NEWSLETTER
I know it seems like we’re just past the draft, but already we need to start looking ahead towards the next major talent acquisition period. International Free Agency opens July 2, and this year the Cubs will not be under any penalties (though there are now hard caps, so the only way to “overspend” your bonus pool is by trading for more pool space).
While the Cubs aren’t expected to sign anyone as highly regarded as Eloy Jimenez or Gleyber Torres were at the time they were signed, they are linked to some of the top pitchers in the class as well some of the best players to come out of Mexico. They should sign a couple of prospects that we will be obsessing over in three or four years.
Last year’s July class is now underway in the Dominican Summer League, and through about ten games there are a couple of standout performances to highlight. Ervis Marchan, an 18-year-old outfielder, is hitting .395/.439/.605 with three walks and two strikeouts in nine games. And 17-year-old shortstop Fabian Pertuz is hitting .364/.512/.424 with ten walks and five strikeouts through the same period.
The sample sizes are small and a lot could change in the next few weeks, but I think those are two players we’ll be checking on again.
Triple A: Iowa Cubs
Iowa had the day off.
Double A: Tennessee Smokies
Birmingham 11, Tennessee 10 in eleven innings
The Smokies had the bases loaded when the game ended in extras.
High A: Myrtle Beach Pelicans
Winston-Salem 4, Myrtle Beach 0
This time the Pelicans were held to just three hits.
Low A: South Bend Cubs
Dayton 3, South Bend 2
The offense struggled, but starter Rollie Lacy had another very good day.
Other Notes
