Chicago Cubs: 5 Round 2019 MLB Mock Draft

The Chicago Cubs took Tennessee Tech pitcher Ethan Roberts in the fourth round last year. He has primary been a back-end of the bullpen guy so far.

The Chicago Cubs drafted Tennessee Tech pitcher Ethan Roberts in the fourth round last year. The 5′-11″ 170 pound prospect has primarily served in relief so far with the Cubs affiliates. After being drafted, Robert was played in short season Eugene and was assigned to Single-A South Bend this season.

So far, Roberts has pitched 29.1 innings and converted 4-of-5 saves while striking out 24 batters and allowing an opponents batting average of just 0.230 between Eugene and South Bend. Walks have been an issue for Roberts in his brief professional career as he’s allowed 11 free passes.

PICK IS IN

132

Alec Marsh RHP

(Ryan Sikes)

Alec Marsh has really blossomed into a terrific starter in his junior season at Arizona State. He has a 9-3 record in 85.2 innings while striking out 78 batters and allowing just 28 walks. Marsh’s primary pitch consistently tops out at 92 mph and has gained 14 mph of velocity since May 2014.

Scouts really like how well he can locate his pitches, similar to Cubs pitcher Kyle Hendricks:

"Fastball has some sinking actions due to downhill angle ranging in the upper 80’s to low 90’s, topped at 91 mph. Baseball comes out of had clean with a quick arm action that produces good whip. Curveball has 11/5 shape with tight spinning action and depth in the low 70’s. Changes arm angle to a slightly lower slot on curveball offering at times. Pulled the string on a change up that showed some arm side run in the upper 70’s. Mixed and matched all pitches well in positive and negative counts. Showed good command in the lower quadrent of the strike zone inducing weak contact. – via PerfectGame"

132

Brandon Williamson LHP

(Vinnie Parise)

We already discussed the Cubs potential need for a future starter and bullpen help. They have some aging starters and some middle of the rotation guys that are currently in their prime right now, but the future is always in need of good left-handed pitchers. Brandon Williamson is a lefty out of TCU that would make a great addition to the Cubs organization and if he reached his potential could go a long way in helping them get back to the top.

Williamson is currently a junior at TCU and has 66.1 innings pitched and a 3-5 record. He also has 73 strikeouts to only 33 walks. His ERA is also sitting at 4.48 through those 14 starts. Not terrible numbers at all and the Cubs could use another left-handed prospect added to their system. Good pitching is the hardest thing to come by in baseball and a good lefty is the real hard find. The TCU lefty is the guy for the Cubs in the fourth round.