Cubs MLB Roster

Cubs Organizational Depth Chart
40-Man Roster Info

40 players are on the MLB RESERVE LIST (roster is full) 

42 players are at MLB Spring Training 

31 players on MLB RESERVE LIST are ACTIVE at MLB Spring Training, and nine players are on OPTIONAL ASSIGNMENT to minors. 
11 players are MLB Spring Training NON-ROSTER INVITEES (NRI) 

Last updated 3-17-2024
 
* bats or throws left
# bats both

PITCHERS: 17
Yency Almonte
Adbert Alzolay 
Javier Assad
Jose Cuas
Kyle Hendricks
* Shota Imanaga
Caleb Kilian
Mark Leiter Jr
* Luke Little
Julian Merryweather
Hector Neris 
Daniel Palencia
* Drew Smyly
* Justin Steele
Jameson Taillon
Hayden Wesneski 
* Jordan Wicks

NRI PITCHERS: 5 
Colten Brewer 
Carl Edwards Jr 
* Edwin Escobar 
* Richard Lovelady 
* Thomas Pannone 

CATCHERS: 2
Miguel Amaya
Yan Gomes

NRI CATCHERS: 2  
Jorge Alfaro 
Joe Hudson 

INFIELDERS: 7
* Michael Busch 
Nico Hoerner
Nick Madrigal
* Miles Mastrobuoni
Christopher Morel
Dansby Swanson
Patrick Wisdom

NRI INFIELDERS: 3 
David Bote 
Garrett Cooper
* Dominic Smith

OUTFIELDERS: 5
* Cody Bellinger 
Alexander Canario
# Ian Happ
Seiya Suzuki
* Mike Tauchman 

NRI OUTFIELDERS: 1 
* David Peralta

OPTIONED:
Kevin Alcantara, OF 
Michael Arias, P 
Ben Brown, RHP 
Pete Crow-Armstrong, OF 
Brennen Davis, OF 
Porter Hodge, RHP 
* Matt Mervis, 1B 
Keegan Thompson, P 
Luis Vazquez, INF 

 



Minor League Rosters
Rule 5 Draft 
Minor League Free-Agents

Cubs Draft

2020 Cubs MLB First-Year Player Draft Ticker-Tracker

7/31 UPDATE 

CUBS 2020 MLB RULE 4 NDFA SIGNINGS: 

Bradlee Beesley, OF 
R/R, 5'10 180, Age 22
Cal Poly 
COLLEGE SR  
AREA SCOUT: Tom Myers 
COMMENT: Speedy glove-first CF with enough arm to play RF... probably projects as a "4th OF" at the pro level...  hit 286/352/380 with 4 HR & 91 RBI, 45 doubles, and  21 SB (eight CS) in 180 college games over the course of four seasons at Cal Poly... 

Matt Burch, INF 
L/R, 5'7 170, Age 22
Old Dominion U. 
COLLEGE SR 
AREA SCOUT: Billy Swoope  
COMMENT: Plays 2B-3B but played mostly 2B in 2019-20...  hit 282/351/350 with 2 HR & 32 RBI, 13 doubles, and 25/47 BB/K in 74 NCAA D-1 games (309 PA) over the course of three seasons..  graduated from Warren Township HS in Gurnee, IL... spent freshman season at U. of Arkansas and then transferred to Wabash Valley JC (hit 384/480/557 in 56 games) before landing at ODU...
  
Angel Gonzalez-Martinez, RHP/OF 
R/R, 6'1 168, Age 17 
Emilio R. Delgado HS (Corozal, PR) 
HIGH SCHOOL 
AREA SCOUT: Edwards Guzman 
COMMENT: Two-way player in HS but projects as a pitcher (only) in pro ball... features a 94 MPH FB and a CH... had signed an NLI with Northwest Florida College (JC) before changing his mind and signing with the Cubs...

Scott Kobos, LHP 
L/L, 6'2 200, Age 22 
Coastal Carolina 
5th YEAR COLLEGE (REDSHIRT SR) 
AREA SCOUT: Tom Clark 
COMMENT: Earned a spot in the Chanticleers 2020 starting rotation after a strong showing in fall ball and went 1-3 with a 5.59 ERA and 1.45 WHIP in five games (four GS) before the season was canceled... went 3-2 with a 6.61 ERA and 1.29 WHIP over the course of three seasons at CCU... was a two-way player (LF-LHP) prior to 2018... spent freshman year redshirting at UNC - Asheville... then transferred to St. John's River State College (JC) where he was the Vikings' Friday starter, going  6-3 with a 3.01 ERA, 23/68 BB/K, and 61 hits allowed in 71.2 IP for SJRSC in 2017... was selected by Cleveland Indians in 38th round of 2017 draft but did not sign... underwent elbow UCL transplant (TJS) in 2018...  

Graham Lawson, RHP 
R/R, 6'2 229, Age 24 
U. of South Carolina 
5th YEAR COLLEGE (REDSHIRT SR) 
AREA SCOUT: Tom Clark 
COMMENT: Bullpen piece but not a closer... went 3-2 with a 5.27 ERA, three saves, 26/53 BB/K, and .250 OppBA (nine HR allowed) in 41 career games (56.1 IP) for Gamecocks... was selected by Washington Nationals in 12th round of 2018 draft but did not sign... missed 2019 season after undergoing UCL transplant (TJS)... spent freshman year at Spartanburg Methodist College before transferring to South Carolina... was named to SEC Academic Honor Roll in both 2018 and 2019... 

Ben Leeper, RHP 
R/R, 6'0 194, Age 23 
Oklahoma State 
5th YEAR COLLEGE (REDSHIRT SR) 
AREA SCOUT: Ty Nichols 
COMMENT: Cowboys closer... went 4-4 with a 4.31 ERA and seven saves, 23/43 BB/K, and 24 hits (three HR) allowed in 29 games (31.1 IP) in 2019... was off to a strong start in 2020 (14 K in just 7.1 IP) before season was canceled...  missed 2017 season after undergoing his second elbow UCL transplant (TJS).. . also underwent TJS in 2015... went 20-5 with a 1.15  ERA and was an honorable mention Perfect Game All-American in both his sophomore and junior years in HS... 

Scott McKeon, INF 
R/R, 6'0 185, Age 22 
Coastal Carolina  
COLLEGE SR 
AREA SCOUT: Tom Clark 
COMMENT: Hit 341/401/488 with 4 HR & 38 RBI, 18 doubles, five triples, and 22/55 BB/K in 62 games (284 PA) for Chanticleers in 2019..  After hitting just six HR in 133 college games through 2019 season, he clubbed four HR in 16 games in 2020 prior to season being canceled...  spent two seasons at Brunswick CC prior to tranferring to Coastal Carolina... was selected first-team NJCAA Division II All-American at BCC in 2018... has the defensive skills necessary to play SS but probably projects more as a utility infielder at pro level... was selected in 21st round of 2019 draft by Detroit Tigers but did not sign... 

Matt Mervis, 1B-3B/RHP 
L/R, 6'4 225, Age 22 
Duke 
COLLEGE SR   
AREA SCOUT: Billy Swoope 
COMMENT: Two-way player... team captain... hit .278/380/456 with 9 HR & 46 RBI, 14 doubles, 31/56 BB/K and 13 HBP in 119 games (301 PA) as a position player and went 6-2 with a 5.49 ERA and 1.59 WHIP, .262 OppBA (four HR allowed), and 34/52 BB/K in 50 games (59.0 IP) as a pitcher in four seasons at Duke... was rated the #19 college senior by Perfect Game going into the 2020 college baseball season... led team in hits & HR and hit safely in all games played in 2020 prior to the season being canceled... selected in 39th round of 2016 draft by Washington Nationals out of Georgetown Prep but did not sign...  

Sheldon Reed, RHP/OF 
L/R, 6'3 205, Age 22 
Clemson 
5th YEAR COLLEGE (REDSHIRT SR) 
AREA SCOUT: Keith Lockhart
COMMENT: Bullpen arm but not a closer... hit 448/508/697 with 11 HR & 47 RBI, six doubles, and 22/40 BB/K in 51 games as an OF at Spartanburg Methodist College in 2016-17... he was converted to a RHP in 2018 after transferring to Clemson... 6.00 ERA and 2.00 WHIP, with six hits allowed and 6/8 BB/K in just 6.0 IP for Tigers 2019-20...  

Bailey Reid, RHP 
R/R, 6'2 205, Age 21 
Westmont College 
COLLEGE SR 
AREA SCOUT: Tom Myers 
COMMENT: Warriors closer... hard to hit but has difficulty throwing strikes... did not allow an earned run in 2019 or in 2020 (22.1 IP) and held opponents to an .082 BA (combined) in 2019-20... went 3-1 with 13 saves, 45/78 BB/K, 9 HBP, 12 WP, and .103 OppBA (no HR allowed) in 41 games (47.2 IP) over the course of four seasons at Westmont...  

Sam Thoresen, RHP 
R/R, 6'3 210, Age 21 
U. of Minnesota 
COLLEGE JR 
AREA SCOUT: John Pedrotty 
COMMENT: A project... hard to hit but has much difficulty throwing strikes (85 BB in 91 IP in three years at Minnesota, and more walks than IP in two summers spent pitching in collegiate wood bat leagues)... went 6-6 with a 5.74 ERA, 85/118 BB/K, 16 HBP, nine WP, and a .196 OppBA (four HR allowed) in 34 games (19 GS) and 91 IP for Golden Gophers 2018-20... pitched in summer collegiate wood bat leagues in both 2018 and 2019... went 1-3 with a 5.66 ERA, 12 hits allowed, and 19/28 BB/K in 20.2 IP and five games (4 GS) for Hyannis Harbor (Cape Cod League) in 2019, and 2-2 with a 5.20 ERA, 33/22 BB/K, and 19 hits allowed in nine games (5 GS) and 27.2 IP for Waterloo (Norhwoods League) in 2018... was a 2017 Rawlings Honorable Mention All-American as a senior at Minnetonka HS...  

Jacob Wetzel, OF 
L/L, 5'11 215, Age 20 
Frederick CC 
JC SOPH 
AREA SCOUT: Billy Swoope 
COMMENT: Speedy CF and lead-off hitter... hit a robust 367/509/638, with 6 HR & 62 RBI, 13 doubles and 13 triples, 51/37 BB/K, and 16 SB (3 CS) in 50 games (combined) in 2019-20 and set numerous offensive records for the Cougars over the course of two seasons... transferred to FCC from Old Dominion after freshman year...   

++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++

6/11 ORIGINAL POST  
 

CUBS 2020 MLB FIRST-YEAR PLAYER DRAFT PICKS
 

DAY ONE (6/10)

1st ROUND (16) 
Ed Howard IV, SS  
R/R, 6'2 185, Age 18 
Mt. Carmel HS - Chicago, IL 
COLLEGE COMMIT: U. of Oklahoma 
AREA SCOUT: John Pedrotty 
COMMENT: The top high school shortstop prospect in the 2020 draft... outstanding defensive SS... has plus range, soft hands, a quick release, and a strong arm... also has plus bat-speed and makes hard-contact so projects to have above-average power (for a shortstop) in pro ball... swing & miss is a problem, however... has decent speed (average for a SS) but is an outstanding base-runner... played in the Under Armour All-America game at Wrigley Field in 2019... also played for the Chicago Jackie Robinson West team that went to the Little League World Series representing the Great Lakes region in 2014... grew up on the south side of Chicago and he said in an interview prior to the Under Armour game that he is a White Sox fan... was given the nickname "Silk" by mentor Barry Larkin (because he is so smooth in the field)... 
BONUS SLOT VALUE: $3,745,500


++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++


DAY TWO (6/11): 

2nd ROUND (51): 
Burl Carraway, LHP 
L/L, 6'0 173, Age 21 
Dallas Baptist University  
COLLEGE JR 
AREA SCOUT: Todd George 
COMMENT: Patriots closer... also pitched for Team USA in 2019... rated by Baseball America as the top pure relief prospect in the 2020 draft... 2019 first-team All-MVC... went 4-2 with six saves and a 2.81 ERA, 1.24 WHIP, .195 OppBA (one HR allowed), 22/72 BB/K in 41.2 IP (28 games) for DBU in 2019... features a 93-96 MPH FB (T-98) and a 76-77 MPH knee-buckling CV... both pitches have a high spin-rate... struck out over 50% of LH hitters he faced in 2019... has a violent max-effort crossfire delivery with an inconsistent release point... throwing strikes has been a problem throughout his HS and college career... close to being MLB ready if he can throw strikes more-consistently...   
BONUS SLOT VALUE: $1,436,900

3rd ROUND (88):  
Jordan Nwogu, OF 
R/R, 6'3 235, Age 21
U. of Michigan 
COLLEGE JUNIOR 
AREA SCOUT: Jacob Williams  
COMMENT: 1st team All-Big Ten as a DH in 2019... hit 335/442/577 with 18 HR & 72 RBI, 21 doubles, five triples, 56/80 BB/K and 16 HBP, and 27 SB (five CS) in 105 games (430 PA) for Wolverines 2018-20... reached base in 30 consecutive games at one point during 2019 season when he led Michigan to a berth in the College World Series... was named to All-Big Ten Freshman Team in 2018... played CF and batted lead-off for Wolverines in 15 games in 2020 before season was canceled... he is an aggressive base-runner with plus speed and big-time HR power but he has a below-average arm and has difficulty reading and tracking fly balls so he projects (at best) as a LF or maybe even a DH in pro ball... crushes fastballs with plus bat-speed and a high exit-velocity but struggles with breaking balls and off-speed pitches...  played both baseball and football (OLB/DE) at Pioneer HS in Ann Arbor and he received football scholarship offers from Eastern Michigan and Kent State but he opted to stay home and play baseball (as a walk-on) at UM... is a member of the National Honor Society and was named an Academic All-Big Ten (computer science) in 2019...   
BONUS SLOT VALUE: $678,600

4th ROUND (117): 
Luke Little, LHP 
L/L, 6'8 225, Age 19   
San Jacinto College - North 
JC SOPH 
AREA SCOUT: Trey Forkerway 
COMMENT: Gators closer... supposedly threw a 105 MPH FB in a bullpen session shown on Twitter but velo was not independently confirmed by scouts... otherwise FB sits 96-97 (T-100-101)... also features a low 80's SL and an upper 70's CV and a CH that is a work-in-progress... walked more batters than innings pitched in 2019 (36 walks in 35.1 IP) but he also struck out 69 (that's 17.6 K per 9) with a .159 OppBA (one HR allowed) and a 2.04 ERA... strike-throwing showed improvement in 2020 (3/17 BB./K in 9.0 IP) prior to season being canceled... missed a month with a back injury in January... lost 30 pounds (he weighed 250+) after graduating from HS... will transfer to U. of South Carolina if he does not sign with Cubs... 
BONUS SLOT VALUE: $492,700

