As September approaches, major league teams are looking over their farm systems and looking to see who could be called up. As of September 1, every team’s roster expands from the 25-man active team to the full 40-man roster.

A lot of the most intriguing prospects for the fall are pitchers. The Cubs are well-established at most other positions, but you can always use additional backup in the bullpen.

Who could be making the move from the Iowa Cubs to the Windy City this fall? There are several good-looking prospects. Let’s take a look!

Dakota Mekkes

The AAA Cubs sneaky reliever is definitely making a bid to get noticed. He was the 10th pick, chosen by the Cubs in the 2016 draft. He’s been excellent as he has climbed the ranks, including his 2018 promotion to AAA.

With the Iowa Cubs he has had 21 outings, during which he posted a 1.65 ERA. His deceptive delivery helps him be extremely successful so far.

Right now, he plans to go back to school at Michigan State in September if he isn’t called up. He’s only two semesters from completing his degree. Hopefully, he would return to play at the AAA level again!

Terrance Gore

Terrance was acquired in a trade with the Kansas City Royals, and the plan has always been to wait until September and then put him in a Cubs jersey. Gore is one of the fastest men in baseball, and his pinch-running is a weapon the Cubs will LOVE in the playoffs.

In his career, Gore is 21 for 25 in stolen base attempts. He adds an additional 4 for 5 in stolen base attempts in eight postseason games.

Gore is not a hitter or even a great fielder. However, as a pinch-running he is a definite difference maker in the spots that matter most.

Cory Mazzoni

One top pitcher with the Iowa Cubs is Cory Mazzoni. He’s had some opportunities to pitch in Chicago already, and has posted a 1.04 ERA in his eight appearances.

Mazzoni has 22 big-league games under his belt already, which means he would be a good weapon to shore up the bullpen. You never know when you need someone in extra innings, or you lose a starter early.

The way Maddon loves to (over)use the bullpen, you almost can’t have too many fresh arms.

James Norwood

Norwood is an explosive pitcher who has been flying up the ranks, much like Mekkes. He had one appearance in Chicago in a loss to the Giants, but even in that short time he really impressed Maddon.

Even though he wasn’t put in until the 12th inning, and he got two outs before facing Giants All-Star catcher Buster Posey. Unfortunately, Posey then had a game-winning single, but not before Maddon saw exactly what he wanted to see.

After the game, Maddon said, "He had some great stuff," and was very pleased with his poise. Norwood has a strong fastball that can really turn heads and would be a welcome weapon the post-season bullpen.

What Do You Think?

Who do you think will be joining the Cubs for our post-season run? Let me know in the comments!