The Chicago Cubs recently had seven of their prospects make MLB’s top 100 prospects list.
Most of those prospects will figure to make a big impact for the Cubs at some point this season.
One of those prospects who just fell short of the top 100 list Brandon Birdsell could be an impactful pitcher for the Cubs this season
The Chicago Cubs’ talented young starter
© Mattie Neretin / USA TODAY NETWORK
The soon-to-be 25-year-old Birdsell was drafted by the Cubs in the fifth round of the 2022 MLB June Amateur Draft from Texas Tech University in Lubbock, Texas. Birdsell split his time between Double and Triple-A last season where he made a total of 26 starts between the two levels.
In those 26 starts, Birdsell had an 8-9 record with a 3.91 ERA, and striking out 134 batters in 135.2 innings. Birdsell fared better while at Double-A having a 3.63 ERA and a 1.157 WHIP in 74.1 innings. According to the Texas natives Baseball Savant page, he has a plus fastball that grades at 60/80, an above-average curveball at 55/80, an average slider at 50/80, and a decent changeup at 50/80.
“Birdsell’s fastball sits at 94-96 mph and peaks at 99, though its velocity stands out more than its armside run and gets hit when he catches too much of the plate. He misses more bats with his slider, which features good depth in the mid-80s and more cutter action when he throws it in the upper 80s. He doesn’t use his hard upper-80s changeup very often but it’s an effective third offering with significant fade when it’s on.”
Could Birdsell be with the Cubs in 2025?
Birdsell has as good of a shot as anyone to make the Cubs roster this season.
With the Cubs possibly needing another starter in the rotation Birdsell could potentially fill that role if needed.
For now, Birdsell will start the season at Triple-A to get his work in and be ready in case of an injury.
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