This Chicago Cubs 2022 draft pick is receiving an invite to Major League spring training camp

Brandon Birdsell overview  

Birdsell, a right-handed pitcher, was drafted in the fifth round of the 2022 MLB draft by the Cubs.  Injuries plagued him in college, including undergoing Tommy John surgery his sophomore year and missing his entire junior season, but a strong senior year propelled him up the prospect ranking boards.

As a professional he was solid in 2023 as he posted a 2.77 ERA across 107.1 innings pitched.  Last year, he pitched in Double-A and Triple-A, and had a 3.91 ERA over 135.2 innings pitched.  Despite the injury history, he has a big fastball that typically sits 93-96 MPH, but can reach 99 MPH.

Could Brandon Birdsell pitch for the Chicago Cubs in 2025?

As a player who spent four years in college, Birdsell has climbed through the minor league ranks quickly.  He did stumble a little bit in Triple-A last year as through 12 starts he posted a 4.26 ERA that included a 1.43 WHIP and .290 batting average against.  However, if he makes some adjustments and pitches well in 2025, it would not be surprising to see him make his MLB debut.  He could serve as a back end of the rotation pitcher or a multi inning reliever for the Cubs if needed.

With pitchers and catchers reporting to camp in less than one week’s time, we should learn the names of more non-roster invitees in the near future.