Cubs left-handed pitching prospect Manuel Rondon takes home award for top pitcher in the Northwest League
Manuel Rondon turned in an excellent season with Short-Season Class-A Eugene and Tuesday the 21-year old left-hander was named the Northwest League Pitcher of the Year.
Rondon was 6-1 with a 1.10 ERA and 1.26 WHIP in 12 starts for the Emeralds this season. Rondon allowed 15 runs, seven earned, on 50 hits with 22 walks and 49 strikeouts in 57 1/3 innings.
The Cubs acquired Rondon from the Los Angeles Angels last year for catcher Rafael Lopez, who is now with the Cincinnati Reds.
Rondon features a mid- to high-90s fastball with good sink. The Cubs are happy with the progress he’s made this season with his change-up and breaking ball. The Cubs have gotten him to attack the zone and he’s doing a better job of executing each pitch he makes.
Rondon did not complete enough innings to put his name among the Northwest League leaders in ERA or WHIP.
Manuel Rondon is one of several starting pitchers in the lower levels of the Cubs’ system that appears to have a bright future. It will be interesting to see how he performs next season with Low-A South Bend.
• Manuel Rondon’s Page on MiLB.com
Manuel Rondon joins RHP Trevor Clifton and OF Eloy Jimenez as the third Cubs’ prospect to receive a player or pitcher award for the 2016 season.