Chicago Cubs News: Joe Maddon impressed with Eloy Jimenez

The Chicago Cubs assigned top prospect Eloy Jimenez to minor league camp on Friday but manager Joe Maddon provided a raving review of the Cubs’ next big thing.

Chicago Cubs top prospect Eloy Jimenez was among the team’s roster cuts on Friday as the talented outfielder was optioned to minor league camp.

Jimenez, though, left quite the impression on Cubs’ manager Joe Maddon. Maddon had high praise for Jimenez while speaking with reporters on Friday.

"“What he showed to me is a tremendous understanding of his swing as a 20-year-old,” Maddon said. “Watch him take batting practice. His left-field foul line is pretty much left-center. He doesn’t really hook the baseball. He stays inside the ball as well as the most seasoned (hitter).“(It’s the way) Edgar Martinez did (it). It’s kind of like that approach or Miguel Cabrera. I’m not saying he’s those guys yet. I’m just saying that’s his approach. It’s really sophisticated for a 20-year-old.”"

More from Da Windy City

Maddon reverted to the company line when speaking about when Jimenez could make his way to the Major League level.

"“He’s going to hit,” Maddon said. “The velocity, ball off the bat, is incredible. He’ll look awful on one pitch and then come back and hit a screaming line drive. He’ll make quick adjustments. Again, really sophisticated or beyond his years at 20.“I don’t know when he’s going to show up, but you know he’s going to show up at some point. He’s not many, many years out. But of course he needs another solid year or so — year-and-a-half at least, maybe two in the minor leagues — before you really want to strongly consider that.“The outfield defense, running routes, base-running, things of that nature, I definitely want to see him improve on also, and that was part of the conversation.”"

For a Cubs’ team that has been infused with core prospects over the past few seasons in Kris Bryant, Kyle Schwarber, Javier Baez, and Willson Contreras; Jimenez appears to be the next in line.

In 16 Spring Training games with the Major League team, Jimenez hit .321/.355/.607/.962 with 2 home runs.

The Cubs’ long-term outfield picture appears to be full with Kyle Schwarber in left field, Albert Almora Jr in center field, and Jason Heyward in right field. It’s clear that there needs to be a trade in order to open up a long-term spot for Jimenez. Though, there is the chance that Jimenez eventually replaces Heyward in right field if the veteran can not overcome his struggles from the 2016 season.

There has been some speculation that the Cubs could use Jimenez as a trade chip to acquire a cost-controlled starting pitcher. While nothing can be ruled out, every indication the Cubs’ front office has given is that Jimenez is a long-term piece to the Cubs’ puzzle. Though, it’s unclear at this point where the fit will be.

Home/Chicago Cubs