BA GRADE
55
Risk: Extreme
FB: 60.
SL: 45.
CHG: 70.
CTL: 45.
Born: Nov. 7, 1998. B-T: R-R. Ht.: 6-1. Wt.: 185. Signed: Mexico, 2015. Signed by: Sergio Hernandez/Louie Eljaua.
Albertos had pitched just four innings as a pro thanks to forearm tightness in 2016, but the Cubs awaited his 2017 season as much as any of their minor leaguers. Signed for $1.5 million out of Mexico in the Cubs’ loaded international class of 2015, Albertos made 12 starts overall, including in the short-season Northwest League playoffs, after one start in 2016.
A clean arm action, smooth delivery and athleticism helps produce the premium fastball velocity that Albertos has shown. He dialed back a bit to 93-94 mph for most of 2017, showing the ability to hit 97 when needed, and he’s hit 99 in extended spring training. His fastball has solid life as well, and he has harnessed it more, improving his control and hinting at future command. His changeup earns some plus-plus grades from scouts thanks to its action and the arm speed he uses to sell the pitch. He pitches backward at times and locates his changeup; it’s his best pitch, and he trusts his fastball-changeup combination. That has inhibited the progress of his slider. He can spin a breaking ball but doesn’t throw it enough for it to play to its above-average potential.
Throwing his slider enough to improve his feel and consistency will be one key for Albertos in 2018. The other will be staying healthy again as he makes the jump to low Class A South Bend. He has a higher ceiling than any Cubs pitching prospect.
Year |
Club (League) |
Class |
W |
L |
ERA |
G |
GS |
2016 |
Cubs (AZL) |
R |
0 |
0 |
0.00 |
1 |
1 |
2017 |
Cubs (AZL) |
R |
0 |
0 |
4.32 |
2 |
2 |
|
Eugene (NWL) |
SS |
2 |
1 |
2.86 |
8 |
8 |
Minor League Totals |
2 |
1 |
2.87 |
11 |
11 |
||
Year |
Club (League) |
CG |
SV |
IP |
H |
HR |
2016 |
Cubs (AZL) |
0 |
0 |
4 |
1 |
0 |
2017 |
Cubs (AZL) |
0 |
0 |
8 |
6 |
0 |
|
Eugene (NWL) |
0 |
0 |
35 |
24 |
0 |
Minor League Totals |
0 |
0 |
47 |
31 |
0 |
|
Year |
Club (League) |
BB |
SO |
K/9 |
WHIP |
AVG |
2016 |
Cubs (AZL) |
1 |
7 |
15.8 |
0.50 |
.077 |
2017 |
Cubs (AZL) |
3 |
6 |
6.5 |
1.08 |
.200 |
|
Eugene (NWL) |
14 |
42 |
10.9 |
1.10 |
.181 |
Minor League Totals |
18 |
55 |
10.5 |
1.04 |
.176 |
|