MLB Chicago Cubs

Ranking The Chicago Cubs’ Top 5 Pitching Prospects Heading Into 2015

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Ranking The Chicago Cubs' Top 5 Pitching Prospects Heading Into 2015

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While the Cubs have made it clear they're planning on adding starting pitching through free agency while building the lineup through the farm system, they also have some intriguing pitching options working their way up toward Chicago. If any of these five pitchers can realize their full potential, the Cubs' rotation will be in even better shape than it is right now.

5. RHP Corey Black

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5. RHP Corey Black

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Age: 23
2014 Stats: 6-7, 3.47 ERA and 119 Ks in 124.1 IP

Black is the pitcher the Cubs got in return for Alfonso Soriano from the Yankees, and he actually looks really promising. MLB.com lists Black's estimated time of arrival in Chicago as 2015, which would potentially place him in the bullpen at some point this upcoming season.

4. RHP Paul Blackburn

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4. RHP Paul Blackburn

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Age: 21
2014 Stats: 9-4, 3.23 ERA and 75 Ks in 117 IP

Blackburn is a classic contact pitcher who will get batters out without striking many out. Perhaps his best quality is his ability to pitch under pressure. At just 21 years old, Blackburn appears to have the ice water in his veins necessary to make it at the next level.

3. RHP Pierce Johnson

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3. RHP Pierce Johnson

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Age: 23
2014 Stats: 5-5, 2.54 ERA and 99 Ks in 102.2 IP

Johnson once looked like a potential ace in the organization, but now it appears the club should be tempering their expectations. He doesn't seem like he's going to be an ace, but if Johnson can develop into a No. 3 or 4 starter, the Cubs would be ecstatic.

2. RHP Jen-Ho Tseng

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2. RHP Jen-Ho Tseng

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Age: 20
2014 Stats: 6-1, 2.40 ERA and 85 Ks in 105 IP

Tseng was the most impressive pitcher in the Cubs' organization last season as he logged a year in Low-A ball at just 20 years of age. He's still far from the major leagues, but he may be the most projectable as a middle-of-the-rotation starter in the Cubs' system.

1. RHP C.J. Edwards

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1. RHP C.J. Edwards

AZ Fall League: Mesa v Surprise
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Age: 23
2014 Stats: 1-2, 2.35 ERA and 54 Ks in 53.2 IP

Edwards has the highest upside of any pitcher in the Cubs' minor league system, but he can't seem to stay on the field. If he can build muscle onto his skinny 6-foot-2, 155-pound frame, he will become more versatile and can become a real weapon for the Cubs, likely as a very good No. 3 starter.

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