HERE COMES THE HEAT!!! Cubs Expected to Add HUGE Velocity to 40-Man
There had been some expectation that the Chicago Cubs would add hard throwing lefty, Brailyn Marquez to the roster at some point in this shortened season. Well, that is getting closer to a realization as the Cubs are expected to add him to the 40-man postseason roster, sources tell the Chicago Sun-Times.
Marquez, along with 11 other taxi-squad players, are expected to be added to the 40-man roster. This doesn’t necessarily mean they will play, but they will be apart of the group the Cubs could call on during the postseason.
If you recall, Marquez (rated as MLB’s no. 64 prospect) jumped onto the scene in 2019. His big fastball (sees triple digits) from the left side draws comparisons to the “Big Unit” Randy Johnson. He was written about on any Cubs site after he made his High-A debut, throwing five no-hit innings. That all came after his six no-hit innings to finish his time at South Bend, which came on the heels of six one-hit innings.
It might seem counterintuitive to call up a rookie that has never thrown a pitch above High-A for the playoffs, but not too distant past has seen very inexperienced pitchers excel in relief roles in the playoffs. What should worry you less is the fact that 100 translates to any level – they just need to command it.
The Cubs have yet to confirm their playoff roster, both actual roster or 40-man, but this should be seen as a major development in Marquez’s career and potentially puts him on track for a 2021 regular-season debut (at some point).
