Another day, another big time draft pick signed. I like the pace.
Today, the Chicago Cubs agreed to terms with 5th round pick Trey Masek, a pitcher out of Texas Tech. A top two round talent, I’m sure the Cubs are glad to have the righty in the fold.
In the style of the day, Masek himself announced on Twitter that he’d signed his contract:
Just signed my contract, officially a member of the Chicago Cubs organization! Couldn't be more blessed!
— Trey Masek (@treymasek) June 18, 2013
Although there is some concern about Masek’s ability to stick as a starter long-term – he has some shoulder and durability questions – there isn’t any concern about his talent. As I said, he was considered a second round talent by many sources (Baseball America ranked him all the way up at 49th), and I wouldn’t be surprised to learn that the Cubs had to go over slot to sign him.
Masek throws in the mid-90s with a good curveball and solid changeup. He represents just one of many college arms the Cubs are looking to pull into the system with this Draft, but he’s one of the better ones.
Because of some arm issues, Masek threw just 79 innings this year (1.82 ERA, 69 K, 22 BB). If he’s fully healthy, he may see a touch more late season action than is typical for a drafted pitcher. Either way, I still wouldn’t expect to see him anywhere but Arizona or Boise this year.