5th ROUND (147): 
Koen Moreno, RHP 
R/R, 6'2 170, Age 18 
Panther Creek HS - Cary, NC 
HIGH SCHOOL 
COLLEGE COMMIT: East Carolina  
AREA SCOUT: Billy Swoope 
COMMENT: Rated the #1 high school pitching prospect in North Carolina by Baseball America... Went 5-3 with a 1.62 ERA, .153 OppBA (one HR allowed), and 17/80 BB/K in 47.2 IP for the Catamounts in 2019... was on the varsity baseball squad all four years at PCHS... a multi-sport athlete, he also played basketball and ran track... features an 87-93 MPH FB (T-94), a swing & miss CH, and a promising but inconsistent mid-70's CV...   
BONUS SLOT VALUE: $367,900

++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++

CUBS SIGNING BONUS POOL (AGGREGATE BONUS SLOT VALUES FOR THE FIVE ROUNDS): $6,721,600 

2019 Cubs MLB First-Year Player Draft Ticker Tracker

CUBS 2019 MLB FIRST-YEAR PLAYER DRAFT PICKS 

DAY ONE (6/3)

1st ROUND (27) 
Ryan Jensen, RHP  
R/R, 6'0 180, Age 21 
Fresno State  
COLLEGE JR 
AREA SCOUT: Gabe Zappin   
COMMENT: Bulldogs Friday starter... 2019 Mountain West Conference Pitcher of the Year... 12-1 with a 2.88 ERA & 1.09 WHIP, 82 hits allowed (only three HR), 27/107 BB/K in 100 IP, 16 games (15 GS) with one CG shutout in 2019... features a mid-90's FB that touches 98 and has run & sink... also features a plus-hard SL and a usable CH, but is primarliy a FB/SL pitcher... a "late bloomer" who had significant command issues in 2017-18 but obviously he improved his control in 2019... worked out of the bullpen in 2017 before moving to starting rotation in 2018...   
BONUS SLOT VALUE: $2,570,100 

2nd ROUND (64) 
Chase Strumpf, 2B 
R/R, 6'1 191, Age 21 
UCLA 
COLLEGE JR 
AREA SCOUT: Tom Myers 
COMMENT: Bat-first infielder with below average range and a below-average arm that limits him to playing 2B only... hit 363/475/633 with 12 HR & 53 RBI and 23 doubles in 58 games in 2018 and was named All-Pac 12 and consensus 2nd Team All-American as a sophomore and was named a first-team pre-season All-American by Baseball America going into his junior year, but he had a disappointing 2019 campaign (289/431/469 in 53 games) although he was 7th in the Pac-12 in walks... hit 26 HR and 44 doubles and collected 121 RBI in 166 career games at UCLA over the course of three seasons... played for Duluth in the summer collegiate wood-bat Northwoods League in 2017 and hit 335/425/549 with six HR & 32 RBI and 15 doubles in 44 games...    
BONUS SLOT VALUE: $1,050,300

++++++++++++++++++++++++

DAY TWO (6/4)  

3rd ROUND (103) 
Michael McAvene, RHP 
R/R, 6'3 210, Age 21 
U. of Louisville
COLLEGE JR  
AREA SCOUT: Jacob Williams 
COMMENT: Cardinals closer... posted 2.67 ERA & 0.79 WHIP with 16 hits (three HR) allowed and 9/46 BB/K over 30.1 IP in 21 games in 2019... was recruited as a SP but was moved to bullpen after undergoing TJS in 2017... missed most of the 2017-18 seasons... features a 92-95 MPH four-seam FB that touches 96-97 and a plus-SL, but FB was clocked at 100 MPH in ACC tournament last month... doesn't use his CH much after moving to the pen... was suspended four games this past weekend after arguing a ball-strike call with an umpire in an NCAA Regional game... was a college teammate of Cubs minor league RHP Riley Thompson (Cubs 2018 11th round draft pick- U. of Louisville)...
BONUS SLOT VALUE: $565,600

4th ROUND (132)
Chris Clarke, RHP 
R/R, 6'7 212, Age 20 
USC 
COLLEGE JR 
AREA SCOUT: Tom Myers 
COMMENT: Began season as set-up guy but inherited the closer job when previous USC closer was moved to starting rotation... had TJS in HS and still has difficulty throwing on back-to-back days. so he's more of a multi-inning type "fireman" who can close out a game than a more-conventional one-inning closer... 1.03 ERA, 0.97 WHIP, and .170 OppBA with 32 hits (only two HR) allowed and 18/60 BB/K in 52.1 IP for Trojans in 2019... features 92-95 MPH two-seamer with sink and a plus-CV (which is his swing & miss pitch)... a true scholar-athlete who graduated from HS when he was 16...    
BONUS SLOT VALUE: $426,600 

5th ROUND (162)
Josh Burgmann, RHP 
R/R, 6'0 205, Age 21 
U. of Washington 
COLLEGE JR 
AREA SCOUT: Gabe Sandy 
COMMENT: Huskies Friday starter... finished tied for 2nd in strikeouts in Pac-12 Conference in 2019... posted a 4-6 record with a 3.99 ERA & 1.39 WHIP with 88 hits (9 HR) allowed and 22/101 BB/K in 79.0 IP (14 GS) for Huskies in 2019... extreme strike-thrower with outstanding command... pitched for Canadian 18U Junior National Team in 2014-16...attended Vauxhall Baseball Academy in Alberta (Canada) and was selected by STL in 30th round of 2016 draft but did not sign... had TJS in 2017... worked out of u-dub bullpen during rehab season in 2018 before developing a put-away slider and moving into starting rotation in 2019... features full array of starter's repertoire (low-90's FB, SL, CV, and CH)... was a college teammate of Cubs minor league INF Levi Jordan (Cubs 2018 29th round draft pick - U. of Washington)... 
BONUS SLOT VALUE:  $318,200

6th ROUND (192)
Ethan Hearn, C 
L/R, 6'1 195, Age 18 
Mobile Christian School - Mobile, AL 
HIGH SCHOOL  
COLLEGE COMMIT: Mississippi State 
AREA SCOUT: Alex McClure
COMMENT: Top high school catcher in the draft and #3 catching prospect behind only #1 overall pick Adley Rutschman (Oregon State) and 1st round (9th overall) pick Shea Langeliers (Baylor)... has plus-arm and plus-power... receiving needs work...  will require significant overslot bonus to sign (probably $1M+)... 
BONUS SLOT VALUE: $247,000

7th ROUND (222) 
Brad Deppermann, RHP 
R/R, 6'0 190, Age 22 
U. of North Florida 
COLLEGE 5th YEAR (REDSHIRT SR)
AREA SCOUT: Tom Clark  
COMMENT: Ospreys Friday starter... Atlantic Sun Conference Pitcher of the Year... led conference in strikeouts... posted 6-5 record with 2.46 ERA, 1.05 WHIP, and .217 OppBA, and allowed 76 hits (five HR) and 24/108 BB/K in 95 IP in 2019... was selected by Cubs in 31st round of 2014 draft out of East Lake HS (Tarpon Springs, FL) but did not sign... has likely agreed in advance to a substantially underslot signing bonus so that Cubs can re-allocate balance of #222 bonus slot value toward Hearn's bonus...  
BONUS SLOT VALUE: $194,400

8th ROUND (252)
D. J. Herz, LHP 
R/L, 6'2 185, Age 18 
Terry Sanford HS - Fayetteville, NC 
HIGH SCHOOL 
COLLEGE COMMIT: U. of North Carolina 
AREA SCOUT: Billy Swoope 
COMMENT: Rated the #2 HS pitching prospect in North Carolina... three-sport star in HS (football QB, basketball SG, and baseball LHP)... 0.50 ERA with 17/106 BB/K in 56.1 IP at TSHS in 2019... features 88-91 MPH FB but has touched mid-90's in showcases... also features an inconsistent hard-slider and he has had command issues from time-to-time... will almost certainly require over-slot bonus to sign... might be difficult for Cubs to find enough excess bonus slot values elsewhere in top 10 rounds so that both Hearn and Herz can be signed (TBD)...    
BONUS SLOT VALUE: $162,700

9th ROUND (282) 
Tyler Schlaffer, RHP 
R/R, 6'1 180, Age 18
Homewood-Flossmoor HS - Flossmoor, IL 
HIGH SCHOOL 
COLLEGE COMMIT: UIC 
AREA SCOUT: John Pedrotty 
COMMENT: Two-way player in HS (RHP/SS)... features 90-93 MPH FB that touches 94, mid-70's CV, and a plus-CH... 
BONUS SLOT VALUE: $149,800

10th ROUND (312) 
Wyatt Hendrie, C 
R/R, 5'11 195, Age 20 
Antelope Valley College 
JC FRESHMAN  
AREA SCOUT: Tom Myers 
COMMENT: Athletic catcher with a plus-arm (43% CS in 2019) and above-average speed (14 SB)... was OF in HS but was converted to catcher at AVC... hit 410/479/610 with two HR & 26 RBI, ten doubles and ten triples, and 16/23 BB/K in 38 games (166 PA) for the Marauders in 2019... has compact swing and flat swing-plane...  
BONUS SLOT VALUE: $142,200

++++++++++++++++++++++


DAY THREE (6/5)

NOTE: A signing bonus in excess of $125,000 for any player selected in Rounds 11-40 as well as for any player eligible for selection in the draft who is not selected and who is subsequently signed as a Non-Drafted Free-Agent (NDFA) count against a club's Rule 4 Draft Signing Bonus Pool (SBP). 

11th ROUND (342)
Mack Chambers III, SS 
B/R, 5'11 170, Age 19 
Seminole State 
JC FRESHMAN 
AREA SCOUT: Ty Nichols
COMMENT: Hit 404/489/565 with 8 HR & 64 RBI, 21 doubles, and four triples, 34/27 BB/K, 14 SB (4 CS) for Trojans in 2019... played for his father (Mack Chambers Jr) at Seminole State... was HS teammate of Cubs 2018 6th round draft pick RHP Kohl Franklin at Broken Arrow HS in Broken Arrow, OK...  

12th ROUND (372)
Hunter Bigge, RHP 
R/R, 6'0 205, Age 20 
Harvard 
COLLEGE JR 
AREA SCOUT: Matt Sherman 
COMMENT: Posted 4.37 ERA & 1.56 WHIP and allowed 119 hits in 119.1 innings with 64/120 BB/K over the course of three seasons at Harvard... two-way player (RHP/3B) first two seasons at Harvard... hit 296/362/466 in 79 games as position player... became full-time starting pitcher 2019... hit 280/368/378 and posted 3.14 ERA with 47 hits allowed and 18/52 BB/K in 51.2 IP (10 GS) for Duluth in Northwoods League (summer collegiate wood-bat league) in 2018...  best pitch is 94-96 MPH FB... also has average CV... has had command issues throughout his college career... projects as a reliever in pro ball... National Merit Scholar in HS (Los Gatos HS - Los Gatos, CA)...  

13th ROUND (402)
Porter Hodge, RHP 
R/R, 6'4 230, Age 18 
Cottonwood Senior HS - Murray, UT 
HIGH SCHOOL 
COLLEGE COMMIT: U. of Utah 
AREA SCOUT: Steve McFarland 
COMMENT: Led his HS to Utah 5-A state championship in 2019... 19-3 with 1.50 ERA and 1.09 WHIP, allowed 82 hits (no HR) with 60/163 BB/K in 130.2 IP (30 games - 20 GS - 10 CG - 6 shutouts) over course of career at CSHS... 

14th ROUND (432)
Ryan Reynolds, 3B 
B/R, 6'2, 215, Age 21 
U. of Texas 
COLLEGE  JR 
AREA SCOUT: Steve Riha 
COMMENT: Hit .272/394/397 with four HR & 32 RBI, 11 doubles, 30/30 BB/K in 54 games for Longhorns in 2019... Honorable Mention All-Big 12 in 2019... Rawlings Perfect Game HS All-American Honorable Mention in 2016... hit 289/418/400 for Santa Barbara in California Collegiate League (summer collegiate wood-bat league) in 2017 and 227/308/364 for Cotuit in Cape Cod League (the premier summer collegiate wood bat league) in 2018... son of ex-MLB RHP Shane Reynolds...  was college teammate of Cubs minor league LHP Josh Sawyer (Cubs 2018 16th round draft pick - U. of Texas) and was a HS teammate of Cubs minor league INF Jake Slaughter (2018 18th tround draft pick - LSU) at Ouachita Christian HS (Monroe, LA)... 

15th ROUND (462)
Zach Bryant, RHP 
R/R, 6'1 210, Age 21 
Jacksonville University 
COLLEGE JR 
AREA SCOUT: Tom Clark 
COMMENT: Dolphins closer... allowed 20 hits (no HR) with 19/44 BB/K in 31 IP (28 games) for Jacksonville in 2019... was second in saves in Atlantic Sun Conference... transferrd to Jacksonville from Daytona State College (88 hits and four HR allowed with 36/94 BB/K in 87.2 IP and 45 games at DSC 2017-18)... was selected by Cubs on his 21st birthday...

16th ROUND
(492)
Johzan Oquendo, RHP 
R/R, 6'2 180, Age 18 
Leadership Christian Academy - Guaynabo, PR 
HIGH SCHOOL  
COLLEGE COMMIT: Broward College 
AREA SCOUT: Edwards Guzman
COMMENT: Features 91 MPH FB... was HS teammate of Cubs minor league INF Miguel Pabon (Cubs 2018 34th round draft pick)...

17th ROUND (522)
Tanner Dalton, RHP 
R/R, 6'2 195, Age 22 
Sacramento State 
COLLEGE SR 
AREA SCOUT: Gabe Zappin 
COMMENT: Hornets closer... posted 2.50 ERA and 16 saves with 73 hits (five HR) allowed and 34/110 BB/K in 100.2 IP (61 games) over the course of two seasons at Sac State... owned & operated a landscaping & snow removal business in Alberta (Canada) before enrolling in the Prairie Baseball Academy in Lethbridge, Alberta, in 2016... went 4-0 with a 2.36 ERA for Lethbridge in Western Baseball Major League (summer collegiate wood-bat league) in 2016... transferred to Sacramento State in 2018... 

18th ROUND
(552)
Alex Moore, RHP 
R/R, 6'3 205, Age 22 
Lander University 
COLLEGE SR 
AREA SCOUT: Keith Lockhart
COMMENT: Bearcats Friday starter... went 4-4 with 5.32 ERA and 1.41 WHIP, allowing 68 hits (two HR) with 33/84 BB/K in 69.1 IP for NCAA D-2 Lander in 2019 after going 2-5 with a 6.20 ERA while allowing 62 hits with 25/65 BB/K as a SP/RP "swing-man" in 2018... 

