Chicago Cubs prospect profile: Michael Rucker
By Eric Brown
Continuing our series of previewing the Cubs Top-30 prospects, up next is Michael Rucker – the Cubs #28 ranked prospect.
Throughout his entire career, Michael Rucker has been an underdog. When he first chose to attend college he went to Gonzaga, where he barely played his freshman season. After his lone year at Gonzaga, Rucker made the decision to transfer to BYU. It was during his time with Brigham Young that he truly developed into the pitcher that he is now.
More from Chicago Cubs
- Juan Soto appears headed to the Yankees which is not a big blow Chicago Cubs offseason
- Chicago Cubs in the middle of chaos that is Shohei Ohtani’s free agency
- The Chicago Cubs are on a roller coaster of emotions chasing Shohei Ohtani
- Chicago Cubs Rumors: latest on Bellinger, Chapman, and Hoskins
- National insider takes Chicago Cubs out of Shohei Ohtani sweepstakes
In 2 seasons at BYU, he pitched a total of 39 games, with 22 of those being starts. He wound up finishing his collegiate career with a 17-2 record and a 2.90 ERA. Described as an “innings eater”, Rucker did just that in college, pitching 180 innings.
Still only in Single A ball at age 23, Rucker is a bit behind the curve in terms of development and the league players are usually in at a certain age. Typically if a pitcher is going to become a rotational piece, they will have already reached AAA by the age of 23. Despite his advanced age in A ball, Rucker can become among the many late bloomers that the MLB has seen.
According to MLB.com, his best pitch is a fastball that can reach speeds upwards of 96 mph. Despite being a flamethrower on the mound, the Cubs will continue to see if he progress towards the MLB as a starter.
Even if does not make it to the big leagues as a starter, Rucker could eventually become the next Cubs closer down the road. With his fastball, and high strikeout rate he may be the sleeper pitcher in the entire Cubs organization to watch.
Related Story: Cubs prospect profile: Jose Paulino
The Cubs entire minor league organization is currently flush with pitchers all the way from low A ball to AAA. If Rucker can continue to impress Theo Epstein and others in the front office he could find his way with the big league club sooner than many expect. If you would like to follow Rucker on social media, his twitter handle is @MikeRuck27.