Even though it’s been two months since he was signed, I’m still coming to grips with the fact that the Cubs were able to get prep Canadian prep pitcher Dominic Handley signed to a professional deal. The 6-foot-3 righty was taken in the 18th around and was one of the surprise signs of the draft. He had previously committed to go to Oregon State, which is no slouch of a program.
What I Said on Draft Day
This is a big kid that has big stuff and probably needs to refine his arsenal and body.
Basic Information
Age – 18
Position – SP
Height – 6-foot-3
Weight – 230
Throws – Right
Hambley changed quite a bit between the fall of 2020 and the spring of 2021. He worked on improving his conditioning and strength and that’s an uptick in his fastball along with his other pitches.
He was one of only 60 players from Canada invited to a showcase for draft prospects called a super 60. Where the Cubs got their first look at him as a little unclear at this point, but that most definitely could’ve been one spot.
What I like about Hambley is there’s no shortage of video on him and you can get a good look at his progression if you watch the videos in order from last fall to last summer. Here are a few.
Just based on what I’ve read, you have to like the kid’s work ethic to improve his stock in the draft and to improve what he throws. We’ve seen time and time again in the minors that work ethic plays a huge role in development.
Here is what his PBR report states:
“Hard-throwing RHP that has been up to 95mph and the best secondary weapon is a curveball that has shape and spin with depth and downward action. The Oregon State commit has been bumping up his mph and has shown a stronger commitment to his physique this off-season through improved movement and, as a result, the command has improved and allowed him to attack the zone more frequently. The large-framed Hambley has tons of room to polish his stuff and sharpen the secondary and leaving him towards one of the top prospects coming out of Canada in 2021.”
I didn’t think he would make an appearance this summer other than to get some conditioning in and along with some weight training. I didn’t expect to see him in a game especially after pitching a full season and being a high school kid.
He has gotten in a couple of fall instructs game so far. I would not put too much weight into how he does against mostly A-ball players.
As for next year, there are two things to take into consideration. One, it’s just how much work he puts in this off-season to improve his arsenal and, two, just exactly how quickly he adapts against hitters from all over with a variety of abilities.
Hambley‘s career path next year could start out in extended spring training and possibly head to Myrtle Beach in June. The more conservative route would be for him to start off an extended spring training and then pitch in Mesa next summer. It would be quite a jump in level and competition for him to start off next April at Low-A in Myrtle Beach. It’s all going to depend upon the work he puts in this winter. From what I hear, he’s not afraid of getting sweaty to improve.
Cubs Central 