Chicago Cubs Prospect Profile: Dylan Cease

The Chicago Cubs won the World Series a few weeks ago, and they are built for sustained dominance for the next decade. Here at The Runner Sports, we pride ourselves on examining the farm systems of MLB teams and bringing you the profiles of the stars of the future. With this in mind, let’s looks at Chicago Cubs pitching prospect Dylan Cease.

Dylan Cease, Pitcher, Eugene Emeralds (Class A), 20-Years-Old, Bats Right, Throws Right.

2016 Statistics: 44.2 IP, 2-0, 2.22 ERA, 13.4 K/9, 5.1 BB/9, 1.16 WHIP.

Dylan Cease came into the 2014 MLB draft with first-round talent. However, due to an elbow injury and a commitment to Vanderbilt, he fell to the 6th round. There, the Cubs drafted Cease and signed him. Cease sat out the 2014 season after getting Tommy John surgery. Cease bounced back in 2015 and 2016 to demonstrate some intriguing talent to go along with a lot of questions. Let’s break it down.

Fastball: Grade: 85 (Plus Plus Potential)

Dylan Cease throws a fastball that consistently averages between 95-97 MPH. He has hit 100 MPH with his heater, and the biggest plus to Cease’s fastball is his movement. Because of this movement, Cease was virtually unhittable in 2016. Cease gave up a .175 average in 12 starts. Furthermore, Cease struck out 66 in just over 44 innings. Cease struck out a lot of these batters due to his high-octane fastball.

Curveball: Grade: 70 (Plus Potential)

Dylan Cease has a true power curve that compliments his fastball very well. Cease does a good job changing hitters’ eye level and taking speed off his curve. When Cease throws his curve, the ball truly drops. It could possibly be compared to Dodgers pitcher Rich Hill’s curveball. Cease’s command of his curveball isn’t totally refined, but his mechanics are much better than they were.

Changeup: Grade: 50 (Average)

Dylan Cease still has to work on the changeup. Cease is a power pitcher, and he can use his changeup to complement his fastball. However, Cease struggles with the placement of his changeup. Right now, Cease’s changeup is not entirely effective. If he continues to work on his placement, however, Cease could be a very effective three-pitch pitcher.

Control: Grade: 45 (Below Average)

Dylan Cease has one major weak point: his control. Cease strikes out a ton of batters. However, Cease walks a lot of batters as well. In 2016, Cease walked 25 batters in 44.2 innings. Hence, Cease had a 5.1 BB/9 on the season. If Cease can get his control-well-under control, he could make for a great MLB starting pitcher. If he cannot, he becomes a spot reliever at best.

Overall Grade: 62.5

Cease grades out about equal with Ian Happ, but you cannot truly compare a pitcher and 2nd baseman. Cease has the potential to make an impact in the majors as a starter if he fixes his control issues. Otherwise, you might see a second-coming of Hector Rondon-a fastball pitcher in the bullpen with command problems. Either way, expect to see Dylan Cease at some point in time in 2018.

Related: Check out my profile on Cubs prospect Eloy Jimenez. Also, take a look at my breakdown of the Chicago Cubs’ offseason plans.

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