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Futures Game 2015: Kyle Schwarber wins MVP

By Matt Verderame

Jun 16, 2015; Chicago, IL, USA; Chicago Cubs catcher Kyle Schwarber warms up against the Cleveland Indians in the ninth inning at Wrigley Field. Mandatory Credit: Matt Marton-USA TODAY Sports
Jun 16, 2015; Chicago, IL, USA; Chicago Cubs catcher Kyle Schwarber warms up against the Cleveland Indians in the ninth inning at Wrigley Field. Mandatory Credit: Matt Marton-USA TODAY Sports /
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On Sunday, Chicago Cubs catching prospect Kyle Schwarber was named the Most Valuable Player of the 2015 Futures Game at the Great American Ballpark. The United States won in a rout, collecting 13 hits on the way to a 10-1 victory over the World Team. Schwarber grew up in the shadow of Cincinnati, making this moment all the sweeter for the mega-prospect.

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Schwarber didn’t have a tremendous game but contributed with a two-run triple in the four inning that put the USA up 3-1. It was a lead the United States would not relinquish. Schwarber, 22, was called up for a week back in June to take the starting role for a spell, and hit a home run in Cleveland during Interleague play.

The Cubs are flush with young talent, and Schwarber stands to be the next major player to come through the Theo Epstein pipeline. Chicago already called up phenom Kris Bryant this season, who will be competing in the Home Run Derby on Monday night. Bryant has been flanked by other precocious players such as Jorge Soler and Addison Russell, who project to play on the North Side for years to come.

The contest had a local feel to it, with Ken Griffey Sr. managing the American team while Tony Perez was heading up the World. Both were key players for the Big Red Machine in the 1970’s, when the Cincinnati Reds won the World Series in 1975 over the Boston Red Sox, and 1976 over the New York Yankees.

The Major League Baseball All-Star game will be on Tuesday night.

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