This Underrated Chicago Cubs Prospect Could Impress in 2023

Chicago Cubs prospect Bryce Ball will be a player to keep an eye on in 2023, as he hopes to begin the season in Triple-A Iowa. The Cubs acquired Ball from the Atlanta Braves in 2021 for Joc Pederson.

With the 2023 Major League Baseball season on the horizon, perhaps the most talked about Chicago Cubs prospect entering the season is none other than first baseman Matt Mervis, and with good reason.

Mervis slashed .297/.383/.977 over 57 games in Triple-A in 2022. Mervis should see a big league promotion at some point in the 2023 season. However, the Cubs have another first base prospect that could be impress in 2023.

Bryce Ball is a 24-year-old, 6-foot-6 first baseman and designated hitter that showed great progress in Double-A Tennessee in 2022.

A 24th round pick in the 2019 MLB Draft by the Atlanta Braves, Ball excelled early in his minor league career, slashing .329/.395/1.023 in Rookie Ball and A Ball in his first professional season. Ball attended Dallas Baptist University.

There was no minor league season in 2020, due to the rapid spread of COVID-19, therefore, Ball did not get to play. He entered 2021 as the Braves' no. 15 prospect, per MLB Pipeline.

Ball was traded to the Cubs midway through the 2021 season in exchange for outfielder Joc Pederson, who helped the Atlanta Braves win their first World Series Championship since 1995. Ball struggled in his first year back after the pandemic, batting just .206, while still posting a .351 On Base Percentage in High-A with both the Cubs and Braves' organizations.

Ball showed signs of improvement in 2022, however. In 131 games in Double-A Tennessee, Ball slashed .265/.357/.762 with 11 home runs and 76 RBI.

Many project that Ball will be a designated hitter at the Major League level. It seems likely that he would start the 2023 season in Triple-A Iowa alongside Mervis. The two could split time at first base and designated hitter, with Ball likely seeing more time at the DH position.

If Ball continues to improve, he could receive a call-up before the end of the season. The Cubs should have Eric Hosmer and Trey Mancini occupying the first base and designated hitter positions, with Mervis coming up through the pipeline soon. In which case, Ball could be blocked. However, some believe that the Cubs could be sellers at the deadline, meaning that Mancini and/or Hosmer could be dealt midway through the season, which would open up a spot for Ball, if he is ready.

Even in a down season in 2021, Ball has demonstrated the ability to get on base consistently. .351 is the lowest OBP he has posted in a professional season. He also boasts power and the ability to drive in runs.

While most will be focused on Mervis, keep an eye on Ball, who could surprise a lot of people this summer.

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