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Cubs: Next 3 prospects who should be called up

By Drew Koch

Mar 23, 2022; Mesa, Arizona, USA; Chicago Cubs right fielder Brennen Davis (94) signs autographs for fans prior to the game against the Oakland Athletics during spring training at Sloan Park. Mandatory Credit: Matt Kartozian-USA TODAY Sports
Mar 23, 2022; Mesa, Arizona, USA; Chicago Cubs right fielder Brennen Davis (94) signs autographs for fans prior to the game against the Oakland Athletics during spring training at Sloan Park. Mandatory Credit: Matt Kartozian-USA TODAY Sports /
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A Chicago Cubs batting helmet and gloves.
SEATTLE, WA – MAY 01: A Chicago Cubs batting helmet and gloves. (Photo by Lindsey Wasson/Getty Images) /

3. Cubs prospect Nelson Velazquez should called up.

Whoa, wait a minute. Didn’t the Chicago Cubs just promote Nelson Velazquez to Triple-A Iowa? They sure did, and if the 26-year-old puts up similar numbers in Triple-A that he did in Double-A, the Chicago Cubs will have no choice but to select the contract the outfielder very soon.

Velazquez dismantled opposing pitchers at Double-A. In 94 plate appearances, Velazquez hit .288/.394/.700 while launching nine home runs and posting a wRC+ of 181 according to FanGraphs. It’s no wonder the Cubs bumped Velazquez up to Triple-A.

The advantage that Velazquez has over the aforementioned Brennen Davis and Caleb Kilian is his presence on the 40-man roster. A former fifth-round pick, Velazquez has big-time power and a strong arm as well. Velazquez isn’t afraid to use his speed either, swiping 17 of 19 bags in 2021 and he’s already stolen six bases in 2022.

It may seem a bit premature to list Nelson Velazquez among those Cubs prospects who should be next in line to receive a promotion to the big leagues, but the outfielder possesses all the tools necessary to make an impact at the next level. Considering where the Cubs are in the standings, what could it hurt?

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