Chicago Cubs: Five prospects destined for the expanded roster
By Ryan Sikes
Ryan Jensen
The Cubs’ first-round pick in last year’s draft spent the rest of 2019 at Class-A Short Season Eugene. There, Jensen made six starts and struck out 19 batters in just 12.0 innings. Of concern, he allowed 14 walks, but he could have been trying out different pitches.
Obviously, the stuff is there, and he was expected to begin at Single-A South Bend. Carrying him on the expanded roster could allow for potential opportunities in blowout scenarios, and he’d have the chance to work alongside veterans like Yu Darvish and Jon Lester, learning how to become a true professional.
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Chase Strumpf
Strumpf hit .279 in his final season at UCLA and homered moments after being drafted by the Cubs in the second round. After the draft, he played 26 games for Eugene, batting .292 with two home runs and 14 RBI. At the end of the year, Strumpf was promoted to Single-A South Bend for six games.
He hit .125 over a small sample size, but you have to remember that the Cubs have no clear answer at second base on the big league roster. They have options, yes, but nobody has emerged from the pack. In a shortened season, let’s see if Strumpf can make the most of whatever playing time he earns.