Cody Poteet: Chicago Cubs Pitcher Profile

𝕻𝖆𝖘𝖘𝖎𝖔𝖓 𝕮𝖎𝖙𝖞 𝕮𝖍𝖚𝖗𝖈𝖍 𝕯𝖎𝖌𝖎𝖙𝖆𝖑 𝕸𝖊𝖉𝖎𝖆

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Post on Dec 18, 2024

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Cody Poteet: Chicago Cubs Pitcher Profile – A Deep Dive into the Right-Hander's Career

Cody Poteet. The name might not immediately ring bells for casual baseball fans, but for those who follow the intricacies of pitching mechanics and the subtle art of deception on the mound, Poteet represents an intriguing case study. This deep dive explores the career trajectory of this Chicago Cubs pitcher, examining his strengths, weaknesses, pitch repertoire, and potential impact on the team.

Early Career and Road to the Majors

Cody Poteet's journey to the major leagues wasn't a straight shot. Drafted by the Texas Rangers in the 10th round of the 2015 MLB Draft out of Oklahoma State University, Poteet began his professional career steadily climbing the minor league ladder. He showcased a solid arsenal of pitches but also faced challenges with consistency and command, typical hurdles for young pitchers navigating the demanding levels of professional baseball.

His early years were marked by fluctuating performance, sometimes displaying flashes of brilliance, other times grappling with control issues. This inconsistency highlights a crucial aspect of his profile: his potential is undeniable, but his ability to consistently harness it remains a key element of his development. He spent several seasons in the Rangers' minor league system, refining his pitches and learning the nuances of professional pitching. While not a top prospect, he steadily improved, gradually enhancing his control and refining his repertoire. This patient approach and persistent dedication ultimately paved his way to the major leagues.

Pitch Repertoire and Style

Poteet is primarily a sinker-baller, relying heavily on a sinking fastball to induce ground balls. This approach, while seemingly simple, requires exceptional control and command to be effective. His sinker, typically in the low-90s mph range, is his bread and butter, generating weak contact and creating opportunities for his defense to turn double plays. This ground-ball-inducing style is a significant factor in his effectiveness, especially against contact-heavy lineups.

Beyond the sinker, Poteet features a slider and a changeup. His slider is a valuable secondary pitch, often used to keep hitters off balance, particularly right-handed batters. The effectiveness of his slider hinges on its sharp break and ability to induce swings and misses. His changeup, while not always a dominant pitch, serves as a crucial third option, providing a change of pace and creating deception against left-handed hitters. He also occasionally throws a curveball, though it's generally less utilized than his other offerings.

Poteet's style isn't about overpowering hitters with blazing fastballs; it's about outsmarting them with precision and deception. His ability to locate his pitches, especially his sinker, is pivotal to his success. He utilizes the corners of the strike zone effectively, keeping hitters guessing and preventing them from squaring up his pitches.

Strengths and Weaknesses

Strengths:

• Ground Ball Rate: Poteet's high ground ball rate is a significant asset, limiting hard contact and increasing the likelihood of double plays. This keeps the pressure off the defense and reduces the risk of big innings.
• Pitch Mix: His diverse pitch repertoire, although not overpowering, provides a good balance and keeps hitters from anticipating his offerings. This element of surprise is a crucial part of his success.
• Control (Improving): While control was once a weakness, he has shown significant improvement in this area, showcasing better command and reducing walks.
• Adaptability: He's demonstrated an ability to adapt his approach depending on the hitter and the game situation.

Weaknesses:

• Velocity: While his sinker is effective, it lacks the high velocity that can overpower hitters. This makes precise location even more crucial.
• Strikeout Rate: His strikeout rate isn't exceptionally high, highlighting a need for continued development in his ability to miss bats.
• Consistency: While improvements have been made, maintaining peak performance consistently throughout a season remains a challenge. Fluctuation in command and effectiveness can lead to inconsistent outings.

Cody Poteet's Fit with the Chicago Cubs

Poteet's role within the Chicago Cubs' pitching rotation or bullpen will likely depend on his continued development and the overall team needs. His ground ball-inducing style can be invaluable in preventing runs, especially in a ballpark like Wrigley Field. He's a valuable asset due to his ability to eat innings and provide solid, consistent performances. The Cubs organization likely views him as a pitcher with the potential to grow and contribute significantly to the team's success.

Future Outlook and Potential

Cody Poteet's future hinges on his ability to consistently command his pitches and improve his strikeout rate. If he can achieve greater consistency in his performances and further refine his secondary pitches, his potential for significant contributions to the Cubs is considerable. He's a pitcher who thrives on precision and deception, and his continued refinement of these skills will define his trajectory in Major League Baseball.

His journey to the major leagues exemplifies the dedication and perseverance required to succeed in professional baseball. While he might not be a household name yet, Cody Poteet possesses the skills and potential to become a valuable and reliable member of the Chicago Cubs pitching staff, contributing significantly to their success in the years to come. His progress will be a fascinating storyline to follow as he continues to hone his craft and strive for consistent excellence on the mound. The ongoing development of his control and strikeout abilities will be crucial indicators of his future success and impact on the team. His unique pitching style, emphasizing deception and ground balls, positions him as an intriguing and important piece of the Cubs' pitching puzzle.