Chicago Cubs: Five college players Cubs need on their draft radar

Feb 22, 2016; Mesa, AZ, USA; Chicago Cubs manager Joe Maddon (70) talks to president of baseball operations Theo Epstein during spring training camp at Sloan Park. Mandatory Credit: Rick Scuteri-USA TODAY Sports
Feb 22, 2016; Mesa, AZ, USA; Chicago Cubs manager Joe Maddon (70) talks to president of baseball operations Theo Epstein during spring training camp at Sloan Park. Mandatory Credit: Rick Scuteri-USA TODAY Sports
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Jun 13, 2015; Omaha, NE, USA; Florida Gators catcher JJ Schwarz (22) runs to first base in the 2015 College World Series at TD Ameritrade Park. Mandatory Credit: Steven Branscombe-USA TODAY Sports
Jun 13, 2015; Omaha, NE, USA; Florida Gators catcher JJ Schwarz (22) runs to first base in the 2015 College World Series at TD Ameritrade Park. Mandatory Credit: Steven Branscombe-USA TODAY Sports

J.J. Schwarz, C, Florida

The Cubs already have a great offensive catcher in Willson Contreras, but Schwarz brings the whole package.

Last season, Schwarz slashed .290/.397/.456 with seven home runs and 60 RBI while committing zero fielding errors. This helped propel Schwarz to 2016 All-Tournament Team honors. Did I mention he also made the 2016 academic honor roll?

The most improved part of his game is his patience at the plate. In 2016 he recorded six more walks than the year before even though he played in less games.

In his two full-season career as a Gator, Schwarz slashed .311/.398/.543 with 25 home runs and 133 RBIs. In 2017, he’s on pace to match those numbers once again.

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