19th ROUND (582)
Adam Laskey, LHP 
R/L, 6'3 205, Age 21 
Duke 
COLLEGE JR 
AREA SCOUT: Billy Swoope 
COMMENT: Rated a Top 10 round talent and was the Blue Devils Friday starter at the start of the 2019 season but missed most of the season with injury... went 1-0 with 6.00 ERA and .277 OppBA, allowing 13 hits (no HR) with 10/13 BB/K in 12 IP in 2019 before being shut-down in April... was 2018 Cape Cod League Pitcher of the Year after going 5-0 with 1.19 ERA with 11/26 BB/K in 31.1 IP for Falmouth (Cape Cod League is the premier summer collegiate wood-bat league)... Rawlings/Perfect Game third team All-American and was rated the #150 HS prospect in USA and the #6 prospect in NJ in 2016... was selected by SF in 31st round of 2016 draft but did not sign... 

20th ROUND (612)
Darius Hill, LF
L/L, 6'1 190, Age 21 
West Virginia  
COLLEGE SR 
AREA SCOUT: Jacob Williams 
COMMENT: Hit 304/365/511 with 6 HR & 38 RBI, 22 doubles, 18/30 BB/K, in 52 games for Mountaineers in 2019... named to All-Big 12 Freshman team in 2016... Louisville Slugger first-team All-American at Jesuit College Preparatory School (Dallas, TX) in 2015... has below-average arm & below average speed...  

21st ROUND (642)
Nelson Maldonado, LF 
R/R, 5'10 195, Age 22 
U. of Florida 
COLLEGE SR 
AREA SCOUT: John Koronka 
COMMENT: Played 3B in HS but was a DH/LF in college... Hit 335/397/581 with 10 HR & 43 RBI, 14 doubles, and 21/32 BB/K in 55 games for Gators in 2019... was known as a short-stroke high-contact hitter prior to 2018 season (hit .400 in SEC games and put-up a .449 OBP for the full-season in 2017) before altering his swing and showing more XBH power in 2018-19... hit 308/444/517 with 4 HR & 22 RBI and 11 doubles for Madison in Northwoods League (summer collegiate wood-bat league) after his freshman season in 2016... 

22nd ROUND
(672)
Elian Almanzar, RHP 
L/R, 6'4 210, Age 19 
Florence-Darlington Tech 
JC FRESHMAN 
AREA SCOUT: Tom Clark 
COMMENT: Went 4-0 with 4.73 ERA, allowing 28 hits (no HR) with 26/30 BB/K in 26.2 IP (10 games - 9 GS) for Stingers in 2019... projectable-but-raw RHSP with promising 89 MPH FB... secondary pitches need work... 

23rd ROUND (702) 
Manny Collier, CF 
R/R, 5'10 170, Age 18 
Westwood HS - Mesa, AZ
HIGH SCHOOL 
COLLEGE COMMIT: South Mountain CC 
AREA SCOUT: Steve McFarland 
COMMENT: HS football star (WR) at Westwood... baseball is his second sport and so he is very raw... also is basketball PG... has plus-plus speed... below-average arm... moved to Arizona from Chicago when he was nine... Westwood HS is located about a mile from the Cubs UAPC at Riverview Park in Mesa so the Cubs know all about Manny Collier and he knows all about the Cubs...  

24th ROUND (732)
Grayson Byrd, INF 
L/R, 6'3 205, Age 22 
Clemson 
COLLEGE 5th YEAR (REDSHIRT SENIOR)
AREA SCOUT: Keith Lockhart
COMMENT: Hit 326/405/604 with 15 HR & 56 RBI, 14 doubles, and 25/40 BB/K in 56 games for Tigers in 2019... transferred to Clemson in 2016 after spending freshman year at LSU... played SS in college but projects as 2B-3B in pro ball... son of ex-MLB RHP and current Atlanta Braves announcer Paul Byrd... member of 18U USA Junior National Team in 2012 but was assigned to Team USA Developmental Team... selected out of HS by Atlanta Braves in 39th round of 2014 draft but did not sign...  

25th ROUND (762)
Zac Taylor, CF 
R/R, 6'1 185, Age 23 
U. of Illinois 
COLLEGE 5th YEAR (REDSHIRT SR) 
AREA SCOUT: John Pedrotty 
COMMENT: First-team All-Big Ten in 2019... led Big Ten in stolen bases in 2019... hit 321/405/612 with 10 HR & 29 RBI, 12 doubles and three triples, 31/38 BB/K, and 23 SB, in 53 games for Illini in 2019... transferred to Illinois from U. of Houston after 2016 season... selected by MIN in 36th round of 2018 draft but did not sign... graduated from Downers Grove South HS (Downers Grove, IL) in 2014...   

26th ROUND (792)
Jacob Olson, INF 
R/R, 6'0 200, Age 22 
U. of South Carolina
COLLEGE SR 
AREA SCOUT: Tom Clark 
COMMENT: Hit 258/336/512 with 13 HR & 37 RBI, 14 doubles, 15/40 BB/K, and eight SB, in 56 games for Gamecocks in 2019..  hit 308/333/495 for Chatham in Cape Cod League (the premier summer collegiate wood-bat league) after sophomore season in 2017...  versatile & athletic defender who can play anywhere in the infield & outfield... spent freshman season at West Georgia Tech and was named to GCAA first-team in 2016... was selected by AZ in 39th round of 2016 draft but did not sign... 

27th ROUND (822)
Cayne Ueckert, RHP 
R/R, 6'3 195, Age 23 
McNeese State 
COLLEGE SR 
AREA SCOUT: Trey Forkerway  
COMMENT: SP/RP swing-man... posted 3-3 record with 6.04 ERA & 1.76 WHIP, with 59 hits (three HR) allowed and 30/48 BB/K in 50.2 IP (18 games - 10 GS) for Cowboys in 2019... went 3-3 with 25 K in 42.2 IP (11 games) for Anchorage Bucs in Alaska Baseball League (summer collegiate wood-bat league) in 2018... transferred to McNeese State from Panola College after sophomore year... 

28th ROUND (852)
Chris Kachmar, RHP 
R/R, 6'3 180, Age 22 
Lipscomb University
COLLEGE SR 
AREA SCOUT: Alex McClure
COMMENT: Bisons Friday starter... went 9-3 with a 3.61 ERA, 78 hits (7 HR) allowed, with 41/94 BB/K, in 94.2 IP (15 GS) in 2019... spent freshman year at Fairleigh-Dickinson University, then transferred to Palm Beach State College, and then transferred to Lipscomb from PBSC after sophomore year...  

29th ROUND (882)
Jake Washer, C 
R/R, 6'0 220, Age 23 
East Carolina 
COLLEGE SR 
AREA SCOUT: Billy Swoope 
COMMENT: Johnny Bench Award semi-finalist in 2018... hit 285/385/481 with 19 HR & 87 RBI, 19 doubles, and 60/101 BB/K, in 121 career games at ECU... 17% CS as a catcher for Pirates in 2019... was named WPAC Player of the Year in both his junior and senior years in HS... 

30th ROUND (912) 
Bryan King, LHP
R/L, 6'1 184, Age 22 
McNesse State 
COLLEGE SR 
AREA SCOUT: Trey Forkerway 
COMMENT: Lefty reliever... 4-1 and a 3.44 ERA, with 46 hits (four HR) allowed, and 22/50 BB/K in 49 IP in 2019... was a Louisville Slugger Freshman All-American after impressive debut season in 2016 but struggled as a SP in both his sophomore and junior seasons (too many walks allowed in 2017 and too many hits and HR allowed in 2018) before being moved to the bullpen in 2019... college teammate of Cubs 27th round pick Cayne Ueckert... 

31st ROUND (942)
Shane Combs, RHP 
R/R, 6'2 219, Age 22 
Notre Dame 
COLLEGE SR 
AREA SCOUT: John Pedrotty  
COMMENT: Little-used righty reliever... posted a 4.70 ERA & 1.89 WHIP and allowed 10 hits (no HR) and 19/17 BB/K in 15 IP (14 games) for the Fighting Irish in 2019... was rated the #2 high school RHP in Massachusetts as a HS senior in 2015... had TJS in 2015, did not pitch in 2016, and appeared in only five games (combined) in 2017-18... 

32nd ROUND (972)
Bryce Windham, IF-OF 
L/R, 6'1 190. Age 22 
Old Dominion 
COLLEGE SR 
AREA SCOUT: Billy Swoope 
COMMENT: High-contact bat-first utility player who can play just about anywhere (2B-3B-SS-LF-CF-RF)... hit 343/465/419 with 44/13 BB/K, and nine SB for the Monarchs in 2019...  played QB and led Saint Mary Catholic Central HS to Michigan state high school football championship in 2014...  

33rd ROUND (1002)
Ryan Ritter, SS 
R/R, 6'1 170, Age 18  
Lincoln Way East HS - Frankfort, IL 
HIGH SCHOOL 
COLLEGE COMMIT: Austin Peay State 
AREA SCOUT: John Pedrotty
COMMENT: Hit .500 with three HR & eight doubles for the Griffins in 2019... 

34th ROUND (1032)
Nolan Letzgus, RHP 
R/R, 6'0 175, Age 18 
Heritage HS - Ringgold, GA 
HIGH SCHOOL 
COLLEGE COMMIT: Walters State CC  
AREA SCOUT: Keith Lockhart 
COMMENT: Posted 3-1 record, 0.72 ERA, and .136 OppBA, with 14 hits allowed and 12/48 BB/K in 29 IP (6 GS) for the Rams in 2019... FB 88-92 T-94, CV 79-81, CH 79-80, and SL 80-82... outstanding all-around athlete who served as the DH when he wasn't pitching, was a star WR & KR on his HS football team, and he plays basketball, too (10.6 points, 6.4 rebounds, and 2.8 assists per game in his senior yesr)...  

35th ROUND (1062)
Hunter Patteson, LHP 
L/L, 6'4 170, Age 19 
Vero Beach HS - Vero Beach, FL 
HIGH SCHOOL 
COLLEGE COMMIT: UCF 
AREA SCOUT: John Koronka 
COMMENT: Posted 6-1 record, 0.96 ERA, and 1.06 WHIP, with 21 hits allowed and 18/77 BB/K in 51 IP (10 GS) for the Fighting Indians in 2019... features 84-87 T-89 FB, and mid-70's CH and SL...    

36th ROUND (1092)
Jayson Hoopes, RHP 
R/R, 6'3 190, Age 18 
St. Augustine Prep - Buena Vista Township, NJ 
HIGH SCHOOL 
COLLEGE COMMIT: U. of Virginia  
AREA SCOUT: Matt Sherman
COMMENT: Features 89-92 T-94 FB and a mid-70's CV.. switched his college commit from Wagner to UVA prior to the draft... 

37th ROUND (1122) 
Jaylon McLaughlin, CF
B/R, 5'11 165, Age 21  
U. of Nevada 
COLLEGE JR 
AREA SCOUT: Gabe Zappin 
COMMENT: Speedy defense-first CF from Santa Monica, CA... hit 289/348/381 with 4 HR & 38 RBI, 10 doubles and five triples, 29/89 BB/K, and 32 SB (5 CS) in 111 career games over the course of three seasons in Reno... was selected by NYM in 38th round of 2016 draft but did not sign... 

38th ROUND (1152)
Marc Davis, 3B/RHP 
R/R, 6'3 190, Age 19 
Florida Southwestern State College  
JC FRESHMAN 
AREA SCOUT: John Koronka 
COMMENT: Cubs drafted him as a 3B but he was the closer at FSW... 2.96 ERA with 15 hits (no HR) allowed and 16/41 BB/K in 24.1 IP for the Bucs in 2019... he was a two-way player (1st team All-State as SS/RHP) at South Gwinnett HS in Georgia, however...  

39th ROUND (1182)
Mason Auer, CF/RHP 
R/R, 6'0 185, Age 18
Kickapoo HS - Springfield, MO  
HIGH SCHOOL 
COLLEGE COMMIT: Missouri State 
AREA SCOUT: Ty Nichols 
COMMENT: A two-way player in HS, Auer is projected as a CF at higher levels depite displaying a 96 MPH FB (also a CV and CH) off the mound... hit .321 with two HR & 15 RBI at the plate and went 6-1 with a 0.79 ERA and 78 K in 10 GS for the Chiefs in 2019... 

40th ROUND (1212) 
Mac Bingham, CF 
R/R, 5'11 190, Age 18 
Torrey Pines HS - San Diego, CA 
HIGH SCHOOL 
COLLEGE COMMIT: USC 
AREA SCOUT: Alex Lontayo
COMMENT: Was also the star RB on his HS football team... 

