2024 College World Series star is thriving in a new role in the Cubs’ system

Just one year removed from pitching in the College World Series, this Chicago Cubs farmhand still has quite the climb to make it to the Big Leagues. However, so far, so good when it comes to Evan Aschenbeck’s start to his pro career. The former Texas A&M Aggies star isn’t just having to adjust to the minor leagues, but also to a new role on the mound. 

Aschenbeck spent most of his college days in College Station, pitching at the end of games. He was the Aggies' lockdown closer in 2024, notching 10 saves in 32 appearances alongside a sparkling 1.78 ERA. He spent the entirety of his collegiate career working out of the pen, making 58 total relief appearances and never getting a start.

Evan Aschenbeck sheds closer label, dominating as Cubs MiLB starter

Now, Aschenbeck has almost exclusively been a starting pitcher in the minor leagues. And so far, he’s been a very good starting pitcher. In fact, he's been so good that he’s already been promoted once this year, and a promotion to Double-A in the near future doesn’t seem out of the question.

Aschenbeck started the 2025 campaign with Single-A Myrtle Beach and made just three appearances there (two starts) before being called up to South Bend thanks to not allowing a run while striking out 16 in 14.1 innings.

With his current team, the Cubs’ minor leaguer is 2-3 with a 3.22 ERA in eight appearances (six starts). While he hasn’t been as dominant (striking out just 35 in 44.2 innings) he’s looked good enough as a starter that it appears his future in the organization is in the rotation.

Of course, the main concern with a reliever-turned-starter is durability. Closing out a game's final inning is an entirely different skillset from starting the first five. On that front, there is even more good news, as Aschenbeck is proving capable of pitching deep into the ballgames.

In his latest start, Aschenbeck was stellar again, striking out five hitters in seven shutout innings. He allowed just one hit while recording his fifth-straight quality start.

It’s certainly not a traditional transition. We hear about college and high school starting pitchers moving into the bullpen far more often. However, the Chicago Cubs have got to be happy about where Evan Aschenbeck is trending after plucking him from the College World Series runner-up a season ago.