Chicago Cubs: Addison Russell’s harrowing fall from grace

Chicago Cubs: From high school standout to first-round pick

High school competition proved laughable for a young Addison Russell. In his senior season at Pace High School, located outside Pensacola, Fla., he hit .368 with a staggering .532 on-base percentage.

And his accolades stretched far beyond just his high school club.

In 2010, Russell played in the Under Armour All-America Game. He also participated in the Perfect Game Aflac All-American Game and was a consensus Top 25 high school prospect regardless of where you got your information. His talent, physical make-up and overall skill set proved enough for the Oakland Athletics to draft him with the 11th overall pick in 2012.

Ahead of the June draft, MLB.com had this to say about Russell:

"A shortstop in high school, perhaps a third baseman at the next level, it doesn’t matter. It will be Russell’s bat that gets him drafted. The Florida prep infielder has very good bat speed and doesn’t get cheated at the plate, with above-average power to his pull side. He’s an average runner who is better underway. He does have some good defensive skills, with plus arm strength and good hands."

Just five picks earlier, the Cubs went with another Florida high school standout in Albert Almora, who played with Russell in the 2011 COPABE 18U/AAA Pan American game. Little did they know, they’d someday put on the same uniform once again.