Underrated Chicago Cubs pitching prospects fans should get to know

Cayne Ueckert, RHP – Tennessee Smokies (Double-A)

When Cayne Ueckert was drafted in the back half of rounds, he chalked it up as a guy who could turn in a future integral to the inner workings of a shattered bullpen. Instead, Ueckert has been in the league since 2019, as he’s had two official seasons in the minors and jumped from one crop of talent to a new tier.

Ueckert profiles as your prototypical reliever as he has yet to start a game. He does, however, carry some surprising numbers. This season, Ueckert has maintained his drive, which is shown through his 1.45 combined ERA in 26 games between South Bend and Tennessee.

Having made a handful of starts through college, Ueckert found his footing as a reliever and has not looked back. Ueckert has 31 strikeouts in 28 innings this season.

Cubs Insider’s own Todd Johnson touched on Ueckert’s mid-90s fastball, which carried some swing-and-miss tendencies, and it remains to be seen how the offspeed stuff continues to develop. However, as he steps into his role at Double-A, Ueckert becomes a guy fan should be all over.