Man, where do I start with PCA. Probably the most hyped Cubs prospect in the system currently, PCA came over from The Mets in exchange for Javy Baez. He was drafted 19th overall in 2020 out of Harvard-Westlake High School in Los Angeles. At the time, just like everyone, I was extremely sad to see Javy go...but BOY am I happy they made that trade.
The Mets president, Sandy Anderson, at the time of the trade said “It’s not easy for us to give up prospects, but in this particular case, when you’re a few games ahead in the division on roughly August 1, we needed to do something not only to improve the team but to demonstrate to the players that we had their backs.” The Mets got 50 hits from Javy just to finish 3rd in the NL East and we got a future NL MVP and 10-Time gold glover.
MLB Scouting Grade
Hit: 55 | Power: 50 | Run: 60 | Arm: 55 | Field: 80*** | Overall: 55
(Players are graded on a 20-80 scale: 20-30 is well below average, 40 is below average, 50 is average, 60 is above average and 70-80 is well above average.)
What jumps out immediately in PCA's scouting grade is his 80 grade fielding. Technically, MLB.com has him at 70 but many outlets have graded him the ultra-rare MAX 80. According to Cubsinsider.com, only 8 of 900 ranked prospects last year had as high as a 70 ranked fielding tool. The guy can flat out make plays in center. He has a great first step, he's fast, elite glove, and has a really solid arm. It's weird to say but his effenciency on routes to a hit ball kind of reminds me of Albert Almora Jr. Except Almora kind of sucked and literally the only thing he did well was pinch run in the World Series and take an efficient path to the ball.
Now, let's talk PCA at the plate. He has a smooth lefty swing and really sprays the ball. His speed on the base paths will lead to a good amount of extra base hits after those liners meet the gaps at Wrigley. Since coming to the Cubs, he's completely changed his approach at the plate. He used to have an open stance with his hands in an Anthony Rizzo like position. He has since closed the stance and loaded the hands up higher pre-pitch, which is allowing him to get more power behind his swing and have better bat control. Reminds me a lot of new Cub Cody Bellinger's stance with the feet positioned under the shoulders allowing the weight of the body to transfer forwards upon load.
That felt nerdy...let's watch some highlights.
In 2022, PCA hit .312/.376/.520 with 16 bombs and 32 stolen bases. He's not taking a lot of walks and he does strikeout but it also was his first full year of pro ball. I'm not too worried about that especially when he's still getting on base and hitting for average.
One thing that can't be found in his box score or in his scouting report is his personality. In Jack Peters' scouting report I grade on 6 tools. The 6th tool being FOTF or better known as Face of The Franchise. I have PCA graded as a 70 here...Well Above Average. He's mature beyond his years but has that energy and passion that his favorite player as a kid, and trade counterpart, had in Chicago all those years, Javy Baez.
He's projected to make his MLB debut in 2024 but maybe, just maybe, we'll see him in Chicago sooner than that. I leave you with the amazing production from the Chicago Cubs on the #1 prospect in the farm system...Pete Crow-Armstrong