Chicago Cubs select OF Ian Happ with 9th pick in 2015 MLB Draft

Cubs take another bat with first-round pick

The Chicago Cubs decided that if it isn’t broke, don’t fix it. With the top pitchers in the draft already off the board, the Cubs made Cincinnati outfielder Ian Happ the ninth pick in the 2015 MLB Draft. It continues the trend of the team taking the best available, not necessarily what is considered a need. While already heavy in the organization in positional talent, the Cubs took Happ, who was considered to be one of the best bats available.

Happ is a switch hitter with good balance and a good understanding of the strike zone. He has some surprising power, so it’s believed he can hit for average and power at the big league level. He’s got good speed, and could play any of the outfield positions, and even played some second base back in 2013 almost extensively that season. With his speed and arm strength, it’s possible Happ could play either, but it’s likely he’ll end up in the outfield.

Happ was a semifinalist for the Golden Spikes Award, given to the top college player–an award that Kris Bryant has won. He was also named AAC Player of the Year, and a second team All-American. In his three seasons at Cincinnati, Happ hit .338 with 25 home runs, 107 RBIs and 144 runs in three seasons for the Bearcats.

He’s a native of Pittsburgh, and was recommended by the Cubs area scout Daniel Carte. He’s also been working with former big leaguer Sean Casey, the former Cincinnati Reds slugger.

This marked the fourth consecutive season that the Cubs have taken a position player with their first-round pick. It’s hard to argue with the philosophy with the results of the picks so far, especially in the pair of Kris Bryant and Kyle Schwarber. The Cubs will make their next selection with the No. 47 pick.

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