Chicago Cubs: Three college pitchers to target in 2020 Draft

(Photo by Peter Aiken/Getty Images)
(Photo by Peter Aiken/Getty Images) /
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Chicago Cubs, MLB Draft
(Photo by Mike Stobe/Getty Images) /

Bryce Jarvis, Duke

Like Burns, the Yankees drafted Bryce Jarvis in the 37th round of last year’s draft, but he chose to remain in school. Now, as a potential second-round pick, he has all the makings of a future rotation piece. Jarvis came to Duke primarily as a bullpen guy, making 25 appearances – including five starts – in his freshman year while posting a 2.46 ERA in 47.2 innings.

He struck out 67 batters and allowed an eye-popping .142 average. Jarvis made the conversion to the rotation in his sophomore campaign after a successful summer at the Driveline Academy in Seattle, Washington.

It’s the same facility that Trevor Bauer developed his slider, and Justin Turner improved his launch angle.

The time at the Academy paid dividends as Jarvis was able to increase his fastball velocity from the high 80s to the low-to-mid-90s. He also reportedly developed his slider and curveball to complement his changeup

Back at school, Jarvis posted a 3.81 ERA in 19 appearances – including 11 starts – while striking out 94 batters in 75.2 innings.

He allowed a .239 average and also 11 wild pitches. Similar to Burns, he was off to a tremendous start, posting a 0.67 ERA in four starts while striking out 40 batters in 27.0 innings and walking just two. He also threw the first perfect game in Duke baseball history earlier this year.