JC Coronado – Picture by Rich Biesterfeld

Whenever the Cubs sign undrafted free agents, it sets in motion what I like to call a free-for-all. Searching for information on a prospect can take you to some pretty strange places. Sometimes normal places like Baseball Reference, D1 Baseball, and a college website are just not enough to tell their story. Sometimes, Instagram, Twitter, and YouTube are much more informational than regular media outlets. Such is the case for JC Coronado, who the Cubs signed earlier this winter.

Basic Info

Age: 22
Height – 6-foot-1
Weight – 170
Throws – Right
From – Laredo (Robstown), Texas

Coronado’s path to signing a professional baseball contract is quite the crooked road. It includes stops at Cisco College, independent ball, and the Pioneer League as well as Tread Athletics.

For Coronado, the stats at his stops don’t do enough to tell his tale as there are so few numbers to analyze. However, when you begin watching videos and film of Coronado, a few things pop out.

1. He’s Got Some Serious Velo

Coronado’s velocity evolution began in high school when he first registered at 85 at a Perfect Game event in 2018. Graduating high school in 2020, Coronado took his arm to Cisco College and then independent ball. Along the way, the arm continued to improve. But based on his stats, the control did not. For whatever reason, Coronado did not see much playing time but he sought to improve himself, eventually getting his fastball up a couple of mph every year..

2. The Ball Moves and It Moves a Lot

Just watch below.

3. Getting the Control Will Be the Key

Its clear that Coronado has a live, loose arm. What is also clear is that there is not a clear idea of where each ball is going to go because of said movement. You can see for yourself in the videos.

For Coronado, it is all about potential. It is all about the fastball and the movement he gets on it at high velocity, which is now in the upper 90s. There are breaking balls that break hard and sharp, just not in the zone. Getting that consistency is going to be the key to his career regardless of how hard he throws.

While I would like to know a lot more about his back story, I am more concerned with how he is going to be used in the future. At just 22, it might be too early to decide whether he is going to be a reliever or a starter. Just let him pitch. It could be an inning. It could be 2 or 3. Whatever it is, Coronado should probably be just focused on the simple task of throwing strikes while developing his arsenal. As usual, it is always easier said than done. 

For Coronado, he should probably be growing by leaps and bounds with Arizona pitching coach Clayton Mortensen whispering in his ears every day. It cannot be stressed enough about the power of pro coaching. Coronado should be a fun follow this spring and summer.