Main photo by Rich Biesterfeld
Arguably the best relief prospect in the Cubs system has been promoted to the highest level of the minor leagues.
According to the Iowa Cubs roster, Jeremiah Estrada is now an I-Cub. The burly right-hander has put together the most dominant season in the organization between High-A and Double-A. I mean, look at those numbers.
42.1 innings, 1.49 ERA, 1.04 WHIP, .172/.274/.234 opponent slash line, 39.3% strikeout rate, 32.3% CSW and only 25 hits and a home run allowed
It’s been a long and winding road to this point for the 23-year-old, as he’s thrown just 17 career innings since being selected in the 6th round of the 2017 draft through the 2021 campaign past He dealt with injuries during that time, but always shows electric stuff when healthy.
Now fully healthy and a full-time reliever, those things have really shined, as Estrada has logged more innings this year than the rest of his career combined. Check out what pitching guru Lance Brozdowski has to say about him:
Estrada is the best RP of the #Puppies organization Big stuff, more execution.
Crazy slider, lots of vertical with sweep and a HUGE fastball.
Stuff+ below for their 2 major releases…
Fastball – 179
Slider – 142
It will be a @PitchingNinja regular https://t.co/0iX4ipNnHS
— Lance Brozdowski (@LanceBroz) August 5, 2022
There’s even an extra wrinkle in this story for Estrada, as two promotions may not be enough. Rule Five Draft eligible this offseason, he is a prime candidate to be added to the 40-man roster before December’s draft. It’s a crowded group of guys that fit that criteria with over 70 guys trying to make their case, but Estrada has more than earned his spot.
Since he’ll likely be added to the 40-man roster in the offseason, there’s a good chance we’ll see Estrada hit Chicago this year, speeding up his timeline.
Until he makes his Triple A debut, take some time to enjoy this awesome compilation of the nasty Jeremiah Estrada from the first half of this season!
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