Cubs Prospect Focus: Ben Leeper |
Now that the Cubs Convention has come to a close, it is time to get into the stretch run of the offseason. With exactly one month until the first Spring Training game, things are about to get real in a hurry and the Cubs still have plenty of work to do. Signing Cody Bellinger and Rhys Hoskins would take care of a lot of that work, but if that doesn't happen, this team could be in a world of trouble.
While free agency news has come to a halt again when it comes to the Cubs, there are still plenty of prospects to talk about that may need to get the recognition they deserve. These are the guys that are considered depth pieces, but some of those depth pieces can put themselves on the map as major contributors going forward. One player who was seen as a significant contributor heading into the 2023 season saw his season end before it began in RHP Ben Leeper. As part of the COVID-shortened draft in 2020, the former Oklahoma State product went undrafted and thus signed a free-agent contract with the Cubs. Leeper was one of those rare pitchers who was a reliever in college and was drafted to be a reliever as the Cubs expected big things from the right-hander. From the moment he put on a Cubs jersey, you could see his potential and why he was one of the better relievers for a multi-year stretch in college. Knowing he wouldn't be able to pitch in 2020, Leeper focused on building strength to prep for 2021. Once he finally got on the mound, Leeper began his MLB career at AA Tennessee before finishing the season with AAA Iowa. Leeper appeared in 27 games during that 2021 season, throwing 34 innings and compiling a combined 4-3 record. However, that isn't what stood out, but instead, his 1.29 ERA and 13BB/53k ratio as Leeper was not only one of the best relievers in the Cubs system but arguably one of the best in all of the minors. His performance that season put him on the map as a possible MLB contributor during 2022, but he landed in AAA again, where he spent the entire season. Expecting his workload to increase, Leeper pitched in 42 games during the 2022 season, going 3-3 with a 4.50 ERA. He added 11 saves and continued to display that excellent command, as his 17BB/59K ratio showed he can be a late-inning reliever at the next level. Even with his struggles ERA-wise, Leeper was back to his old self during the final month of the season as he was lights out in September, setting himself up for what was supposed to be a massive 2023. Then came spring training, where Leeper was invited to Spring and would be given an opportunity to prove himself to David Ross. Instead, his season ended about two weeks after it started as he blew out his elbow and was forced to undergo his third Tommy John Surgery in April. Coming back from one TJ is pretty regular, but to come back from two, let alone three, is a massive challenge. To have three surgeries of that magnitude before 27 years old, many wonder how many more innings his arm can take, if any at all, which will be a question for Leeper to answer this season. Expected to make his way back yet again, Leeper has a long road ahead of him to land back on the Cubs map, but he refuses to give up and is worth keeping tabs on. When right, Leeper has a fastball that sits in the 95-96 MPH range but has no trouble getting it to 98 MPH. That alone has the makings of a back-end reliever, as a power fastball is something you need in late innings. Along with that heater comes an 88 MPH change that he seldomly uses, but his 89 MPH slider made even the more experienced hitters look silly. That pitch alone will keep Leeper on the Cubs watch list as he lights out when that pitch is on. While his days to contribute this season may be over, every indication is that he has been rehabbing well and is on track to return to the mound this season. Once that happens, Leeper will be worked into game action, but should he have another great season wherever he ends up, Leeper will once again be knocking on the door for the Cubs pen.
