5 Chicago Cubs prospects to watch at Double-A Tennessee in 2023

5 Chicago Cubs prospects to keep an eye on - 4. DJ Herz

After mightily struggling with his command in 2022, DJ Herz is a prime breakout candidate if he gets better control of his pitch arsenal. The stuff has always been there for Herz, who the Chicago Cubs drafted in the 8th round of the 2019 MLB draft. In fact, in High-A to begin the season, Herz registered a 2.54 ERA in 17 starts, totaling 63.2 IP and 99 punchouts. From there, it was downhill upon his promotion to Double-A Tennessee, and he wound up issuing 33 free passes in 31.2 frames, with a 1.800 WHIP, while recording a substantial drop-off in ERA to the tune of 8.24.

In September, Herz was transferred to the developmental list to work on his mechanics. With any fine-tuning, he should have the ability to get back to the DJ Herz we saw to begin the 2022 campaign with South Bend. At still just 22 years of age, Herz is another starting pitcher who may still be a couple of years away but has an undeniably high ceiling. If he can harness his stuff this season, he will have no problem propelling his way up the ranks in no time.