Chicago Cubs News: Third Base Options, Michael Fulmer, and more

Chicago Cubs News: Third Base options, Michael Fulmer, and more

1. Chicago Cubs prospect Jake Slaughter should get a run at third base
2. Michael Fulmer has stabilized the Chicago Cubs' bullpen
3. What does Chicago Cubs first base prospect Matt Mervis need to work on?

Chicago Cubs prospect Jake Slaughter should get a run at third base

If the Chicago Cubs continue their success at the Major League level, there is no doubt that the team will be buyers at the Major League Baseball trade deadline. As the Cubs are still a team that lacks power, if the team is in the market for a position player, it's likely that the team will look to acquire a power-hitting first baseman, third baseman, or designated hitter.

The options for the Cubs may be scarce and if the team still feels that Christopher Morel is not ready for an extended run at third base, an internal option that the team should look at is Jake Slaughter. Slaughter is not a high-profile prospect but has made adjustments to his approach that have resulted in newfound power.

In 247 plate appearances with the Iowa Cubs this season, Slaughter is slashing .250/.328/.495 with 12 home runs. Slaughter's strikeout percentage has spiked with his promotion to Triple-A this season but his .245 ISO and .355 wOBA this season show the power potential that he has.

Michael Fulmer has stabilized the Chicago Cubs' bullpen

While the focus for the Chicago Cubs bullpen has been the emergence of Adbert Alzolay as the team's closer, veteran Michael Fulmer has returned to form after his early-season struggles.

In 11 innings pitched since May 28, Fulmer has yet to allow an earned run and has recorded three holds. Fulmer has found his footing as the team's middle-inning closer and that is now small development given the lack of stability the Cubs' bullpen had at the beginning of the season.

What does Chicago Cubs first base prospect Matt Mervis need to work on?

There has been a misguided sense of finality from some Chicago Cubs fans as it pertains to first base prospect Matt Mervis after his struggles at the Major League level. There is no reason to think that Mervis won't be able to make adjustments and be a successful first baseman at the Major League level for the Cubs. To that end, Ryan Sweeney and Lance Brozdowski speak to the adjustments that Mervis needs to make in order to be successful.

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