Richard Gallardo

Organization Prospect Rankings

• 
  Ranked Chicago Cubs #18 prospect in 2020
  TRACK RECORD: After a strong showing at the 15U World Cup in Japan, Gallardo positioned himself as the second-best pitching prospect available on the 2018 international market, just behind Cuban righty Osiel Rodriguez. He put together a big showing at MLB's international showcase in 2018, then signed with the Cubs. He spent most of his first season as a pro at the Cubs' complex in Mesa, Ariz. in extended spring training and the Rookie-level Arizona League before making two starts at short-season Eugene.
  
  SCOUTING REPORT: Evaluators inside and outside the organization have Gallardo pegged as a high-floor guy who shows a strong present feel to pitch. He starts his mix with a fastball that averaged 91 mph during the season and topped out at 94. Gallardo backed up the fastball with a downer curveball that he could spot to both sides of the plate as well as a changeup that is in the early stages of its development. To reach his ceiling, He needs to add strength. The Cubs believe he will do that because of a strong work ethic in the weight room. Beyond that, he needs to add power to his curveball and continue bringing his changeup forward.
  
  THE FUTURE: Gallardo has the makings of a back-end type of starter with a chance for a little bit more depending on the way his body develops. He will pitch all season as an 18-year-old and is likely to start his second season in extended spring training.
• 
  Ranked Chicago Cubs #11 prospect in 2019
  Track Record: After pitching for Venezuela at the 15U World Cup in Japan, Gallardo put himself in contention to be the best prospect available in the 2018 international class. One of the top international arms available, he ranked just behind Cuban righty Osiel Rodriguez as the best pitcher. He struck out six of the seven batters he faced at MLB's international showcase in 2018, then signed with the Cubs in July.
  
  Scouting Report: Gallardo earned his ranking thanks to a combination of present stuff, projection and a fluid delivery. His fastball sat between 89-93 mph with carry up in the zone. He paired the pitch with a sharp-breaking 70-75 mph curveball that flashed plus. His body is ready to carry more strength, and his delivery is sound enough to let him command his fastball at a rate that belies his youth.
  
  The Future: Gallardo will make his professional debut in 2019 and will be with one of the Cubs' two affiliates in the Rookie-level Arizona League. He has the upside of a mid-rotation starter.

• February, 2020 Scouting Report
  TRACK RECORD: After a strong showing at the 15U World Cup in Japan, Gallardo positioned himself as the second-best pitching prospect available on the 2018 international market, just behind Cuban righty Osiel Rodriguez. He put together a big showing at MLB's international showcase in 2018, then signed with the Cubs. He spent most of his first season as a pro at the Cubs' complex in Mesa, Ariz. in extended spring training and the Rookie-level Arizona League before making two starts at short-season Eugene.
  
  SCOUTING REPORT: Evaluators inside and outside the organization have Gallardo pegged as a high-floor guy who shows a strong present feel to pitch. He starts his mix with a fastball that averaged 91 mph during the season and topped out at 94. Gallardo backed up the fastball with a downer curveball that he could spot to both sides of the plate as well as a changeup that is in the early stages of its development. To reach his ceiling, He needs to add strength. The Cubs believe he will do that because of a strong work ethic in the weight room. Beyond that, he needs to add power to his curveball and continue bringing his changeup forward.
  
  THE FUTURE: Gallardo has the makings of a back-end type of starter with a chance for a little bit more depending on the way his body develops. He will pitch all season as an 18-year-old and is likely to start his second season in extended spring training.
• August, 2019 Scouting Report
  Track Record: After pitching for Venezuela at the 15U World Cup in Japan, Gallardo put himself in contention to be the best prospect available in the 2018 international class. One of the top international arms available, he ranked just behind Cuban righty Osiel Rodriguez as the best pitcher. He struck out six of the seven batters he faced at MLB's international showcase in 2018, then signed with the Cubs in July.
  
  Scouting Report: Gallardo earned his ranking thanks to a combination of present stuff, projection and a fluid delivery. His fastball sat between 89-93 mph with carry up in the zone. He paired the pitch with a sharp-breaking 70-75 mph curveball that flashed plus. His body is ready to carry more strength, and his delivery is sound enough to let him command his fastball at a rate that belies his youth.
  
  The Future: Gallardo will make his professional debut in 2019 and will be with one of the Cubs' two affiliates in the Rookie-level Arizona League. He has the upside of a mid-rotation starter.
• February, 2019 Scouting Report
  Track Record: After pitching for Venezuela at the 15U World Cup in Japan, Gallardo put himself in contention to be the best prospect available in the 2018 international class. One of the top international arms available, he ranked just behind Cuban righty Osiel Rodriguez as the best pitcher. He struck out six of the seven batters he faced at MLB's international showcase in 2018, then signed with the Cubs in July.
  
  Scouting Report: Gallardo earned his ranking thanks to a combination of present stuff, projection and a fluid delivery. His fastball sat between 89-93 mph with carry up in the zone. He paired the pitch with a sharp-breaking 70-75 mph curveball that flashed plus. His body is ready to carry more strength, and his delivery is sound enough to let him command his fastball at a rate that belies his youth.
  
  The Future: Gallardo will make his professional debut in 2019 and will be with one of the Cubs' two affiliates in the Rookie-level Arizona League. He has the upside of a mid-rotation starter.