2018 Cubs MLB First-Year Player Draft Ticker Tracker

CUBS 2018 FIRST-YEAR PLAYER DRAFT PICKS


DAY ONE
(6/4): 

1st ROUND (24)
Nico Hoerner, INF 
R/R, 5'11 195, Age 21 
Stanford 
COLLEGE JR 
AREA SCOUT: Gabe Zappin
COMMENT: First-team PAC-12 All-Conference and first team PAC-12 defensive team in 2017 and 2018... Three year starter at Stanford and missed only two games in three college seasons... Is a high-contact hitter with occasional power and has average speed for a middle infielder... Hit 345/391/496 and struck out only 22 times in 258 PA (57 games) with 15 SB (4 CS) for the Cardinal in 2018... Played 2B his freshman year at Stanford and then moved to SS for the next two seasons and in the Cape Cod League in 2017... Hit .300+ in summer wood bat leagues between college seasons... Volunteered at an orphanage in Peru, at the Alameda Food Bank, and at St. Vincent de Paul Community Center while in college... 
BONUS SLOT VALUE: $2,724,000

2nd ROUND (62) 
Brennen Davis, OF 
R/R, 6'4 175, Age 18 
Basha HS - Chandler, AZ 
COLLEGE COMMIT: U. of Miami 
AREA SCOUT: Steve McFarland
COMMENT: Athletic outfield defender with plus-speed and plus-arm, but hitting has lagged behind defense and baserunning... Missed considerable time in 2018 with hamstring injury...Two-sport athlete in HS... Also played basketball and was on the Basha HS Arizona 6-A state basketball championship team and was named Arizona HS Defensive Player of the Year in 2017... Will attend the U. of Miami if he does not sign with Cubs... 
BONUS SLOT VALUE: $1,060,900

2nd ROUND COMPENSATION (77)  
Cole Roederer, OF 
L/L, 6'0 175, Age 18 
William S. Hart HS - Santa Clarita, CA
COLLEGE COMMIT: UCLA 
Area Scout: Tom Myers
COMMENT: Five-tool CF combines power & speed... Uppercut swing and high exit-velocity produces HR in games... Drew comps to Red Sox OF Andrew Benintendi while playing in Area Code Games after his junior season in 2017... Missed much of the 2018 season with a hamstring injury and then a season-ending right (non-throwing) shoulder injury... Has indicated a strong desire to attend UCLA so he will almost certainly require a significant over-slot bonus...  
BONUS SLOT VALUE: $775,100
NOTE: Pick awarded to Cubs as compensation for losing post-2017 Article XX-B Qualified Player Wade Davis 

2nd ROUND COMPENSATION (78)   
Paul Richan, RHP 
R/R, 6'2 200, Age 21 
U. of San Diego 
COLLEGE JR
Area Scout: Alex Lontayo
COMMENT: A polished "high floor" strike-throwing ground-ball pitcher... Went 4-6 with a 4.62 ERA, .280 Opp BA, 5 HR, and 13/101 BB/K in 89.2 IP (13 GS) for Toreros in 2018...  Was moved from bullpen to starting rotation after the 2017 season... Features a 91-92 T94 MPH FB, a serviceable change-up, and a put-away slider... attended William S. Hart HS in Santa Clarita (Richan was a senior when Cole Roederer was a freshman)...
BONUS SLOT VALUE: $762,900
NOTE: Pick awarded to Cubs as compensation for losing post-2017 Article XX-B Qualified Player Jake Arrieta 

++++++++++++++++++++++++++

DAY TWO (6/5):

3rd ROUND (98)  
Jimmy Herron, OF 
R/L, 6'1 195, Age 21 
Duke 
COLLEGE JR 
Area Scout: Billy Swoope 
COMMENT: Team captain... 2nd Team All-ACC in 2018... Has left elbow ligament injury that will probably require TJS in the near future...  Has enough speed and range to play CF but had a "LF arm" even pre-injury... Classic lead-off hitter... Reached base in 35 consecutive games at one point in 2018... More walks than strikeouts... Hit 298/416/454 in 293 PA (60 games) with 41/26 BB/K, five HR, 18 doubles, and 10 HBP, with 22 SB (3 CS), for Blue Devils in 2018...   Was a draft-eligible sophomore in 2017 and was selected in 31st round by New York Yankees but did not sign... Was third in Cape Cod League (the premier summer collegiate "wood-bat" league) in hitting in 2017 (338/443/481 with ten doubles and four HR in 42 games for Orleans)...   
BONUS SLOT VALUE: $570,600

4th ROUND (128) 
Ethan Roberts, RHP 
R/R, 5'11 170, Age 20 
Tennessee Tech 
COLLEGE JR 
Area Scout: Alex McClure 
COMMENT: Golden Eagles closer who often throws 2-3 innings per outing... Has been one of the top relievers in college baseball this season... Helped lead TTU to 2018 NCAA Super-Regional vs. Texas in Austin next weekend with upset sweep over Oxford Regional top seed Ole Miss last weekend... 6-1 with 14 saves, 2.41 ERA, .232 Opp BA, 20/96 BB/K in 71 IP (26 games) in 2018... Relies heavily on a plus-cutter... 2016 Louisville Slugger Freshman All-American...  
BONUS SLOT VALUE: $426,100

5th ROUND (158)  
Andy Weber, 2B 
L/R, 6'1 190, Age 20  
U. of Virginia 
COLLEGE JR 
Area Scout: Billy Swoope 
COMMENT: First-Team All-ACC and 3rd Team Collegiate Baseball All-American in 2018... One of the top hitters in the ACC... Reached base in 50 of 54 games played, tied for first in ACC in doubles, and was second in hitting... Hit 344/415/536 with five HR & 49 RBI, 19 doubles, and 22/32 BB/K (plus nine HBP), in 248 PA for UVA in 2018...
BONUS SLOT VALUE: $317,600

6th ROUND (188) 
Kohl Franklin, RHP 
R/R, 6'4 190, Age 18 
Broken Arrow Senior HS - Broken Arrow, OK
COLLEGE COMMIT: U. of Oklahoma 
Area Scout: Ty Nichols
COMMENT: 2018 Rawlngs-Perfect Game Honorable Mention All-American... Features 89-91 T 93 MPH FB, slow CV, SL, and CH... Father (Jay) is a sports agent and uncle (Ryan) is ex-MLB RP... Will attend University of Oklahoma if he doesn't sign with Cubs...  
BONUS SLOT VALUE: $245,600

7th ROUND (218) 
D. J. Artis, OF 
L/L, 5'11 195, Age 21 
Liberty University
COLLEGE JR 
Area Scout: Billy Swoope 
COMMENT: Big South Freshman of the Year in 2016 and Big South Player of the Year in 2017... Led NCAA D-1 in walks and was second in OBP in 2017... Has plus-speed and is an outstanding flyhawk but has a below average arm... Hit 292/458/457 with four HR & 23 RBI, 16 doubles, 52/49 BB/K and 16 HBP, with 26 SB (4 CS) in 58 games (289 PA) for Flames in 2018... Played in Cape Cod League in both 2016 and 2017... Was drafted by Boston Red Sox out of Southeast Guilford HS in Greensboro, NC, in 40th round of 2015 draft but did not sign...  Has two cousins playing pro ball...  
BONUS SLOT VALUE: $192,500

8th ROUND (248)
Zach Mort, RHP 
R/R, 6'1 205, Age 21 
George Mason University
COLLEGE JR 
Area Scout: Billy Swoope 
COMMENT: Patriots Friday starter... Extreme strike-thrower... 6-3 with a 2.48 ERA and 1.01 WHIP, .238 OppBA, four HR allowed, 13/108 BB/K in 105.1 IP (15 games - 15 GS) for GMU in 2018...   
BONUS SLOT VALUE: $159,100

9th ROUND (278)
Derek Casey, RHP
R/R, 6'2 190, Age 22 
U. of Virginia  
COLLEGE SR (REDSHIRT JR)
Area Scout: Billy Swoope 
COMMENT: Cavs Friday starter... Fly-ball pitcher who features a low 90's FB, a CV, a SL, and CH... 7-4 with a 3.48 ERA, 1.29 WHIP, and .268 OppBA and 12 HR allowed, with 25/106 BB/K in 95.2 IP (14 games - 14 GS) for UVA in 2018... Had TJS in 2015 and missed the 2016 season, so even though he is a senior he has one-year of college eligibility left... Says he was approached by Cubs when he was a HS senior in 2014 and was asked if he would sign for $900,000 if the Cubs drafted him, but he declined... He then was selected by St. Louis Cardinals in 22nd round of the 2014 draft but he did not sign...   
BONUS SLOT VALUE: $145,100

10th ROUND  (308) 
Luke Reynolds, 3B 
L/R, 6'1 215, Age 23 
Southern Mississippi 
COLLEGE SR (REDSHIRT JR) 
Area Scout: Alex McClure
COMMENT: 2018 Conference USA Player of the Year... Led NCAA D-1 in walks and OBP in 2018, was 7th in SLG, and 10th in AVG... Hit 400/562/727 with 15 HR and 60 RBI, 20 doubles, 63/52 BB/K (and 14 HBP) in 283 PA (59 games) for Golden Eagles in 2018... Attended Hinds CC as a freshman in 2014, then transferred to Mississippi State for his sophomore year, and eventually ended up at Southern Mississippi ... Did not play collegiate baseball in 2016 or 2017 due to transfer snafu, so he still has one year of college eligibility remaining despite being 23 years old...  
BONUS SLOT VALUE: $137,600 

+++++++++++++++++++++

DAY THREE (6/6): 

NOTE: A signing bonus in excess of $125,000 for any player selected in Rounds 11-40 as well as for any player eligible for selection in the draft who is not selected and who is subsequently signed as a Non-Drafted Free-agent (NDFA) count against a club's Rule 4 Draft Signing Bonus Pool. 

11th ROUND (338)
Riley Thompson, RHP 
L/R, 6'3 205, Age 21 
U. of Louisville 
COLLEGE JR 
Area Scout: Jacob Williams 
COMMENT: Underachieving SP/RP "swingman" for the Cardinals over past two seasons... 2-3 with a 6.17 ERA and 1.67 WHIP, allowed 46 hits (two HR), 32/55 BB/K in 46.2 IP (24 games - 7 GS) over two seasons (2017-18)...  Redshirted his freshman season (2016)... Pitched effectively for Orleans in Cape Cod League in 2017... Was rated the #1 HS player in Kentucky by Perfect Game in 2015... Selected by Cincinnati Reds in 37th round of 2015 draft and as a draft-eligible sophomore by New York Yankees in 25th round of 2017 draft but did not sign... Says his favorite MLB team is Chicago Cubs... 

12th ROUND (368)
Cam Sanders, RHP 
R/R, 6'2 175, Age 21 
LSU
COLLEGE JR 
Area Scout: Trey Forkerway 
COMMENT: RP/SP "swingman"... 1-0 with 5.61 ERA and 1.40 WHIP, 24 hits allowed (one HR) with 23/44 BB/K in 33.2 IP (17 games - 3 GS) for Tigers in 2018... Spent freshman season at Northwest Florida State College... Was selected by San Diego Padres in 18th round of 2017 draft but did not sign... Two-sport player in HS (played point guard on his HS basketball team)... Son of ex-MLB (and ex-Cubs) RHP Scott Sanders... 

13th ROUND (398) 
Ezequiel Pagan, CF 
L/R, 6'1 163, Age 17 
Pro Baseball Academy & High School - Gurabo, PR  
COLLEGE COMMIT: Broward College  
Area Scout: Edwards Guzman 
COMMENT: One of the top HS players in Puerto Rico... 2018 Rawlings-Perfect Game Honorable Mention All-American...  Plus speed, range, and arm in CF, but has struggled a bit with the bat in showcase games... Will attend Broward College in Florida if he does not sign with Cubs...   

14th ROUND (428) 
Riley McCauley, RHP 
R/R, 6'1 205, Age 21 
Michigan State 
COLLEGE JR 
Area Scout: Jacob Williams  
COMMENT: Successfully followed Dakota Mekkes as Spartans closer, going 1-0 with a 2.10 ERA, nine saves, and 49 K in 25.2 IP as a sophomore in 2017, but struggled as SP/RP "swingman" in 2018, going 2-5 with 4.55 ERA and 1.54 WHIP, allowing 58 hits (three HR) with 27 BB/61 K in 55 IP (18 games - 7 GS)... Was named to USA Today All-USA Michigan Baseball Team as a HS senior...  

15th ROUND (458) 
Tyler Durna, 1B 
L/L, 6'0 205, Age 21 
UCSD 
COLLEGE JR 
Area Scout: Alex Lontayo 
COMMENT: First-Team All-CCAA in 2018... Hit 333/469/547 with 7 HR & 54 RBI, 18 doubles, and 45/25 BB/K, in 55 games (255 PA) for Tritons in 2018... Played for Arroyo Seco-Saints in California Collegiate League (summer collegiate wood-bat league) in 2017 and was named to First-Team All-CCL as DH... Played for Haysville in Jayhawk League (another summer collegiate wood-bat league) in 2016... Was a Rawlings-Perfect Game Honorable Mention All-American as HS senior...  

16th ROUND (488) 
Josh Sawyer, LHP 
R/L, 6'3 180, Age 23 
U. of Texas 
COLLEGE SR (REDSHIRT JR) 
Area Scout: Trey Forkerway 
COMMENT: Missed most of 2016 season and then all of 2017 rehabbing from torn left biceps (2016) and torn labrum in hip (2017)... Finally returned to mound in 2018 and went 1-0 with 3.81 and 1.34 WHIP, 21 hits allowed and 17/29 BB/K in 28 IP out of the Longhorns bullpen...  Was named All-West Texas Player of the Year as a senior at San Angelo Central HS... Was selected by Toronto Blue Jays in 32nd round of 2013 draft but did not sign... 

17th ROUND (518) 
Jake Reindl, RHP 
R/R, 6'1 190, Age 21 
U. of Arkansas 
COLLEGE JR 
Area Scout: Ty Nichols
COMMENT: Was primary Razorbacks closer in 2017 and then was moved to a set-up role in 2018, going 2-1 with five saves and a 2.66 ERA and 1.25 WHIP, 40 hits allowed (one HR), 15/57 BB/K, in 44 IP out of bullpen in 2018... Has allowed only three HR in 99.2 IP over three seasons at Arkansas... Was HS valedictorian and National Merit Scholar...  

18th ROUND (548)
Jake Slaughter, SS-3B 
R/R, 6'3 200, Age 21 
LSU 
COLLEGE SOPH  
Area Scout: Trey Forkerway
COMMENT: Draft-eligible sophomore... Plays both SS and 3B at LSU but projects as a 3B in pro ball ... Has had disappointing college baseball career so far after high-expectations coming out of HS... Hit 249/342/386 with 10 HR and 53 RBI, ten doubles, and 27/81 BB/K, in 108 games (373 PA) over two seasons (2017-18) at LSU... Was rated the #1 high school baseball prospect in Louisiana by Prep Baseball Report in 2016... Was two sport star (SS on the baseball team and WR on the football team) at Ouachita Christian School (Monroe, LA)...Was selected by Cubs as 19-year old HS senior in 36th round of 2016 draft but did not sign... 

19th ROUND (578) 
Layne Looney, RHP 
R/R, 5'10 200, Age 21 
U. of Richmond 
COLLEGE JR 
Area Scout: Billy Swoope 
COMMENT: Moved to closer role in 2018 after working previously as a SP... 1-0 with 0.60 ERA, 1.07 WHIP, and eight saves, allowed 19 hits (no HR), and 13/51 BB/K in 30 IP (23 games) for Spiders in 2018... Has allowed only two HR in 101.2 IP in three college seasons... Was rated the #23 high school baseball prospect in Texas by Rawlings-Perfect Game as a senior at Highland Park HS in Dallas, TX... 

20th ROUND (608) 
Chris Allen, LHP 
L/L, 6'4 180, Age 19 
College of Marin 
JC SOPH 
Area Scout: Gabe Zappin
COMMENT: Ace of the staff and one of the top SP in California JC ball in 2018... 13-0 with a 1.34 ERA (including two CG shutouts), allowed 67 hits (no HR) and 23/102 BB/K in 100.2 IP for Mariners in 2018... Will transfer to University of Hawai'i if he does not sign with Cubs... 

21st ROUND (638)
Carlos Vega, RHP 
R/R, 6'2 220, Age 22 
Southeast Missouri State 
COLLEGE SR 
Area Scout: Ty Nichols 
COMMENT: Redhawks Friday starter... 8-3 with a 2.46 ERA, allowed 60 hits (.222 OppBA), five HR, and 24/85 BB/K in 73.1 IP in 2018... Transferred to SEMO after spending two seasons at Arizona Western JC... First-Team All-State in New Mexico as a HS senior... 

