were all the buzz. His fastball receives an A+ grade as he can routinely hit triple digits. Looking at his stats, in his first year in the minors he absolutely dominated the Dominican Summer League, posting a 1.48 ERA in 12 starts and 54 2/3 innings pitched. After some trouble in 2017 in Rookie Ball, he rebounded nicely in 2018 posting a 3.21 ERA with the Eugene Emeralds and 2.57 ERA with the South Bend Cubs.

in 2019, after notching a 3.61 ERA in 17 starts, Marquez was called up to High-A Myrtle Beach where he hurled 26 1/3 innings of 1.71 ERA ball to go along with a 4-1 record. As stated, Marquez is not pitching due to a shoulder injury but hopes to make it back before long as he does have upside to become an ace with a three-pitch mix of a fastball, slider and changeup – all receiving solid or at least average grades.

Marquez made one appearance in relief in 2020 for the Cubs, facing the Chicago White Sox. Unfortunately, things didn’t go as planned as he allowed five earned runs in two-thirds of an inning. Obviously, that does not define him or change the success he has had in the Minors. Marquez is believed to be a key piece for the Cubs moving forward.

Hopefully, they will see him at the big league level again soon. Hopefully, he has a strong showing next spring and we see him in the Windy City in 2022.