I know this sounds strange, but I really liked the fact that the Cubs chose Chase Watkins in the ninth round the 2021 MLB draft. I know he’s a reliever, but he’s pretty good sized at 6-foot-4 and 217 pounds. He’s already pitched a full season this year and then he also saw sometime in the draft league along with the Arizona Complex League. But with that size, I wonder if he’s going to stay a reliever? Odds are, yes.
Basic Info
Age – 21
Height – 6-foot-4
Weight – 217
Throws – Left
School – Oregon state
Watkins took a circuitous route to the majors.
He began his college career at Cal Poly in 2019 where as a freshman he threw in 14 games, 9 as a starter. He had a 5.45 ERA and struck out 35 in 36.1 innings but he walked 38 batters. As a result, Watkins transferred to Central Florida Community in 2020. He made five starts and had a 1.91 ERA with 44 Ks in 29 IP, which was a pretty dominating stretch before the pandemic hit. He also shined in a wooden summer bat league playing for Corvallis with a sub 1 ERA.
Watkins is a guy who finished his 2021 season strong. Even though he had a 4.88 ERA for the year, he did strike out 38 in 31.1 innings pitched and opponents hit just .198 against him. His best work was saved for the end of the year after he struck out six in six postseason frames. He was named to the Fort Worth regional all-tournament team for Oregon State.
Heading into the Draft, Watkins was ranked #284 on Baseball America’s top 500. They said:
“… fastball that sits 90-92 mph. He commands the pitch well, and has shown the ability to spin his hammer curveball. He also throws a cut-action slider and changeup, with good deception thanks to his arm speed. Some evaluators believe he has the stuff to start, although he has just 14 collegiate starts to his name.”
Watkins did participate in the MLB Draft League where he put up some interesting spin rates on his breaking stuff. This summer, he was throwing an upper 80s/Low 90s heater with a cutter, a 2700 RPM curve that clocked in somewhere around 73-74 and a slider in the upper 70s/low 80s with 2600 RPM. Those are some decent numbers.
My Thoughts on Draft Day – “Another junior sign. Could be interesting if the Cubs try to turn him into a starter. However, the lefty was used sparingly in that role in college.“
After Watkins signed his pro contract where he got in some work pitching in the Arizona Complex League. The 21-year-old was pretty impressive. He put up a 1.59 ERA over 5 games in 11.1 innings. He struck out 20 and walked just 2.
At one point, I thought Watkins might get the bump up to South Bend to finish the last couple weeks of the year but it did not come to pass.
As for 2022, Watkins could begin anywhere. It just depends on whether he starts or relieves. Right now, it might be best to assume a wait and see approach. Odds are that Watkins heads to the bullpen. But you never know about these things especially with his frame. Worst case scenario for next year, he’s a lefty reliever with good breaking pitches that have some serious spin.
Cubs Central 
The way the game is going, I could easily see this happen in the near future…
The pitcher toes the rubber and lets it fly. The pitch is then graded by speed and/or spin rate. After that, the batter does what he can off of the tee.
The outcome is decided by two others throwing dice Risk style. Good times had by all!
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