MLB Pipeline: One prospect each MLB team should call up

DUNEDIN, FLORIDA - MARCH 06: Vladimir Guerrero Jr. #27 of the Toronto Blue Jays in action against the Philadelphia Phillies during the Grapefruit League spring training game at Dunedin Stadium on March 06, 2019 in Dunedin, Florida. (Photo by Michael Reaves/Getty Images) /

5 of 30

CHICAGO, ILLINOIS – APRIL 10: Tyler Chatwood #32 of the Chicago Cubs throws a pitch during a game against the Pittsburgh Pirates at Wrigley Field on April 10, 2019 in Chicago, Illinois. (Photo by Stacy Revere/Getty Images) /

The Chicago Cubs are right behind Boston as the most disappointing team at 15 percent of the way through the season. Their 9-10 start has them looking to dig out of an early hole when it comes to making the postseason. This particular call-up is more difficult to make because so many of their top prospects are position players, and the reality is that you’re unlikely to replace a position player. Like the Red Sox, on paper, this team seems ready to compete.

That means that we’re focused on pitching here and the Cubs’ 5.18 relief pitching ERA, good enough for 26th in the league. The team has surrendered 41 walks in the process. Chicago has blown three of its five save opportunities, to boot.

An issue here is that only two of their top-25 prospects are AAA pitchers, and they have underperformed (to say the least) to start their seasons, too, with a 4.76 and 6.75 ERAs, respectively.

Cory Abbot is a right-handed pitcher playing for the Tennessee Smokies. While it’s only AA ball, he’s pitched 16.1 innings this season and has a 1.65 ERA. In addition, he’s 23 years old and is playing in his third professional season, so he has the maturity and experience to make the transition.

While the team may be turning the corner (winning of four of their last five), it’s not enough to justify standing pat. Abbot may be a year ahead of schedule if he gets called up this season, but he’s been good enough that he needs to get a chance.

Home/MLB