Manuel Rondon

Organization Prospect Rankings

• 
  Ranked Chicago Cubs #31 prospect in 2018
  Originally signed by the Angels, Rondon came to the Cubs in a 2015 trade with a bonus slot for catcher Rafael Lopez, whom the Angels released after that season. (Lopez reached the majors in 2017 with the Blue Jays.) Rondon has made progress as a Cub; he was pitcher of the year in the short-season Northwest League in 2016, then led the low Class A Midwest League with 14 wins in 2017. More importantly, the athletic, high-waisted lefthander took every turn and showed a three-pitch mix. Rondon's fastball can get up to 95-96 mph but generally sits in the 91-92 mph range with good life. Rondon's upper-70s curveball, which has 1-to-7 shape, flashes above-average but was less consistent in 2017, and he had more confidence and more success with his changeup, which earns average grades. He has some deception and can get swings and misses with all three pitches. Rondon's command likely will never be great, and he has significant progress to make in terms of pitch sequencing and his overall approach to his craft. A potential fourth starter, he's headed to high Class A for 2018.