Former UM Outfielder Jordan Nwogu Has Huge Night in Minors
Nwogu was a 3rd round pick of the Cubs in 2020 after playing for Michigan in the 2019 College World Series. He also played for Ann Arbor Pioneer. Things have not gone all that smoothly for him, but last night: three homers, a single, a walk, five runs scored and a stolen base. Some will recall that coming out of Pioneer, Nwogu had some Division 1 football offers, but elected to walk on to Michigan’s baseball team.
August 26th, 2022 at 2:42 PM ^
That's quite a night.
Since it wasn't in the OP, Jordan plays for Single-A South Bend (Cubs system).
August 26th, 2022 at 2:45 PM ^
I was actually thinking of him yesterday in thar "random athletes you recall" thread.
I could've sworn he was a fairly high draft pick and was a bit surprised he hadn't shown up on any rising prospects lists yet.
August 26th, 2022 at 3:00 PM ^
Back in December Fangraphs had him ranked 45th...in the Cubs org.
https://blogs.fangraphs.com/top-49-prospects-chicago-cubs-2/
Part of the issue is just age. It's hard for college prospects to show up on top prospect rankings unless they are pretty much MLB-ready. Nwogu was league average in A-ball last year, but at age 22. If he did that as an 18 year old, it would be seen as a positive sign. At 22, not so great.
But, as of today he's solidly above league average in high A, so that's encouraging.
August 26th, 2022 at 8:22 PM ^
There are first round picks rattling around in the minors. It’s sooo hard to make the jump. Braves called up two AA players this year and both are on fire. Think of all the AAA players they jumped.
August 26th, 2022 at 3:18 PM ^
I remember that he was raw but had a lot of potential. Hopefully the time in the minors will work and he will make the MLB some day.
August 26th, 2022 at 3:52 PM ^
Nwogu is currently in High-A ball and is about a year older than the average player at that level. Hopefully it’s not wishful thinking, but something appears to have kicked in for Nwogu recently. Over the last 90 days, he has an .897 OPS with 11 homers and 13 steals in 179 at bats. He’s been even better over the last 28 days: 1.046 OPS with six homers and six steals over 69 at bats.
August 26th, 2022 at 4:15 PM ^
On a similar note, Tommy Henry was called up by the Dbacks last month and has pitched pretty well. He's 2-2 with a 3.57 ERA, 1.24 WHIP in 4 starts. Hopefully his play this fall will lock up a rotation spot for him next year!
August 26th, 2022 at 11:18 PM ^
Make it 3-2, an ERA of 3.25 and a WHIP of 1.27. He got the win in Arizona’s 7-2 win over the White Sox this evening.
August 26th, 2022 at 4:36 PM ^
Here's video for two of his home runs...with Chris Castellani doing the color commentary
https://twitter.com/tigersMLreport/status/1562941488723804160
August 26th, 2022 at 4:36 PM ^
Love hearing Chris Castellani on the color commentary. Beyond his Tigers content, I think he always has pretty fair/insightful Michigan-related takes, too.
August 26th, 2022 at 4:47 PM ^
I'll be there next week to see a game. My son works for the Cubs and he'll be there on a work trip so we figured we could get a game in and see him, and Jordan. Go Blue! Go Cubs!
August 26th, 2022 at 4:48 PM ^
Not surprised he is struggling. When I watched him at Michigan you could see his plus athletic ability. He's just raw and needs to time to develop. Baseball at that level is very hard. Even the pitching in High A is tough as guys still throw in the mid 90's. They just don't locate as well yet.
It might click for him down the road. Sounds like he was seeing the ball well last night.
August 26th, 2022 at 6:42 PM ^
I was at the game the night before and I kept on saying his name and go blue. He would look up and smile. Cool story.