On August 2nd, the Chicago Cubs acquired pitching prospect Hayden Wesneski in exchange for right-hand pitcher Scott Effross. But what will that mean for both Wesneski and for the Cubs at large?
If early indications are to be considered, it is looking like a deal that will be mutually beneficial. The team called Wesneski up just a few weeks back, using him in the bullpen.
That alone would have been decent expectations, but he followed that up by putting in seven innings in his first start.
What does the future look like for Wesneski in Chicago?
Early Returns
Though it is still quite early to determine whether the trade was a good one, it is hard to dislike the early returns. Wesneski, after making his debut in the Cubs bullpen, was given the hill on September 19th for his first start.
The 24-year-old responded by becoming the first Cubs rookie pitcher since Mark Prior in July of 2002 to pitch seven innings while allowing one run or less and striking out a minimum of seven batters.
Considering the company, it has to have both Cubs brass and fans feeling like they may have found a gem.
Even better is that Wesneski himself felt as though he wasn’t close to his best stuff. In his three outings with the Cubs since being called up on September 5th, he has struck out 18, walked just two, and posted an ERA/FIP/WHIP of 2.30/2.85/0.702.
Those are solid numbers for an excited Wesneski. He was happy to be dealt to the Cubs, a team that he has admired going back to childhood. Whether he will be able to continue building on that solid first start and follow in the aforementioned Prior’s footsteps is the big question.
Hayden Wesneski has a 2.30 ERA (4 ER, 15 2/3 IP) and 18 strikeouts in his first three #Cubs appearances. pic.twitter.com/ic5TXStTSU
— Chicago Cubs (@Cubs) September 17, 2022
Wesneski Scouting report
Just six months ago, Wesneski was considered to be the top pitching prospect in the New York Yankee system as well as the 8th-best prospect overall. As is the case with any number of prospects, the excitement can be a bit much at times. That isn’t the case with Wesneski.
Heading into his first full pro season in 2021, there was already some excitement. He had shown promise as a reliever going back to his pro debut in 2019. He began the 2021 season starting at High-A Hudson Valley, eventually making it to Triple-A by year’s end.
In 25 games, 24 of which he started, he posted 151 strikeouts and a 3.25 ERA over 130 innings pitched.
Hayden Wesneski was nasty in his first career start this weekend for the Cubs
7.0 IP, 3 H, 1 ER, 0 BB, 7 K, 88 P
He was the return piece from the Yankees in the Scott Effross trade
— Farm To Fame (@FarmToFame_) September 19, 2022
What Does He Bring To The Game?
While the stats and his standing in the Yankees prospect pool were definitely causing excitement, it is his game that brings the most excitement.
MLB prospect gurus have little doubt about his ability to become a starter at the major league level. The question, however, remains whether that will be the spot for him. Given that some scouts have said he has the ability to be “nasty” coming out of the bullpen, he may be at his best in that role.
It is believed that he still has some room to grow, particularly in his upper body. He has seen major growth since entering the Yankee organization in 2019 and has the frame to do it at 6-foot-3. While he has an ideal frame to succeed, it is his skills that really get fans’ mouths watering.
He has rare glove side breaking ball movement. In addition to a fastball, he has an 86-90 mph cutter that he uses mostly against lefties with a 79-84 mph slider that gets thrown to both sides. His fastball tops out around 96 mph, though there are times when he has thrown it harder.
Adding in a changeup, which has only been used sparingly, he has the tools to be a five-pitch thrower. It will take further development and a little seasoning to bring out the best that he has to offer.
Hayden Wesneski Will Make His First Big League Start for the Cubs on Saturday!https://t.co/CJRvkfeMht pic.twitter.com/CSi00xvyj4
— Bleacher Nation (@BleacherNation) September 16, 2022
What to Expect of Wesneski
To say that the Cubs are in need of help throughout the lineup would be an understatement. They currently sit third in the Central Division, well behind the Milwaukee Brewers and stalwart St. Louis Cardinals.
Their 62-85 record puts them well out of contention, though still ahead of bottom-dwellers Pittsburgh, Cincinnati, and Washington.
All of this means that there will be opportunities abound. Given the success of his first starts, Wesneski is primed to take advantage of that opportunity. There is still a lot of baseball left to be played, but it has become evident that his high ranking as a prospect was no fluke.
At 24 years old, Wesneski still has his best baseball ahead of him. He will likely see the mound a few more times this season and will be given every opportunity to make the starting rotation in 2023. It is then up to Wesneski to make the most of the opportunity given to him.
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Credits on Featured Image: Bari D on Flickr
