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Chicago Cubs Top Ten Prospects for 2017

By Benjamin Chase

Nov 2, 2016; Cleveland, OH, USA; Chicago Cubs fan Elliot Shelton has a Cubs logo shaved into the back of his head as he watches batting practice before game seven of the 2016 World Series against the Cleveland Indians at Progressive Field. Mandatory Credit: Jerry Lai-USA TODAY Sports
Nov 2, 2016; Cleveland, OH, USA; Chicago Cubs fan Elliot Shelton has a Cubs logo shaved into the back of his head as he watches batting practice before game seven of the 2016 World Series against the Cleveland Indians at Progressive Field. Mandatory Credit: Jerry Lai-USA TODAY Sports /
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9. Trevor Clifton, RHP

Birthdate: 5/11/95 (21 years old)
Level(s) Played in 2016: high A
Stats in 2016: 119 IP, 2.72 ERA, 1.16 WHIP, 8.33 BB%, 26.22 K%

Clifton was taken out of high school in Tennessee in 2013, and many felt he was projectable, but he had minimal refinement, which is why he lasted until the 12th round.

The Cubs worked with Clifton to modify his delivery to make it more repeatable and work with his growing frame. He was drafted at 6’1″, 170 and now sits about 6’4″ and 215-220.

Clifton works into the mid-90s with his fastball, which he does very well getting on top of and keeping low in the zone. His change has taken some significant steps in the last year and could be considered an above-average offering, getting plenty of swing and miss.

Clifton may profile more as a #3/4 starter with his curve behaving more as a contact pitch

From my view, Clifton’s curve I felt took a step backward in its break last season, however, what he got out of the pitch ended up being more of a ground ball inducing breaking pitch that keeps the ball on the ground.

Clifton may profile more as a #3/4 starter with his curve behaving more as a contact pitch, but he has seen excellent development in the last year from the point of being a questionable starter last season to the Carolina League pitcher of the year for Myrtle Beach this season as a starter.

The Cubs have done very well thus far developing Clifton, and of the guys I considered at this point in the list, Clifton is definitely the guy who I could see taking the biggest step forward toward the majors next year if he takes a similar progressive step in 2017 as he did in 2016.

Next: #8

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