Chicago Cubs: Three young players to follow this year
Prospect #3: RHP Adbert Alzolay
This selection isn’t exactly a guy who you would consider a prospect you may see in the majors this season. Starting pitcher Adbert Alzolay is already on the Cubs MLB roster but he’s definitely a young player you should watch this season.
Alzolay had some experience in the majors last year as well, making spot starts when needed and coming up to the major league roster late in the year. It’s hard to know what to expect from Alzolay but I feel he’s one of the more promising young Cubs that has a future on the team.
I’d say to keep your eyes on Alzolay’s first two or three starts. He’s the fifth starter in the rotation so he won’t pitch until the team’s second series of the season when they face the Milwaukee Brewers at home next week. He needs to look sharp out of the gate.
“When [Cubs manager David Ross] called me to the office ... and told me, ‘Congrats, you made the roster,’ it just brought joy to me,’’ pitcher Adbert Alzolay said. ‘‘I was so happy I couldn’t say anything." https://t.co/hx5L4zEnLJ
— Sun-Times Sports (@suntimes_sports) March 29, 2021
Alzolay made four starts last year and pitched just over 21 innings. He had an impressive 2.95 ERA and 29 strikeouts but he struggled with control at times and was inconsistent. This is a major proving year for the young pitcher.
The reason I’ll have my eyes on Alzolay this season is that he may not always be a starter. I’d like to see what he can do coming out of the bullpen if he does indeed struggle in his first few starts. There are options for him.
light. Related Story. A rough start for the Cubs
He may not be a true young prospect but he’s one guy on this roster who has some upside and we can follow right now. As a Cubs fan these days, you have to find the positives where you can.