22nd ROUND (668) 
Jamie Galazin, OF
R/R, 6'4 200, Age 22 
St. John's University
COLLEGE SR 
Area Scout: Matt Sherman 
COMMENT: Athletic and versatile player... Can play all three OF positions as well as 3B... Also saw service as a pitcher... Hit a combined 309/386/447 with 9 HR & 100 RBI, 32 doubles, 11 triples, 64/110 BB/K, and 40 SB (9 CS) in 173 career games (693PA) over the course of four seasons at St. John's...  

23rd ROUND (698)
Hunter Taylor, C 
R/R, 5'11 226, Age 21 
U. of South Carolina 
COLLEGE SR 
Area Scout: Tom Clark 
COMMENT: Lost 30 pounds between junior and senior year, improved his defense, and took-over the Gamecocks #1 catcher job this season... Hit 273/331/497 with 8 HR & 30 RBI and 14/40 BB/K in 44 games (161 PA) in 2018...  

24th ROUND (728)
Blake Whitney, RHP 
R/R, 6'3 185, Age 22 
USC - Upstate (Spartanburg, SC) 
COLLEGE SR 
Area Scout: Tom Clark 
COMMENT: The long-time Friday starter at USCU (48 GS over four seasons)... 5-3 with a 2.81 ERA and 1.11 WHIP, allowing 61 hits (3 HR) and 21/82 in 73.2 IP  (14 games- 13 GS) for the Spartans in 2018...

25th ROUND (758)
Dalton Hurd, CF 
R/R, 5'9 180, Age 22 
Seattle University
COLLEGE SR 
Area Scout: Greg Hopkins 
COMMENT: Speedy, versatile lead-off man who can play anywhere in the outfield and infield... Hit 309/352/507 with 8 HR & 43 RBI, 17 doubles, and 8 SB (2 CS) for the Redhawks in 2018... Holds Seattle U. record for most career hits, runs, doubles, home runs, RBI, total bases, and stolen bases...   

26th ROUND (788)
Julian Boyd, OF 
L/L, 5'11 160, Age 18 
St. John Bosco HS - Bellflower, CA 
COLLEGE COMMIT: U. of Nevada 
Area Scout: Alex Lontayo 
COMMENT: Missed most of 2018 season after suffering knee injury (torn ACL) in football game in September 2017... Hit .274 (.346 OBP) with 10 SB (3 CS) in 49 HS games 2016-18... Two-sport athlete in HS (CF on baseball team and QB on football team) .. Rawlings-Perfect Game 2nd team Honorable Mention All American (California) post-2017...  Will attend U. of Nevada if he doesn't sign with Cubs...  

27th ROUND (818)
Niels Stone, RHP 
L/R, 6'1 190, Age 19 
Indian River State College 
JC FRESHMAN 
Area Scout: John Koronka  
COMMENT: Raw project with control issues but also with with a big-time FB (91-94 T 97 MPH)... Went 2-4 with a 5.77 ERA, 44 hits allowed (two HR), and 23/36 BB/K in 43.2 IP for IRSC in 2018..  2017 Rawlings-Perfect Game Honorable Mention All-American (Florida)... Orginallly commited to Florida Gulf Coast University while in HS, but chose to go the "JC route" instead so that he would be draft-eligible after his freshman year...  

28th ROUND (848)
Mitchell Parker, LHP 
L/L, 6'3 195, Age 18 
Manzano HS - Albuquerque, NM 
COLLEGE COMMIT:  U. of Tennessee 
Area Scout: Steve McFarland 
COMMENT: Rated the #2 prospect in New Mexico by Baseball America... Features an 86-92 MPH FB, a 12-6 CV, and a below-average CH... Went 9-9 with a 1.81 ERA, 83/314 BB/K and .137 OppBA in 162.1 IP in four seasons on the varsity baseball squad at MHS... Struck out 15 in a game at the Perfect Game WWBA Championship in Florida last year... Will attend U. of Tennessee if he doesn't sign with Cubs... 

29th ROUND (878)
Levi Jordan, INF 
R/R, 5'8 170, Age 22 
U. of Washington
COLLEGE SR 
Area Scout: Greg Hopkins
COMMENT: Four-year starter... Plays both SS and 2B but is elite defender at 2B... 2018 All-PAC-12 selection... High-contact hitter who doesn't walk or strikeout much... Hit 286/353/482 with 8 HR & 37 RBI, 13 doubles, and 17/23 BB/K in 52 games (229 PA) for Huskies in 2018... Also played football (WR) in HS.. 

30th ROUND (908) 
Drew Wharton, OF-1B 
R/R, 6'3 190, Age 22 
Clemson 
COLLEGE SR 
Area Scout: Tom Clark 
COMMENT: Won everyday RF job in 2018 after serving primarily as a back-up OF-1B the previous three seasons... Hit 237/316/358 with 7 HR and 58 RBI, 15 doubles, and 39/85 BB/K in 133 career games (371 PA) over the course of his four years at Clemson... 

31st ROUND (938) 
Clayton Daniel
, 2B
R/R, 5'7 170, Age 23 
Jacksonville State 
COLLEGE SR 
Area Scout: Alex McClure
COMMENT: Louisville Slugger Freshman All-American in 2015... Four-year starter at 2B... High-contact lead-off hitter... Struck out only ten times in 293 PA in 2018... Hit 338/412/433 in 226 games (1,132 PA) in four-year career at JSU... 

32nd ROUND (968)
Jack Patterson, LHP 
L/L, 6'0 210, Age 22 
Bryant University
COLLEGE 5th YEAR (REDSHIRT SR) 
Area Scout: Matt Sherman 
COMMENT: Rated the #3 prospect (#2 pitching prospect) in Rhode Island by Baseball America... Bulldogs Friday starter... Went 6-3 (including one CG shutout) with a 3.84 ERA and 1.48 WHIP, 75 hits allowed (one HR), and 46/101 BB/K in 82.0 IP for Bryant in 2018... 

33rd ROUND (998)
Tylor Ras, RHP 
B/R, 6'4 200, Age 18 
Middletown North HS - Middleton Township, NJ
COLLEGE COMMIT: U. of Alabama 
Area Scout: Matt Sherman
COMMENT: The top HS pitching prospect in New Jersey... Features a low 90's FB that touches 95, a plus-CH, and a mediocre breaking ball that needs work... A two-way player in HS (P/OF), he may play both if he goes to college... Will attend the University of Alabama if he doesn't sign with Cubs... 

34th ROUND (1028)
Miguel Pabon, SS 
R/R, 6'0 165, Age 17 
Leadership Christian Academy - Guaynabo, PR 
COLLEGE COMMIT: UNKNOWN
Area Scout: Edwards Guzman 

35th ROUND (1058)
Edmond Americaan, OF 
L/L, 6'1 170, Age 21
Chipola College 
JC SOPH 
Area Scout: Alex McClure
COMMENT: Curacao native with plus speed and a strong arm... Hit 413/490/599 with 8 HR & 48 RBI, eight doubles and seven triples, 29/38 BB/K, and 16 SB (five CS), in 66 games in 2018... Rated the #4 JC prospect in Florida by Baseball America... Named to 2018 FCSAA All-State Second-team... Was a Rawlings-Perfect Game All-American Honorable Mention at Trinity Christian Academy in Lake Worth, FL in 2016... Selected by Arizona Diamondbacks in 28th round of 2016 draft but did not sign and was selected by Texas Rangers in 34th round of 2017 draft but did not sign...   

36th ROUND (1088) 
Jacob Campbell, C 
R/R, 6'0 200, Age 18 
Craig HS - Janesville, WI 
COLLEGE COMMIT: U. of Illinois
Area Scout: John Pedrotty 
COMMENT: Rated the #2 prospect in Wisconsin by Baseball America... Excellent receiving skills with an accurate (if not particularly strong) arm... Good hitter with a line-drive stroke but has yet to show any power... Will attend the University of Illinois if he does not sign with Cubs...  

37th ROUND (1118) 
Henry Anthony Vilar, SS 
L/R, 5'11 170, Age 19 
Westminster Christian School - Palmetto, FL
COLLEGE COMMIT: U. of Miami
Area Scout: John Koronka  
COMMENT: 2018 Rawlings-Perfect Game 2nd team All-American (Florida)...   

38th ROUND (1148) 
Chase Hanson, RHP 
L/R, 6'4 175, Age 18 
Edison HS - Huntington Beach CA 
COLLEGE COMMIT:  UNLV
Area Scout: Alex Lontayo 
COMMENT: 2018 Rawlings-Perfect Game 1st team Honorable Mention... Will attend UNLV if he doesn't sign with Cubs  

39th ROUND (1178)
Pierson Gibis, C 
L/R, 6'0 175, Age 18 
Wauconda HS - Wauconda, IL 
COLLEGE COMMIT: Madison College 
Area Scout:John Pedrotty
COMMENT: Ex-Wauconda HS baseball player has been battling cancer for past year-and-a-half... 

40th ROUND (1208)
Itamar Steiner, LHP 
L/L, 5'10 160, Age 18 
Niles North HS - Skokie, IL 
COLLEGE COMMIT: UNKNOWN
Area Scout: John Pedrotty 

2017 Cubs MLB First-Year Player Draft Ticker Tracker

DAY ONE

1st ROUND
(27): 
Brendon Little, LHP  
L/L, 6'2 195, Age 20 
SCF - Manatee-Sarasota
JC SOPH 
COMMENT: Transferred to a Florida JC after spending his freshman year at the University of North Carolina, making him draft-eligible after his sophomore year... Got attention of scouts after making All-Star team pitching out of the bullpen for the Bourne Braves in Cape Cod League in the Summer of 2016... An advanced lefty with a plus "swing & miss" 12-6 CV and a 91-93 MPH FB with movement that touches 94-96 at times... if he works out of the pen he could be the first one of his draft class to reach MLB... he was selected by the San Francisco Giants in 36th round of 2015 draft out of Conestoga HS (Berwyn, PA) but he did not sign... 
BONUS SLOT VALUE: $2,373,300

1st ROUND (30):  
Alex Lange, RHP
R/R, 6'4 200, Age 21
LSU
COLLEGE JR  
NOTE: Compensation pick awarded to Cubs after post-2016 Article XX-B FA Dexter Fowler signed wuth STL
COMMENT: Durable Friday night starter... was voted National Freshman Pitcher of the year and a First-Team All-American when he led LSU to College World Series in 2015, going 12-0 with a 1.97 ERA and 131 K in 114 IP... FB velocity was 94-96 as a frosh but it is a couple of ticks below that now... also has experienced command issues over the past couple of seasons as the result of over-throwing his FB... However, his CV continues to be a plus pitch and his CH is solid as well...
BONUS SLOT VALUE: $2,184,300

2nd ROUND (67): 
Cory Abbott, RHP
R/R, 6'2 210, Age 21 
Loyola Marymount 
COLLEGE JR 
COMMENT: Ace of the Lions staff... was named First Team All-American and WCC Pitcher of the Year in 2017... shot-up draft boards after adding 86-88 MPH slider to his repertoire that has proven to be nearly unhittable at times... threw perfect game against BYU in March... "get me over" CV and mediocre CH are rated as below-average pitches, but FB is now a solid 91-93 MPH heater (topped-out in the high 80's pre-2017) that sets up his slider... pitches from the extreme third-base side of the rubber and briefly turns his back to the hitter prior to delivery... 11-2 with a 1.74 ERA, 28/130 BB/K, and a .173 OppBA in 98.1 IP for LMU in 2017...  
BONUS SLOT VALUE: $901,900

++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++

DAY TWO:

3rd ROUND (105): 
Keegan Thompson, RHP 
R/R, 6'2 210, Age 22
Auburn
COLLEGE SR (Redshirt JR)
COMMENT: A poliished college pitcher with outstanding command...  Freshman All-American at Auburn in 2014... had TJS post-2015 and did not pitch in 2016... Friday starter for Tigers in 2017... went 7-4 with 2.41 ERA, 17/75 BB/K, and .200 OppBA in 93.1 IP... features a plus-CV and a decent CH, but FB velocity has been inconsistent post-TJS (87-93 MPH)... was an elite HS pitcher... Rawlings 1st Team All-American in 2013... Gatorade Alabama Player of the Year in both 2011 (as a sophomore) and 2013 (as a senior)... pitched for Team USA U16 and U18 teams...  
BONUS SLOT VALUE: $511,900

4th ROUND (135) 
Erich Uelmen, RHP
R/R, 6'3 195, Age 21
Cal Poly - SLO 
COLLEGE JR
COMMENT: Durable rotation starter with plus-command... relies heavily on 90-94 MPH two-seam FB with sinking action... breaking ball is just average.,,. allowed only three HR in 211.2 IP in college career... strikeouts increased along with FB velocity uptick in 2017... went 4-8 with a 2.93 ERA, 95 hits allowed, and 23/100 BB/K for Mustangs in 2017... 
BONUS SLOT VALUE: $382,300

5th ROUND
(165)
Nelson Velazquez, OF 
B/R, 6'0 190, Age 18 
PJ Education School - Carolina, PR
COLLEGE COMMITMENT: NONE 
COMMENT: Athletic, raw, toolsy outfielder with a strong arm, plus bat-speed, and HR power, but has significant contact issues as a hitter...  above-average defender in OF with plus-speed on the bases... attended HS and played baseball as a junior in Lake Worth, FL, in 2016 before returning to Puerto Rico for his senior year after being ruled ineligible by the FHSAA... he is listed as a switch-hitter by some scouting services, but as a RH-hitter only by others...     
BONUS SLOT VALUE: $285,800 

6th ROUND (195)
Jeremiah Estrada, RHP 
B/R, 6'1 180, Age 18 
Palm Desert HS - Palm Desert, CA 
COLLEGE COMMITMENT: UCLA 
COMMENT: Was a Perfect Game Underclass All-American as a HS junior and was projected to be a possible 1st round draft pick coming into the 2017 season, but he appeared to wear down during his senior year and as a result his draft stock fell... features an advanced CH, an average CV, and a FB that was clocked consistently 92-94 MPH in 2016 but was down to 89-91 in 2017... 
BONUS SLOT VALUE: $222,600

7th ROUND
(225)
Ricky Tyler Thomas, LHP 
R/L, 6'1 175, Age 21 
Fresno State 
COLLEGE JR 
COMMENT: Led the Mountain West Conference in strikeouts as a sophomore in 2016 and then pitched out of the bullpen for Team USA and led the team in strikeouts, throwing 5.1 IP of shutout ball in relief against Team Cuba... was a SP in 2017 and had FB command and velocity issues throughout the season... went 6-4 with a 5.86 ERA, allowing 84 hits with a 52/100 BB/K in 90.2 IP for the Bulldogs in 2017... features a "swing & miss" plus-CH, a below-average CV, and an 86-89 MPH FB (used to set-up his off-speed pitch) that he was unable to throw for strikes in 2017... 
BONUS SLOT VALUE: $175,500

