Years of pushing for World Series titles have clearly put a dent in Chicago’s system. While they have some names that bring intrigue, the upside may not be quite as impressive as what is perceived. While they did add at least one intriguing prospect in the 2020 draft, ultimately they failed to significantly boost a system that needed it. Let’s take a look:
- Brennen Davis (OF, Grade – B)
- Ed Howard (SS, Grade – B)
- Brailyn Marquez (LHP, Grade – B)
- Miguel Amaya (C, Grade – B-)
- Nico Hoerner (2B, Grade – B-)
- Cole Roerder (OF, Grade – C+)
- Riley Thompson (RHP, Grade – C)
- Cory Abbott (RHP, Grade – C)
- Pedro Martinez (SS, Grade – C)
- Jordan Nwogu (OF, Grade – C)
Why Howard At #2?
Expected to stick at shortstop, this type of scouting report from Baseball America has to get you excited as to his outlook:
He shows all the tools you want to see, with good bat speed, some bat-to-ball skill and a lithe, 6-foot-2, 185-pound frame that has plenty of room to add more muscle and impact ability. At present he’s more of a gap-to-gap, line-drive type hitter, but scouts want to see him refine his approach.
It’s easy to envision Howard leaping over Davis to claim the top spot on this list, though we need to see it on the field before making that swap. The potential is there, however, and he belongs on all radars.
Why Nwogu At #10?
Nwogu will likely be what has become a prototypical prospect, showing power and speed with questions about whether or not he’ll be able to make enough contact to get to it. According to Baseball America:
Scouts are not all that excited about his funky swing—he gets good weight transfer and has plenty of bat speed, but it’s a very top-hand heavy swing.
He could’ve gone to college to play football, but opted to play baseball instead. That shows the type of athlete he is, and maybe with more development time the Cubs can get him to make the adjustments and develop.
To view our Preseason Top 10 Prospects, click here.
Sources – MLB.com, Baseball America
Make sure to check out all of our 2020 prospect rankings:
| Position | Last Updated |
|---|---|
| Catcher | 04/13/20 |
| First Baseman | -- |
| Second Baseman | 04/15/20 |
| Shortstop | 04/17/20 |
| Third Baseman | 04/20/20 |
| Outfield | 04/24/20 |
| Pitcher | -- |
