Chicago Cubs: Top 30 Prospects- No. 10 to No. 1

#9 Mark Zagunis (OF)

2015 Stats (Myrtle Beach Pelicans)

.271/.406/.412, 8 HR, 54 RBI, 80 BB, 86 K, 24 2B

Zagunis was drafted as a catcher in the 3rd round of the 2014 draft. At 23-years-old, Zagunis became a full-time outfield in his first full year as a pro because he wasn’t fully committed to catching.

Zagunis spent the 2015 season with the Myrtle Beach Pelicans in Advanced A ball. He had quite a successful first season, hitting .271 in 115 games. One of his most impressive stats was the .406 OBP he had, thanks to 80 walks in 413 at-bats.

Zagunis has the best plate discipline in the system and rarely gives away at-bats. He has the ability to drive the ball into the gap and should record high batting averages while providing 10-15 homers per season. He has solid speed, stealing 12 bases in his first pro season.

Zagunis has the quickness, agility, and arm strength to succeed as a catcher but he was raw behind the plate and struggled to throw out baserunners. Moving to the outfield has placed more demands on his bat, but he has the athleticism to play there.

The Cubs have a crowded outfield at the big league level, which could pose a problem for him down the road. Despite being in the lower systems, he could be the fast track to the big leagues and may end up being a September call up in 2017.

Next: No. 8 - OF Donnie Dewees