Cory Abbott

Some observers cap Abbott's potential success as a big-league starter on the basis of his average fastball, but the right-hander has thus far proven himself as a minor leaguer, compiling a 2.84 ERA, 1.14 WHIP and 10.3 K/9 over 275.2 frames. He was superb in his first Double-A stint in 2019, leading the Southern League with 166 strikeouts and winning the Cubs' Minor League Pitcher of the Year award. What Abbott lacks in velocity he compensates for with good command and a four-pitch arsenal that he mixes up well. His slider is his most effective offering, particularly against right-handers, and he has shown some success going to his curveball against left-handers. Abbott was added to the 40-man roster in November, solidifying his outlook as a future rotation option for the Cubs. He could compete for a back-end starting spot in spring training but is more likely to begin the season at Triple-A.