Cubs Make Solid Addition in Potential Future Bullpen Piece With 28th Overall Pick
By Ryan Flores
The Chicago Cubs might have just gotten themselves a really solid bullpen arm.
With the 27th-overall pick in the MLB Draft, the Cubs selected right-handed pitcher Ryan Jensen out of Fresno State.
The @Cubs select RHP Ryan Jensen with the 27th pick. #MLBDraft pic.twitter.com/0sREea94P1
— MLB Network (@MLBNetwork) June 4, 2019
Jensen has a plus-plus fastball that sits anywhere between 94-98 mph, and has maintained velocity deep into outings, which is a huge plus. However, because of his tendency to over stride in his delivery, and his undersized frame, he might fit best in the bullpen.
Ryan Jensen is not a stretch here. Stats are sharp, can hit mid-90s, it's a relatively thin year for college pitching. Possible issue is Boring Name Syndrome: if his name was Roxx Jorgensen or Blake Hammer or something he'd get more attention
— John Sickels (@MinorLeagueBall) June 4, 2019
It's not like Jensen can't succeed as a starter, as he did well in his Junior year, posting a 12-1 record with a 2.88 ERA, as well as 107 strikeouts through 100 innings.
However, fellow Fresno State alum and former Cub Justin Wilson was also a starter, and wound up having a successful transition to the bullpen. It just makes sense, considering the fact that he's got command issues, and his breaking pitches are simply average.
The Chicago Cubs were indeed extremely close to taking HS right-hander Matthew Allan, but signability concerns pushed them to Fresno State right-hander Ryan Jensen, sources tell ESPN.
— Jeff Passan (@JeffPassan) June 4, 2019
Horse shoes and hand grenades, etc.
Jensen will likely have a ton of success overpowering batters with his upper 90's heater for just an inning, and has a chance at becoming a closer in the future, a role that is very much up in the air right now for the team.
While there was better talent left on the board for the Cubs to take, like HS right-hander Matthew Allan, it's understandable as to why Chicago would make this selection, as they've had some serious bullpen woes.