8th ROUND (255)
Austin Filiere, 3B 
R/R, 6'1 190, Age 21 
MIT  
COLLEGE JR 
COMMENT: Was a National Honor Society Impact Scholar at Hamilton HS in Chandler, AZ... is majoring in Business Analytics at Sloan School of Management... aspires to play pro baseball and then stay in the game "in some capacity"... has hit 414/543/879 with 39 HR and 151 RBI, 46 doubles, 111 BB, 20 HBP, 80 K, and 44 SB (4 SB), in 116 games (560 PA) over the course of three seasons at MIT... hit 7 HR with 27 RBI (2nd in league in HR and RBI) for Harwich in Cape Cod League (summer collegiate "wood bat league") in 2016...  was rated the top player in NCAA Division 3 in 2016 by Baseball America...
BONUS SLOT VALUE: $148,500

9th ROUND (285)
Chris Carrier, OF
R/R, 6'2 225, Age 22
U. of Memphis 
COLLEGE SR 
COMMENT: Power-hitting RF... was 2nd in HR and 5th in RBI in American Athletic Conference in 2017... hit 330/438/641 with team-leading 16 HR and 50 RBI, 16 doubles, 30 BB, 12 HBP, and 40 K, and 9 OF assists in 56 games for Tigers in 2017... suffers from Pagel-Schroetter Disease, and underwent emergency life-saving surgery in 2015 to relieve blood clot in arm... 
BONUS SLOT VALUE: $137,500

10th ROUND (315)
Brian Glowicki, RHP 
R/R, 5'11 190, Age 22 
U. of Minnesota 
COLLEGE SR 
COMMENT: Golden Gophers closer... led Big Ten Conference in saves and set the single-season school record for saves in 2017... went 2-1 with a 2.20 ERA and 16 saves, 25 hits allowed, 7/39 BB/K, and a .216 OppBA in 32.2 IP in 2017... posted a 1.80 ERA and recorded 11 saves with 27 K in 25 IP (16 games) for St. Cloud Rox of the Northwoods League (summer collegiate "wood bat league") in 2016... features FB, SL, and CH, and he throws strikes... graduated from Downers Grove South HS in suburban Chicago in 2013... 
BONUS SLOT VALUE: $131,300

++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++

DAY THREE
 

11th ROUND (345)
Rollie Lacy, RHP
R/R, 6'4 195, Age 21
Creighton
COLLEGE JR  
COMMENT: Blue Jays Friday night starter... first-team All Big East... went 5-2 with a 2.54 ERA, 86 hits (only one HR), and 18/83 in 88.2 IP.... 

12th ROUND (375)
Ben Hecht, RHP 
R/R, 6'2 185, Age 22 
Wichita State 
COLLEGE SR (Redshirt JR)  
COMMENT: Shockers closer... 5.04 ERA with 8 saves and allowed 30 hits (.256 OppBA) with 12/41 BB/K in 30.1 IP (28 games)... attended Illinois State as a freshman, then transferred to Lincoln Land CC, before ending up at Wichita State... NJCAA Academic All-American at LLCC... was selected by New York Mets in 31st round of 2013 draft out of St. Anthony HS in Effingham, IL, but did not sign...  

13th ROUND (405)
Austin Upshaw, 1B 
L/R, 6'0 180, Age 20 
Kennesaw State 
COLLEGE JR  
COMMENT: Played 1B in 2017, but also plays 3B... hit 327/378/516 with 8 HR and 39 RBI, 17 doubles, and 18/28 BB/K in 55 games in 2017, and committed no errors in the field... transferred to KSU from Georgia Perimeter JC... 

14th ROUND (435)
Luis Vazquez, SS
R/R, 6'1 165, Age 17  
Alberto Melendez Torres School - Orocovis, PR 
COLLEGE COMMITMENT: NONE 

15th ROUND
(465)
Jared Young, 2B
L/R, 6'2 185, Age 21
Old Dominion
COLLEGE JR   
COMMENT: 2017 third-team All-American... named Conference USA Newcomer of the Year, first team All Conference USA, and C-USA All-Academic Team in 2017... hit 367/441/580 with 7 HR and 34 RBI, 19 doubles, 18/19 BB/K, 18 HBP, and 9 SB (4 CS), and committed six errors in 58 games in 2017... led-Monarchs in AVG, HR, triples, runs, SB, and HBP in 2017, and set single-season team record for HBP... 24 multi-hit games... hit .490 with 11 HR and 54 RBI at Connors State JC in 2016 before transferring to ODU... spent freshman year at Minot State before transferring to Connors State... is from Kelowna, BC (Canada), and played for the Okanagan Athletics in the B. C. Premier Baseball League as a teenager...

16th ROUND (495)
Brandon Hughes, CF 
B/L, 6'2 215, Age 21
Michigan State 
COLLEGE JR 
COMMENT: Second-team All-Big Ten in 2017 and led Big Ten and was seventh in the nation (NCAA D-1) in stolen bases with 30 SB...  hit combined 304/377/427 with 13 HR & 93 RBI, 30 doubles, 65/92 BB/K, and 50 SB (14 CS), in 159 career games (704 PA) over the course of three seasons at MSU... was named to first-team All-Big Ten Freshman team in 2015... was two-way player (P/OF) for Spartans as a freshman...

17th ROUND
(525)
Peyton Remy, RHP 
L/R, 6'2 170, Age 20 
Central Arizona JC 
JC SOPH  
COMMENT: Vaqueros #3 starter... went 10-7 with 3.68 ERA, 131 hits and five HR allowed, and 74/148 BB/K in 144.1 IP in two seasons at CAC... will transfer to New Mexico State if he doesn't sign with Cubs... 

18th ROUND
(555)
Casey Ryan, RHP 
R/R, 6'4 200, Age 23 
U. of Hawai'i 
COLLEGE SR 
COMMENT: Two-way player (P/INF) prior to 2017 season... was Rainbow Warriors bullpen set-up man in 2017... 3-0 with 1.52 ERA, allowed 16 hits (.188 OppBA) and no HR, and 5/21 BB/K in 23.2 IP in 2017... spent freshman and sophomore years at Pierce JC in Los Angeles...

19th ROUND
(585)
Chris Singleton, CF 
R/R, 6'0 175, Age 20 
Charleston Southern
COLLEGE JR  
COMMENT: Speedy CF with contact issues... hit .276/348/404 with 4 HR & 21 RBI, 10 doubles, two triples, 18 SB (2 CS), and 22/50 BB/K in 51 games (230 PA) for Buccaneers in 2017... 

20th ROUND (615)
Brendan King, RHP 
R/R, 6'1 200, Age 22
Holy Cross 
COLLEGE SR 
COMMENT: Crusaders Friday starter in 2017... 15 GS, went 5-7 with a 4.35 ERA, 74 hits and eight HR allowed, 30/62 BB/K in 80.2 IP...   

21st ROUND (645)
Sean Barry, RHP
R/R, 6'2 190, Age 22 
U. of San Diego  
COLLEGE SR 
COMMENT: RP/SP swingman who has worked primarily out of the bullpen for the Toreros the past two seasons... went 5-1 with 4.43 ERA and 1.31 WHIP, 38 hits allowed (.241 OppBA) with 18/54 K, in 21 games and 42.2 IP in 2017... spent freshman year at High Point University, then transferred to Santa Barbara CC for his sophomre year where he was the Vaqueros #1 starter (10-3 with a 1.29 ERA, 32/107 BB/K, and only 52 hits allowed in 111.1 IP in 2015 )... 

22nd ROUND
(675)
Skyler Messinger, SS
R/R, 6'3 195, Age 18  
Niwot HS - Niwot, CO
COLLEGE COMMITMENT: Kansas
COMMENT: Outstanding defensive SS... made the varsity team as a HS freshman and he hit .407 in 83 career varsity games (286 PA) over the course of four seasons... 

23rd ROUND (705)
Brady Miller, RHP
R/R, 6'2 185, Age 21
Western Oregon
COLLEGE JR
COMMENT: Wolves Friday starter... went 5-2 with a 3.50 ERA in 2017, allowing 45 hits (.223 OppBA) and one HR with 24/57 BB/K over the course of 54.0 IP in 10 games (10 GS)... pitched for Kelowna Falcons in West Coast League (a summer collegiate "wood bat league") in 2015 after his freshman year at WOU and was named the WCL Pitcher of the Year (6-0 with a 2.18 ERA)...   

24th ROUND (735)
Braxton Light, RHP 
R/R, 5'10 185, Age 21 
Wallace State CC 
JC SOPH
COMMENT: Govs closer... went 6-0 with a 1.86 ERA and nine saves in 16 games in 2017, allowing 20 hits (one HR) with 17/50 BB/K in 38.2 IP.

25th ROUND (765)
Mitch Stophel, RHP
R/R, 6'3 205, Age 22
King University
COLLEGE SR
COMMENT: Tornado closer... went 1-1 with a 4.74 ERA, allowed 38 hits (.266 OppBA) and four HR with 18/45 BB/K in 38.0 IP and 19 games in 2017...   

26th ROUND (795) 
Bryce Bonnin, RHP
R/R, 6'1 180, Age 18 
Barbers Hill HS - Mont Belvieu, TX  
COLLEGE COMMITMENT: Arkansas 
COMMENT: Projected as third-rounder coming into the draft... rated the #3 HS pitching prospect in Texas by Baseball America (behind only Shane Baz and Alex Scherff)... Rawlings Perfect Game 2nd team All-American... features a 90-95 MPH sinker and a hard slider... also is an outstanding hitter and was a two-way player (SS/P) in HS... signed NLI with U. of Arkansas and it very unlikely that he will sign pro contract at this time...   

27th ROUND (825)
Darius Vines, RHP 
R/R 6'1 180, Age 19 
Oxnard JC 
JC FR
COMMENT: Two-way player (SS/P) at Oxnard... hit 277/382/313 with 9 SB as a SS, and went 4-4 with a 1.94 ERA, allowing 61 hits (.197 OppBA) and three HR with 26/95 BB/K (also 11 WP and six HBP) in 83.2 IP & 13 G (12 GS)... was selected by the Houston Astros in the 32nd round of the 2016 draft but did not sign... was a three-sport star at St. Bonaventure HS in Ventura, CA (WR in football, SS/P in baseball, and PG in basketball)... nickname is "Legendarius"... 

28th ROUND (855) 
Kier Meredith, CF
L/L, 5'9 165, Age 17
Robert B. Glenn HS - Kernersville, NC 
COLLEGE COMMITMENT: Clemson  
COMMENT: Rated one of the top-five HS position player prospects in North Carolina... already a plus-defender in CF, he has sprinter's speed (sub 4.0 seconds home-to-1st)... a "small-ball" high-contact hitter with no power at the plate... 

29th ROUND (885)
Jake Steffens, RHP 
R/R, 6'4 215, Age 22
Santa Clara 
COLLEGE SR 
COMMENT: Broncos Friday night starter... has outstanding control... finished third in the West Coast Conference in strikeouts and went 4-7 with a 4.56 ERA and 1.32 WHIP, allowing 116 H (four HR) and 20/101 BB/K in 102.1 IP in 2017...  

30th ROUND (915)
Cam Balego, SS
R/R, 5'11 205, Age 22
Mercyhurst
COLLEGE SR
COMMENT: Hit 367/500/698 with 10 HR and 48 RBI, 14 doubles, 28/8 BB/K, 14 HBP, and 7 SB (1 CS) in 46 games (188 PA) for the Lakers in 2017...

31st ROUND (945)
Ramsey Romano, SS 
R/R, 6'2 205, Age 22
Long Beach State 
COLLEGE SR (Redshirt JR)  
COMMENT: Hit 313/340/382 with two HR and 39 RBI, 11 doubles, 10/28 BB/K, and five SB (five CS)  in 63 games (270 PA) for The Beach in 2017.. started college career at the University of Michigan where he was a QB on the football team and infielder on the baseball team... transferred to Yavapai JC for sophomore year and was named a 1st team NJCAA All-American after helping lead the Roughriders to the NJCAA championship, hitting .410 with 9 HR and 53 RBI, 22 doubles, and 12 SB... was selected by the Cubs in the 35th round of the 2013 draft but did not sign...  

32nd ROUND (975)
Hunter Ruth, RHP 
R/R, 6'2 185, Age 18 
Buchholz HS - Gainesville, FL 
COLLEGE COMMITMENT: Florida 
COMMENT: Had 2017 season cut-short in April by a torn elbow UCL that required TJS... was considered a likely first or second round draft pick prior to the TJS... was featuring a mid-90's FB that touched 97 MPH, a plus-slider, one of the best change-ups in HS ball, and outstanding command prior to the injury...  

33rd ROUND (1005)
Joe Donovan, C
R/R, 5'11 177, Age 18 
Westmont HS - Westmont, IL 
COLLEGE COMMITMENT: Michigan
COMMENT: Career leader in HR and XBH at Westmont HS in west suburban Chicago... was hitting .568 with a 1.373 SLG, 26 RBI and 24 runs scored, and five strikeouts in his first 51 AB in 2017... 

34th ROUND (1035)
Andrew Karp, RHP
R/R, 6'1 204, Age 21 
Florida State
COLLEGE JR (Redshirt SOPH)   
COMMENT: Seminoles #4 starter and bullpen "swing-man" (17 games - 12 GS)... went 2-3 with a 4.87 ERA and 1.30 WHIP, allowing 62 hits and six HR with 17/63 BB/K in 61.0 IP in 2017...  features a 90-93 MPH fastball, a plus-change-up, and a slow curve, and he can throw all of his pitches for strikes... was a Perfect Game First Team Underclass All-American as a HS junior in West Orange, NJ.... he redshirted his freshman year at FSU after suffering a broken leg in a car crash, so he has been brought along slowly and he still has two years of eligibility remaining... 

35th ROUND (1065)
Ben Ramirez, 3B 
L/R, 6'3 180, Age 18  
Eastlake HS - Chula Vista, CA 
COLLEGE COMMITMENT: USC 
COMMENT: A projectable player who has yet to fill-out.. has power potential offset by below-average bat speed... played shortstop in HS, and while he is a reliable defender, he lacks the range necessary to stay there, and so he will very likely need to move to 3B in college and/or pro ball...   

36th ROUND (1095)
Tanner Allen, CF 
L/R, 5'11 180, Age 19
UMS-Wright Prep 
COLLEGE COMMITMENT:  Mississippi State 
COMMENT: Hit 374/473/658 with four HR, 11 doubles, and 21/10 BB/K in 36 games over the course of two varsity seasons... Played both SS and CF in HS, but he is projected as a CF in pro ball... has strong commitment to attend college and so it is very unlikely that he will sign a pro contract at this time... 

