Cubs: Giving end-of-season grades to this year’s rookies

Cubs end-of-season grades: Rookie pitchers showed more good than bad

Javier Assad: C
This season, Javier Assad appeared in nine games, starting eight of them. Called up Aug. 23, the 25-year-old right-handed pitcher may have struggled a little bit, but did show some hope. Working to a 3.11 ERA in 37 2/3 innings, Assad struggled with a high WHIP of 1.46. Seeing him on the 26-man roster next season is likely, but in the bullpen, at least until he can lower his WHIP.

Brandon Hughes: A

Called up May 17, 26-year-old southpaw Brandon Hughes showed he deserves to be in the majors. In 57 games, Hughes accumulated a 3.12 ERA with a 1.09 WHIP in 57 2/3 innings. Toward the end of the season, he was moved into the closer role, notching eight saves in 12 opportunities. Hughes will definitely be in the bullpen next year and will likely be in the hunt for the closer’s job again.

Hayden Wedsneski: A+
 
Acquired from the Yankees earlier this season in the Scott Effross trade, Hayden Wesneski was called up to the majors on Sept. 6, and has been lights-out since. In six games, starting in four, Wesneski ended his debut season with a 2.18 ERA and a 0.94 WHIP in 33 innings. The 24-year-old pitcher should be in the starting rotation next season, possibly as its fourth or fifth member. His future with the Cubs appears to be bright and he could become a massive part of the young core.

Caleb Kilian: D

Caleb Killian was one of the two players received in the Kris Bryant trade in 2021, and he may not be quite ready for the majors yet. The 25-year-old right-handed pitcher appeared in only three games, working to a 10.32 ERA and 2.03 WHIP in just 11 1/3 innings. Killian will likely not be on the major league roster to start season, especially when you consider the control issues that plagued him not only in Chicago, but at Triple-A for much of the season.

Brendon Little: F

A former first-round pick in the 2017 MLB Draft, Brendon Little was called up to the majors on Aug. 30. Little will definitely start the 2023 season in the minors, as he was only given one opportunity and it did not go well. Despite the Cubs not being a postseason contender down the stretch, manager David Ross clearly saw enough of Little is that brief appearance.

Cubs end-of-season grades: Two key rookies showed real promise

Christopher Morel: A

The 23-year-old utility player was all-around solid since being called up on May 17. Appearing in 113 games, Christopher Morel hit for a .235 average with 16 homers and 72 RBI. He even brought something this team has not had in a while, and that is speed, as Morel had the third-most steals on the team with 10. Morel moved all over the diamond defensively, appearing at two outfield spots, second, third and shortstop this season, and so with only 10 errors, proving that he has the capability to go wherever he is asked. However, Morel needs to work on not striking out as much, as he had the third-most on the team. Nonetheless, his future is very bright with the Cubs and he will most definitely be a key member of the roster next season.

Seiya Suzuki: B

As the top Japanese prospect available in the offseason, the Cubs turned some heads with the Seiya Suzuki signing last winter. The 28-year-old right fielder appeared in 111 games, working to a .336 OBP with 14 homers, 46 RBI and the third-most hits on the team with 104. With Suzuki’s cannon arm in right field, he is reliable in the field as there is not much to worry about for his defense. The April NL Rookie of the Month had a solid debut season, and will be the team’s starting right fielder for the Cubs for years to come.

Nelson Velazquez: D+

Nelson Velazquez made his big league debut on May 30 and showed signs of potential, especially on the basepaths and in the field. However, he really struggled at the dish. In 77 games, Velazquez hit just .205 with six homers and 26 RBI. On the bright side, he had one of the better strikeout-to-walk ratios on the team, so perhaps he can build on that. If Velazquez is on the roster, it will likely be the bench, but it wouldn’t be surprising if he starts the season in the minors.

There are a lot more rookies that made their debut this season, however these are just the ones who garnered the most attention have have at least some potential to be long-term pieces.