Another one! Cubs call up power-hitting prospect Kyle Schwarber
The Year of the Rookie continues! The Chicago Cubs are now summoning Kyle Schwarber, a power-hitting prospect who has crushed minor-league pitching, to join their already-exciting young core. But there’s a catch in this case.
With Kris Bryant and Addison Russell already in the bigs, Schwarber was left as the No. 1 hitting prospect in the Cubs organization. There was some question as to whether we’d see him in 2015, but now he’s coming Tuesday. His time in the big leagues, however, will be short, no matter how he plays.
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Cubs president Theo Epstein told reporters Monday that the Cubs are just using Schwarber, 22, for six games. They’re playing five interleague games in AL parks this week, which will give Schwarber a chance to DH. After that, he’ll be sent to Triple-A.
“Kyle has had a tremendous developmental year so far behind the plate, with the bat, and as a leader,” Epstein said. “His next stop is to continue his development as a catcher at Triple-A. First, however, he is going to join the Major League team for six days to contribute as a designated hitter, as a bat off the bench, and as a third catcher” …
“He will also use the time in the big leagues to experience first-hand all that goes into being a Major League catcher,” Epstein said. “Regardless of how this week goes, Kyle will head to Triple-A after Sunday’s game.”
Schwarber has exceeded expectations since he was picked at No. 4 overall in the 2014 draft out of Indiana University. In 129 minor-league games since starting his pro career last summer, he’s hit .333 with an OPS of 1.043, knocking 31 homers and driving in 92 runs. That’ll play. So far in Double-A this season, he’s hitting .318 with 13 homers.
The question with Schwarber has been where he fits. He was drafted as a catcher, and that’s a position where the Cubs have a long-term need. But scouts think he profiles more as an outfielder. He’s played both positions in the minors.
The interleague call-up gives the Cubs an easy way to take a look at Schwarber’s bat against big-league pitching. They’ll get a good indication whether he can contribute later this season should they be contenders in September.
Beyond the prospect rush in the Cubs clubhouse, Schwarber joins Carlos Correa, Joey Gallo, Carlos Rodon, Noah Syndergaard, Blake Swihart, Francisco Lindor and Byron Buxton as high-profile prospects to arrive in the big leagues in 2015. The future is looking bright. And not just in Chicago.
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Mike Oz is the editor of Big League Stew on Yahoo Sports. Have a tip? Email him at [email protected] or follow him on Twitter! Follow @MikeOz