37th ROUND (1125)
Alex Cornwell, LHP
L/L, 6'1 175, Age 18 
Maranatha HS - Pasadena, CA
COLLEGE COMMITMENT: USC 
COMMENT: Has pitched on the varsity squad for three years... went 9-6 with a 1.96 ERA in 22 games (19 GS) in those three seasons, allowing 44 hits with 44/89 BB/K in 89.1 IP... throws upper 80's FB that touches 90-92 and a curve that has potential to be a plus-pitch, but he has major command issues...   

38th ROUND (1155)
Russell Smith, LHP 
L/L, 6'9 230, Age 18 
Midlothian HS - Midlothian, TX 
COLLEGE COMMITMENT: TCU 
COMMENT: Threw two no-hitters and one one-hitter in consecutive starts in his sophomore year in HS... features an 88-90 MPH FB and promising CV and CH that need work.... has had mechanical issues with his delivery... 

39th ROUND (1185)
Cooper Coldiron, SS 
R/R, 6'1 190, Age 22
U. of Houston  
COLLEGE SR (Redshirt JR)  
COMMENT: Hit 245/355/283 in just 15 games for Cougars in 2017, after hitting 370/425/445 with two HR and 47 RBI, eight doubles, and 21/29 BB/K in 54 games (238 PA) at Grayson JC in 2016 prior to transferring to UH...  

40th ROUND (1215)
Jeffrey Passantino, RHP 
R/R, 5'9 225, Age 21
Lipscomb 
COLLEGE JR 
COMMENT: Bisons Friday night starter... stocky righthander went 4-3 with a 3.09 ERA, allowing 94 hits but only nine walks with 95 strikeouts in 96.0 IP in 2017... was named a Louisville Slugger Freshman All-American in 2015, and "Most Outstanding Pitcher" and an All-Star in the Cape Cod League while pitching for Falmouth in 2016 (3-0 with a 0.64 ERA, allowing only three walks with 39 strikeouts in 42 IP)...  features 86-89 MPH FB, SL, and CV...  

2016 Cubs MLB First-Year Player Draft Ticker Tracker

DAY ONE:

1st ROUND
- NONE (Cubs signed post-2015 Article XX-B Qualified Player - RHP John Lackey 

2nd ROUND - NONE (Cubs signed post-2015 Article XX-B Qualified Player - OF Jason Heyward


+++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++


DAY TWO

3rd ROUND (104): 
Thomas Hatch, RHP 
R/R, 6'1 200, Age 21  
Oklahoma State
COLLEGE JR (REDSHIRT SOPH)
COMMENT: 2016 Big 12 Pitcher of the Year... threw three consecutive CG shutouts at one point in 2016... 7-2 with a 2.16 ERA, 1.09 WHIP, and .234 OppBA, 94 hits (including two HR) allowed and 28/102 BB/K in 112.1 IP (16 G - 16 GS) for the Cowboys in 2016... missed all of 2015 season with sprained elbow UCL that did not require TJS... throws from 3/4 arm slot... 91-94 MPH sinking fastball and plus-slider generate lots of ground balls... change-up is his third pitch... Under Armour All-American in HS in both junior & senior years... was rated the #1 HS pitching prospect in Oklahoma as a HS senior by ESPN... was selected by Colorado Rockies in 32nd round of 2013 draft out of HS but did not sign due to strong college commitment...  
2016 SIGNING BONUS POOL #104 SLOT VALUE: $573,900

4th ROUND (134): 
Tyson Miller, RHP 
R/R, 6'4 195, Age 20 
California Baptist  
COLLEGE JR 
COMMENT: Gained national attention and "buzz" among scouts after posting 2-1 record with a 1.44 ERA and 0.88 WHIP, 16 hits allowed and 6/29 BB/K in 25 IP (5 G - 4 GS) for Brewster Whitecaps in Cape Cod League (top collegiate "wood bat" summer league) in 2015, earning him pre-season PacWest Pitcher of the Year status... 9-3 with a 2.27 ERA, 1.05 WHIP, and .232 OppBA, 89 hits (including four HR) allowed and 23/92 BB/K in 107.0 IP (16 G - 15 CG) for the Lancers in 2016... has outstanding control... 91-93 MPH sinking fastball and hard slider produce weak contact ground balls... change-up is a work-in-progress...  
2016 SIGNING BONUS POOL #134 SLOT VALUE: $429,700

5th ROUND (164):
Bailey Clark, RHP 
R/R, 6'4 220, Age 21 
Duke 
COLLEGE JR 
COMMENT: Was projected as a possible 1st round pick coming into 2016 season... allowed just three runs in his first three starts in 2016 touching 98-99 MPH with his fastball, but lack of command landed him in Blue Devils bullpen after ten starts... 4-4 with a 5.61 ERA, 1.58 WHIP, and .291 OppBA, 68 hits (including five HR) with 26/64 BB/K and nine WP in 59.1 IP (15 G - 10 GS) for Duke in 2016... max-effort delivery leads to projection as reliever in pro ball with mid-upper 90's fastball and mid-80's slider... 3-0 with 0.56 ERA and 0.94 WHIP, 10 hits allowed with 5/11 BB/K in 16 IP for Wareham in Cape Cod League in 2015... also pitched for Team USA in 2015... is a member of National Honor Society and Mu Alpha Theta (National High School Mathematics Honor Society)... 
2016 SIGNING BONUS POOL #164 SLOT VALUE: $321,800

6th ROUND
 (194): 
Chad Hockin, RHP 
R/R, 6'2 210, Age 21 
Cal State - Fullerton
COLLEGE JR 
COMMENT: Grandson of Hall of Famer Harmon Killebrew... college closer... 97 MPH fastball and upper 80's slider... missed a couple of weeks during the 2016 season with a tender elbow... 1.05 ERA and 0.86 WHIP, 15 hits allowed (2 HR) with 7/23 BB/K in 25.2 IP (20 games) for Titans in 2016... 2.08 ERA and 1.15 WHIP, 6 hits allowed with 4/13 BB/K in 8.2 IP for Yarmouth in Cape Cod League in 2015... two-way player (3B-RHP) in HS...  brother Grant was 2nd round pick of Cleveland Indians in 2014...
2016 SIGNING BONUS POOL #194 SLOT VALUE: $241,000

7th ROUND (224): 
Michael Cruz, C
L/R, 511 210, Age 20
Bethune-Cookman
COLLEGE JR
COMMENT: A DH who can catch... hit 325/461/605 with 16 HR & 41 RBI with 38/25 BB/K in 56 games (258 PA) for Wildcats in 2016... 23% CS and 7 PB behind the plate... was named Louisville Slugger National Player of the Week in March after he hit five HR and drew seven walks... attended Clarendon CC prior to transfering to BCU, where he was named a second team NJCAA All-American as a DH after hitting 10 HR with 45 RBI in 2015... played C-1B-OF in HS at Puerto Rico Baseball Academy...    
2016 SIGNING BONUS POOL #224 SLOT VALUE: $186,000

8th ROUND (254): 
Stephen Ridings, RHP
R/R, 6'8 220, Age 20
Haverford  
COLLEGE JR 
COMMENT: Has command issues.... 6-3 with a 2.62 ERA, 1.13 WHIP, and .163 OppBA, 37 hits allowed (3 HR) with 37/87 BB/K, 10 HBP, and 13 WP in 65 IP with two CG (including one CG shutout) for the Fords in 2016... 
2016 SIGNING BONUS POOL #254 SLOT VALUE: $173,800

9th ROUND (284): 
Duncan Robinson, RHP 
R/R, 6'6 200, Age 22 
Dartmouth
COLLEGE SR 
COMMENT: Has impeccable control, with 7/73 BB/K in 68.2 IP for Big Green in 2016... overall 4-6 with 3.28 ERA, 1.14 WHIP, and .264 OppBA... was Senior Class President and captain of his football, basketball, and baseball teams as a HS senior in Houston...   
2016 SIGNING BONUS POOL #263 SLOT VALUE: $162,300

10th ROUND (314): 
Dakota Mekkes, RHP 
R/R, 6'7 250, Age 21 
Michigan State
COLLEGE JR (REDSHIRT SOPH)
COMMENT: All Big Ten First-team closer... led NCAA D-1 with 14.6 K/9... allowed just 26 hits (no HR) with 92 K in 57 IP, but also walked 41... throws a 90-93 MPH fastball, a slider, and a change-up... not overpowering, but pitches from a low arm-slot with a deceptive delivery that keeps hitters off-balance...  
2016 SIGNING BONUS POOL #293 SLOT VALUE: $156,600

++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++

DAY THREE  

11th ROUND (344): 
Michael Rucker, RHP 
R/R, 6'1 185, Age 22 
BYU 
COLLEGE SR 
COMMENT: 11-1 with a 2.73 ERA, 1.08 WHIP, and .215 OppBA, with one CG, 80 hits allowed, and 31/94 BB/K and 11 WP in 102.1 IP as Cougars Friday night starter in 2016... was BYUs closer before being moved to starting rotation last season... transferred to BYU from Gonzaga after 2013 season... throws 90-93 MPH fastball that touches 95, a curve, a slider, and a change-up, but secondary stuff is below average... profiles as a reliever in pro ball...   

12th ROUND (374):
Trey Cobb, RHP
R/R, 6'1 190, Age 21
Oklahoma State
COLLEGE JR
COMMENT: Teammate of Cubs 3rd round pick Thomas Hatch... 4-7 with 3.34 ERA, 1.40 WHIP, and .266 OppBA, 74 hits allowed and 28/91 BB/K in 20 games (12 GS) and 72.2 IP for Cowboys in 2016... right-handed "swing-man" (#3 starter and back-up closer) throws low-90's two-seam fastball with sink and a plus-slider.. change-up is below average... profiles as a reliever in pro ball...  

13th ROUND (404):
Wyatt Short, LHP
L/L, 5'8 180, Age 21
Mississippi
COLLEGE JR
COMMENT: Bulldogs closer... racked-up 21 saves and 22/75 BB/K in 79.1 IP in last two seasons at Ole Miss... diminutive southpaw throws 88-90 MPH fastball with run & sink, a change-up, and a curve, and he throws all three pitches for strikes...   

14th ROUND (434):
Parker Dunshee, RHP
R/R, 6'1 205, Age 21
Wake Forest
COLLEGE JR
COMMENT: Combined 18-9 with 2.89 ERA and 1.28 WHIP, 191 hits allowed (13 HR) with 84/208 BB/K in 61 games (19 GS) in three seasons at Wake... was moved from closer to starting rotation in 2016, and became Demon Deacons Friday Night starter.... Cape Cod League All-Star in 2015, posting 3-2 record with 2.16 ERA and 0.93 WHIP , allowing 23 hits (one HR) and 8/27 BB/K in 33.1 IP for Chatham...    

15th ROUND (464):
Jed Carter, RHP
R/R, 6'0 190, Age 21
Auburn U. - Montgomery  
COLLEGE JR 
COMMENT: Warhawks closer... 1.85 ERA, 0.97 WHIP, and .176 OppBA , 21 hits allowed and 12/53 BB/K in 34 IP in 2016... transferred to AUM in 2015 after spending freshman and sophomore years at Lurlene Wallace JC... 

16th ROUND: (494):
Holden Cammack, RHP 
R/R, 6'0 195, Age 22
Oral Roberts
COLLEGE JR  
COMMENT: College closer... 2.32 ERA and 1.03 WHIP, 15 hits allowed (two HR) and 17/40 BB/K in 31 IP for Eagles in 2016... UnderArmour All American as a catcher in HS... spent first two seasons of college career as a catcher at Blinn JC.. NJCAA Academic All-American at Blinn... transferred to Coastal Carolna after 2013 season... suffered torn elbow UCL and underwent TJS in 2014 and then missed 2015 season... was converted to RHP after transferring to Oral Roberts... 

17th ROUND (524):
Zack Short, SS 
R/R, 5'10 175 
Sacred Heart
COLLEGE JR  
COMMENT: Power-hitting shortstop hit combined 290/398/446 with 15 HR & 99 RBI and 36 doubles in 171 games (733 PA) in three seasons at Sacred Heart... was considered a possible future top 10 round pick after outstanding sophomore season, but he hit just 182/283/280 with 38 K in 41 games (157 PA) with Chatham in Cape Cod League (top "wood bat" summer collegiate league) in 2015 and then slumped to a 241/352/399 slash-line in junior season at Sacred Heart in 2016...      

18th ROUND (574):
Marc Huberman, LHP
L/L, 6'2 190, Age 22 
USC 
COLLEGE SR 
COMMENT: Lefty reliever and part-time closer, features three-pitch mix (fastball, curve, and change-up), and racks up strikeouts but also struggles to throw strikes... combined 3.20 ERA and 1.52 WHIP, 95 hits allowed (only two HR) and 84/122 with 19 WP in 118 IP over four seasons at USC...  

19th ROUND (604):
Matt Swarmer, RHP
R/R, 6'5 175, Age 21 
Kutztown  
COLLEGE SR 
COMMENT: 3-5 with a 3.70 ERA, 1.27 WHIP, and .233 OppBA, one CG, 51 hits allowed (only one HR) and 23/85 BB/K in 58.1 IP (10 GS) for the Golden Bears in 2016... 

20th ROUND (634):
Colton Freeman, LHP 
L/L, 6'1 210, Age 22 
Alabama 
COLLEGE SR 
COMMENT: First-name is Garrett but he goes by "Colton"... two-way player (LHP/OF)... only threw 16 IP in 15 games out of the bullpen in four years at Bama, with a 3.38 ERA and 1.19 WHIP, seven hits allowed and 12/27 BB/K... 

21st ROUND (664):
Sam Tidaback, C 
R/R, 6'0 210, Age 22  
North Georgia 
COLLEGE SR 
COLLEGE: Hit 341/417/569 with 11 HR & 53 RBI and 20/26 BB/K in 52 games (242 PA) for Nighthawks in 2016.. 19% CS and 7 PB behind the plate... transferred to North Georgia from Ball State after his sophomore year... has hit 25 HR in four seasons (185 career college games) between BSU & North Georgia...  

22nd ROUND (694):
Dante Biasi, LHP
L/L, 6'0 185, Age 18 
Hazleton Area HS (Hazle Township, PA)   
COLLEGE COMMITMENT: Penn State 
COMMENT: Missed 2016 season with torn elbow UCL... underwent TJS last month... two-way player (LHP/OF) in HS... pre-2016 Rawlings-Perfect Game Honorable Mention All-American...  brother Sal is a RHP at Penn State... 

