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

#6 Ian Happ (OF)

2015 Stats (Eugene Emeralds and South Bend Cubs)

.259/.356/.466 9 HR, 33 RBI, 10 SB, 40 BB, 65 H

Happ was drafted in the first round (9th overall) of the 2015 drafted. He was undrafted out of high school but blossomed into a top hitter in college and the highest pick ever from Cincinnati. He was the top position prospect in the Cape Cod summer league twice and carried that success into the 2015 draft.

At 21 years old, Happ is a switch-hitter who’s a bit better as a lefty. He exhibits good balances and controls the strike zone. He has plus bat speed and some strength that should allow him to hit for both average and power.

He is also a solid baserunner with 10 steals in his first season as a pro. Happ started the 2015 season with the Eugene Emeralds, hitting .283 in 29 games. He walked 23 times in 106 at-bats, leading to a .408 on-base percentage. He got promoted to South Bend and played another 38 games there.

His batting average was a bit lower at just .241 and his OBP dipped to .315 but his power emerged at this level. Look for Happ to start the 2016 season with the Myrtle Beach Pelicans (Advanced A ball). While he could be on the fast track to the big leagues, he is still a couple of years away from reaching the Cubs.

Next: No. 5 - OF Albert Almora