Chicago Cubs Sign Intriguing Flamethrower to Minor League Deal

The Chicago Cubs have made a very interesting addition that is a play for the future.

Everyone is waiting to see if the Chicago Cubs will finally agree to a deal with one of the high-profile free agents still available.

All four of these player provide upgrades for different reasons.

Blake Snell and Jordan Montgomery give their starting rotation a major boost, turning the top-three into a daunting challenge. Cody Bellinger is the versatile defender who brings power to their lineup. Matt Chapman solves all of their issues at third base and is a solid hitter.

Getting one of these four would change the tune on an offseason that has largely been seen as disappointing.

Unfortunately for Cubs fans, it seems like the Bellinger saga will continue following recent comments from their owner.

So, as these processes carry on, the front office continues to search for moves that can improve the organization as a whole, not just their Major League roster.

According to Chicago's transaction page, they signed pitcher JC Coronado to a minor league contract earlier in February.

The right-hander a member of the Cisco College baseball program which is a Junior College located in Texas. He was part of the Pioneer League in 2021 and 2023, appearing in 11 games, starting one, and posting an ERA of 14.92. He gave up 20 earned runs on 18 hits over 12 2/3 innings of work.

What makes the 22-year-old such an intriguing pitcher is his raw talent that has his fastball clocked at 100 miles per hour.

🔥100 & 97 MPH JUCO twin flame throwers to kickoff Jan. practices.

Part 1: 6-1, 180-pound JC Coronado (@jc12405331) • top 100 MPH

Part 2: 6-1, 175-pound Robbie Coronado (@robbiecoronado4) • top 97 MPH

From Corpus Christi, TX. Both Rs. freshman at @CiscoBaseball1.#DudeAlert pic.twitter.com/2lrimy0Nts

— Five Tool JUCO (@FiveToolJUCO) January 18, 2022

This video was taken in 2022 according to the timestamp, and he's had another year to develop.

The numbers from his time in the Pioneer League aren't promising, but there is clearly something there physically the Cubs get to work with now that he's been signed to a minor league deal.

It will certainly be a long time before Coronado appears in a game for Chicago at the MLB level, if ever at all, but these are the types of scouting moves the front office needs to make to ensure their pipeline stays healthy.