23rd ROUND (724): 
Delvin Zinn, SS 
R/R, 5'10 170, Age 19
Itawamba JC
JC FR 
COMMENT: Has a plus-arm and is considered an above-average defender at SS... has above-average speed... was drafted by Cubs in 28th round of 2015 draft but did not sign, instead opting to attend Mississippi State... transferred to Itawamba JC from MSU in December... hit 411/464/457 for the Indians in 2016... was star PG on his HS basketball team... pre-2015 Rawlings-Perfect Game Honorable Mention All-American...    

24th ROUND (754):
Reynaldo Rivera, 1B-OF 
L/R, 6'6 250, Age 18 
Chipola JC 
JC FR
COMMENT: Hit 397/479/647 with 10 HR & 67 RBI, 12 doubles, and 29/51 BB/K in 217 PA in 2016... hails from from Puerto Rico... has plus-power and a plus arm... runs well for a big man... played mostly 1B at Chipola but also profiles as a corner OF... will transfer to South Alabama if he does not sign with Cubs...  

25th ROUND (784)
Trent Giambrone, 2B
R/R, 5'9 175, Age 22 
Delta State  
COLLEGE SR 
COMMENT: Hit .386 with 9 HR & 52 RBI, 21 doubles, and 11 SB (5 CS) in 256 PA for Statesmen in 2016... only made three errors in 283 chances at 2B...  was selected by Dodgers in 30th round of 2012 draft out of HS but did not sign... Spent first two years of college career at Jones JC in Mississippi before transferring to DSU...

26th ROUND (814):
Austin Jones, RHP 
R/R, 6'1 195, Age 21 
UW-Whitewater
COLLEGE JR 
COMMENT: College closer... 4.97 ERA and .235 OppBA, 12 hits allowed and 7/16 BB/K in 12.2 IP (10 games) for the Warhawks in 2016...  

27th ROUND (844):
Connor Myers, OF
R/R, 5'11 170, Age 22 
Old Dominion
COLLEGE SR 
COMMENT: Outstanding defensive CF... hit 310/379/472 with 6 HR & 42 RBI, 17 doubles, and 19 SB (7 CS) in 56 games for the Monarchs in 2016... 

28th ROUND (874):
Rian Bassett, RHP 
R/R, 6'5 210, Age 21 
Clark CC 
JC SOPH 

29th ROUND (904):
Tyler Peyton, RHP
R/R, 6'3 200, Age 22  
Iowa
COLLEGE SR  
COMMENT: Was arrested and charged with DUI last week in Iowa City... selected by Reds in 33rd round of 2015 draft but did not sign... 4-5 with 4.24 ERA, 1.13 WHIP, and .230 OppBA, 58 hits allowed (6 HR) and 19/47 BB/K, in 68 IP for Hawkeyes in 2016... throws 88-92 MPH fastball, breaking ball, and change-up... two-way player (RHP/1B)... hit 335/419/458 with 6 HR & 85 RBI, 37 doubles, and 81/89 BB/K in 144 games (639 PA) over the course of three seasons at Iowa... 

30th ROUND (934): 
Montana Parsons, RHP 
R/R, 6'3 185, Age 21 
San Jacinto North JC 
JC SOPH 
COMMENT: 5-5 with 2.38 ERA, and .232 OppBA, one CG shutout, 49 hits allowed (3 HR) and 20/74 BB/K in 64.1 IP and 14 G (13 GS) in 2016.... transferred to San Jac from Texas State after 2015 season... will transfer to Baylor if he does not sign with Cubs...

31st ROUND (964):
Brenden Heiss, RHP 
R/R, 6'1 190, Age 18 
Jacobs HS (Algonquin, IL) 
COLLEGE COMMITMENT: Arkansas 
COMMENT: HS power pitcher with 90-93 MPH fastball that touhes 95 and a hard breaking ball, but he has difficulty commanding his stuff... 

32nd ROUND (994):
Zach Davis, OF
R/R, 5'10 170, Age 21 
Texas Tech  
COLLEGE SR 
COMMENT: Aggressive baserunner and base-stealer... a "small ball" singles-hitter with virtually no XBH power... hit combined 276/382/321 with 29/48 BB/K and 30 SB (3 CS), no HR, no triples, and ten doubles, in 267 PA (161 games) in four-year college career.... 

33rd ROUND (1024):
Nathan Sweeney, RHP 
R/R, 6'4 185, Age 18 
Cherry Creek HS (Greenwood Village, CO) 
COLLEGE COMMITMENT: Arizona  
COMMENT: Two-way player (SS/RHP) in HS... 

34th ROUND (1054):
Davis Daniel, RHP 
R/R, 6'1 180, Age 18 
St. James School (Montgomery, AL) 
COLLEGE COMMITMENT: Auburn 
COMMENT: Threw two consecutive no-hitters in 2016... features a 93-94 MPH fastball, a plus-curve, and a seldom-used chenge-up... 

35th ROUND (1084):
Ryan Kreidler, 3B
R/R, 6'2 175, Age 18
Davis Senior HS (Davis, CA)
COLLEGE COMMITMENT: UCLA 
COMMENT: Plus-arm and hit tool, but is a slow runner and has not yet shown HR power... 

36th ROUND (1114):
Jake Slaughter, SS
R/R, 6'3 200, Age 19
Ouachita Christian HS (Monroe, LA)
COLLEGE COMMITMENT: LSU 
COMMENT: Has a plus arm, is a slow runner, and he has HR power-potential... 

37th ROUND (1144): 
Davis Moore, RHP
R/R, 6'4 190, Age 18 
Los Osos HS (Rancho Cucamonga, CA)  
COLLEGE COMMITMENT: Fresno State 
COMMENT: Two-way player (OF/RHP)... 

38th ROUND (1174):
Tolly Filotei, OF
L/R, 5'7 160, Age 20 
Faulkner State CC  
JC SOPH  
COMMENT: Hit 268/373/338 with 7 SB (3 CS) in 2016... 

39th ROUND (1204):
A. J. Block, LHP
L/L, 6'5 190, Age 18 
Newport HS (Bellevue, WA) 
COLLEGE COMMITMENT: Washington State 

40th ROUND (1234): 
D. J. Roberts, RHP
R/R, 6'2 218, Age 17
Atlantic Coast HS (Jacksonville, FL)
COLLEGE COMMITMENT: South Florida 
COMMENT: Has torn labrum... featured low 90's fastball that touched 95 and a decent curve and change-up and was projected to be selected in one of the top three rounds prior to the shoulder injury... 

A Review of the Cubs 2013 Draft

Following on my Friday post on the 2012 draft, here is an overview of the Cubs 2013 draft and where the players are now. Here again it only shows those draft picks who signed with the Cubs and lists their draft number, current age, position, current organizational level, and a brief snapshot of their 2014 performance. Bryant is the headliner here; beyond him it was a pitching-heavy draft and many are moving steadily through the system with three reaching A+ by the end of the year, though one of those (Godley) was sent to the Diamonbacks in the Montero trade.

A Review of the Cubs 2012 Draft

I’ve been a frequent commenter on TCR for over 8 years now and in the past I have sent Rob some guest posts, for example on the Cubs’ use of no-trade clauses and the Cubs’ best drafts of all time, and I have also written longer analyses directly the comments. Rob has now graciously provided me with my own login so I can now post commentary directly. I won’t be a frequent poster, but this will make it easier for me to share the longer form data collection and analyses pieces I like to do. In particular, readers have seemed to like my overviews of recent Cubs’ drafts that I have done in comments in previous summers. So to help us through the boredom of winter, I’ll post overviews of all three Epstein/Hoyer drafts in the next week, starting with 2012 today. Below you will see the pick #, player, the level at which they ended the 2014 regular season, and a short snapshot of their performance this past year.

Draft Pick 2015 Watch Begins

It was fun while it lasted, a 4-game win streak and a run of 18-13 since May 30th had visions of Cubs' relevance dancing in my head. But then TheJedi receivedt the the quality and depth of prospects they hoped for from Billy Beane and that Cubs 2014 ballon deflated and whizzed off into the darkness. Don't get me wrong, it's not that they really had a chance of doing much in 2014, but it was fun watching winning baseball over the last month.

And sure, maybe Hendricks and Wada provide a close fascimile of the two dearly departed hurlers or Wood and Jackson will make their inevitable improvements and it's all a wash, but more likely, more trades will be made and the Cubs make another run at a top 5 pick. And it had to be a bit of a hit to the team morale when two of your better players get moved. But we all know what was expected this year, although Theo did mention seeing a "light at the end of tunnel", so hopefully 2014 marks the end of the asset gathering and 2015 marks the beginning of the time to try and win some games.

Best Cubs Drafts

I was intrigued by the recent ESPN article that proclaimed the 1968 Los Angeles Dodgers draft to be the best ever. The Dodgers picks that year were exceptional. All told across the various January and June drafts, the Dodgers drafted and signed EIGHT players that would go on to have successful major league careers. They are listed below with their career WAR according to Baseball Reference:

2013 June Draft - Day 2 Open Thread

And we're back at it today...with their first two picks Cubs picked Kris Bryant out of San Diego and then LHP Rob Zastryzny out of Missourri, the latter certainly being a signability pick to save some money to help secure the junior Bryant, who will have Boras and leverage in his corner.

The Cubs round 3 pick is CF Jacob Hannemann out of Brigham Young, a lefty at the plate and with the arm, the 22-year old is just a freshman, but that's because he took a few years off on a Mormom mission.

The MLB.com scouting report is below the fold.

Recent comments

  • crunch (view)

    SF snags b.snell...2/62m

  • Cubster (view)

    AZ Phil: THAT is an awesome report worth multiple thanks. I’m sure it will be worth reposting in an “I told you so” in about 2-3 years.

  • Arizona Phil (view)

    The actual deadline to select a post-2023 Article XX-B MLB free agent signed to 2024 minor league contract (Cooper, Edwards, and Peralta) to the MLB 40-man roster is not MLB Opening Day, it is 12 PM (Eastern) this coming Sunday (3/24). 

    However, the Cubs could notify the player prior to the deadline that the player is not going to get added to the 40 on Sunday, which would allow the player to opt out early. Otherwise the player can opt out anytime after the Sunday deadline (if he was not added to the 40 by that time). 

  • Arizona Phil (view)

    Today is an off day for both the Cubs MLB players and the Cubs minor league players.  

  • Arizona Phil (view)

    For those of you keeping track, so far nine players have been called up to Mesa from the Cubs Dominican Academy for Minor League Camp and they will be playing in the ACL in 2024: 

    * bats or throws left 

    Angel Cepeda, INF 
    * Miguel Cruz, P
    Yidel Diaz, C 
    * Albert Gutierrez, 1B
    Fraiman Marte, P  
    Francis Reynoso, P (ex-1B) 
    Derniche Valdez, INF 
    Edward Vargas, OF 
    Jeral Vizcaino, P 

    And once again, despite what you might read at Baseball Reference and at milb.com, Albert Gutierrez is absolutely positively a left-handed hitter (only), NOT a right-handed hitter.

    Probably not too surprisingly, D. Valdez was the Cubs #1 prospect in the DSL last season, Cepeda was the DSL Cubs best all-around SS prospect not named Derniche Valdez, Gutierrez was the DSL Cubs top power hitting prospect not named Derniche Valdez, E. Vargas was the DSL Cubs top outfield prospect (and Cepeda and E. Vargas were also the DSL Cubs top two hitting prospects), Y. Diaz was the DSL Cubs top catching prospect, and M. Cruz was the DSL Cubs top pitching prospect. 

    F. Marte (ex-STL) and J. Vizcaino (ex-MIL) are older pitchers (both are 22) who were signed by the Cubs after being released by other organizations and then had really good years working out of the bullpen for the Cubs in the DSL last season. 

    The elephant in the room is 21-year old Francis Reynoso, a big dude (6'5) who was a position player (1B) at the Cardinals Dominican Academy for a couple of years, then was released by STL in 2022, and then signed by the Cubs and converted to a RHP at the Cubs Dominican Academy (and he projects as a high-velo "high-leverage" RP in the states). He had a monster year for the DSL Cubs last season (his first year as a pitcher). 

  • Arizona Phil (view)

    DJL: The only players who definitely have opt outs are Cooper, Edwards, and Peralta (Opening Day, 5/1, and 6/1), and that's because they are post-2023 Article XX-B MLB free agents who signed 2024 minor league contracts and (by rule) they get those opt outs automatically. 

    Otherwise, any player signed to a 2024 minor league contract - MIGHT or - MIGHT NOT - have an opt out in their contract, but it is an individual thing, and if there are contractual opt outs the opt out(s) might not necessarily be Opening Day. It could be 5/1, or 6/1, or 7/1 (TBD).

    Because of their extensive pro experience, the players who most-likely have contractual opt outs are Alfaro, Escobar, and D. Smith, but (again), not necessarily Opening Day. 

    Also, just because a player has the right to opt out doesn't mean he will. 

  • Dolorous Jon Lester (view)

    I love the idea that Madrigal heads to Iowa in case Morel can’t handle third.

    The one point that intrigues me here is Cooper over Smith. I feel like the Cubs really like Smith and don’t want to lose him. Could be wrong. He def seems like an opt out if he misses the opening day roster

  • Arizona Phil (view)

    Childersb3: Both Madrigal and Wisdom can be optioned without any restriction. Their consent is not required. 

    They both can be outrighted without restriction, too (presuming the player is not claimed off waivers), but if outrighted they can choose to elect free agency (immediately, or deferred until after the end of the MLB season).

    If the player is outrighted and elects free-agency immediately he forfeits what remains of his salary.

    If he accepts the assignment and defers free agency until after the conclusion of the season, he continues to get his salary, and he could be added back to the 40 anytime prior to becoming a free-agent (club option). 

  • Childersb3 (view)

    Phil, 
    Madrigal and Wisdom can or cannot refuse being optioned to the Minors?
    If they can refuse it, wouldn't they elect to leave the Cubs org?

  • Arizona Phil (view)

    In my opinion, the biggest "affirmative" mistake the Cubs made in the off-season (that is, doing something they should not have done), was blowing $9M in 2024 AAV on Hector Neris. What the Cubs actually need is an alternate closer to be in the pen and available to close if Alzolay pitched the day before (David Robertson would have been perfect), because with his forearm issue last September, I would be VERY wary of over-using Alzolay. I'm not even sure I would pitch him two days in a row!  

    And of course what the Cubs REALLY need is a second TOR SP to pair with Justin Steele. That's where the Cubs are going to need to be willing to package prospects (like the Padres did to acquire Dylan Cease, the Orioles did to acquire Corbin Burnes, and the Dodgers did to acquire Tyler Glasnow). Obviously those ships have sailed, but I would say right now the Cubs need to look very hard at trying to acquire LHSP Jesus Luzardo from the Marlins (and maybe LHP A. J. Puk as well).