- 23 years old – (LoA South Bend / HiA Myrtle Beach)
- 8th round – 2015
- I tend to shy away from other prospect lists in order not to place bias when I encounter close calls within my rankings. During my research, I will take a peek from other blogs that mirror Marc’s and my work. It’s interesting to see some of the same pitchers ranked on those sites, listed as a fringy arm. Morrison fits that type, but I disagree, as he could follow the same path as Trevor Clifton. As a polished college arm out of TCU, the right-hander had a stretch this past summer where he tossed 45.2 innings allowing only one earned run, while striking out 47 and walking six. His success continued after his promotion to HiA Myrtle Beach which is where his assignment should be to start the 2017 season.
- 21 years old – (HiA Myrtle Beach / AZL Cubs)
- International Free Agent (Arizona) – 2011
- Leal came over to the Cubs from the Diamondbacks prior to the 2013 season in the Tony Campana deal. The then 18-year-old was assigned to the AZL Cubs to start the 2014 season and he posted an unbelievable 6.50 K/BB ratio over 48.2 innings. I predicted a breakout for the 2014 season, which is currently labeled as the “One to Watch.” Zoom ahead three seasons and Leal should continue to be watched. He quietly returned to UTRMinors and I was surprised after running my numbers that he came in as the UTR-OAS runner-up. Turning only 22 in March, Leal still has plenty room to grow and to improve his three pitch arsenal.
- 23 years old – (LoA Kane County)
- 5th round – 2015
- Kellogg crowbarred his way into the Arizona State rotation as a freshman and went 11-1 with a 3.15 ERA. He, again, posted 100+ innings over his sophomore and junior seasons, combining for a 17-5 record over that time. He’s a presence on the mound with his 6’6″ 230 lbs frame, but he doesnt come at you with power. His fastball only registers in the upper 80s and low 90s range, so he’s more of a finesse pitcher working hitters into favorable counts. He finished his first full season at Kane County, putting up similar numbers to those he posted at ASU. Kellogg could be a true sleeper within the Cubs’ system.
- 21 years old – (HiA Myrtle Beach)
- 12th round – 2013
- I was right on par with Trevor Clifton, tabbing him as my “One to Watch” selection for the 2016 season. He shot up the Cubs prospect rankings going into 2017, cracking the Top 10. From a fantasy perspective, Clifton is the type of pitcher where you wish you’d see him hovering in the middle-of-the-pack; and making an in-season waiver pickup on the righty. That won’t be case come next month during many drafts, as Clifton had an eye-opening 2016 season. It’s hard to keep the UTR persona when you receive the Carolina League and Cubs Minor League Pitcher of the Year awards.
- 22 years old – (HiA Myrtle Beach / Double-A Tennessee)
- International Free Agent (LA Dodgers) – 2011
- The Cubs fell in love with Martinez after receiving him from the Dodgers in the Darwin Barney deal back in 2014. TPS hasn’t felt that love quite yet, though Martinez has performed decently, already being pushed to Double-A as a 22 year old.
- Â 22 years old – (LoA South Bend / HiA Myrtle Beach)
- International Free Agent – 2011
- Â 22 years old – (HiA Myrtle Beach)
- 3rd round – 2012
- Â 24 years old – (HiA Myrtle Beach / Double-A Myrtle Beach)
- 9th round – 2014
Under The Radar Minors 