Nicholas
Zeringue

Zeringue was a name we’d been hearing steady buzz about heading into the spring, so getting eyes on him Opening Night against Dutchtown was a priority — and he didn’t disappoint. Coming out of the bullpen for the Cubs, he worked the final three innings to earn the save, allowing three earned runs on five hits with one walk and five strikeouts. While the stat line was solid, the real takeaway was how much cleaner and more fluid he looked on the mound. Zeringue moved down the slope with noticeably improved rhythm and body control, and the arm worked with more freedom. The velocity has ticked up since the summer, as he topped out at 89 mph and comfortably sat 85-87 mph. His 73-76 mph breaking ball also showed tighter shape and improved command, giving him a reliable secondary weapon to pair with the fastball. At 6-foot-4, 200 pounds, he possesses a projectable frame with room to add even more strength. With the physicality, trending velocity, and continued refinement of his arsenal, it would be no surprise to see Zeringue come off the board in the near future.