Chicago Cubs: Delving into the 2019 MLB Amateur Player Draft
Still six months away, the annual MLB Amateur Player Draft brings anticipation for both the next crop of talent and teams – including the Chicago Cubs.
Each year the June MLB Draft comes and goes without much acknowledgment. If we are honest, it can be an arduous process to commit to because there is so much research required in finding the next wave of talent, not to mention the 40 rounds as well as the handful of compensatory rounds. It can be exhausting – even to the most diehard Chicago Cubs fans.
Unlike the National Football League, where a majority of the population of sports fans develop an innate sense of how things will shake out unless you are tasked with year-round draft coverage, the process to create a deeper understanding of players can be a challenge. The fun part, however, is looking into the makeup of rankings and projecting the direction your favorite team could go.
The Cubs are a rare team that enjoyed multiple top prospects hitting the bigs at the same time, leading to Kris Bryant, Javier Baez, Kyle Schwarber, Albert Almora and Willson Contreras leading the charge of a core hoping to rebuild their system for future stars. Now that the Major League Baseball Amateur Player Draft is swinging back around, here are a few names who could hear their name called for this esteemed franchise.
Chicago Cubs: Examining another middle infield option
A lanky switch-hitting junior out of Clemson, Logan Davidson starred for Clemson last season as the starting shortstop, finishing by slashing .292/.408/.544 with 15 homers and 46 RBI. Coming off a strong sophomore season, Davidson was named second-team All-ACC selection as well as was given the Mitchell Award, the team’s most valuable player.
Throughout his two college seasons, Davidson has a total of 27 home runs, 27 doubles, 87 RBI, 116 runs and a whopping 85 walks. He also has shown a penchant for speed, stealing a total of 20 bases over that span.
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Regarding his ability, Davidson has a nice upright swing. He can drive through the ball with strength to different parts of the field.
His power is something to watch, as Davidson has consistently shown it off over his first two college seasons. It includes a two home run game, one from each side of the plate as well as a home run which left the park. For as tall and lanky as Davidson is, it is impressive.
As a freshman in 2016, Davidson won the North Carolina Gatorade State Player of the Year. It included being named to the Freshman All-American Team by both D1 Baseball and Perfect Game.
As a name who could find himself available at the end of the first round, if Davidson is still on the board, the Cubs should pull the trigger – especially given the development of recent years concerning former top prospect Addison Russell.
Chicago Cubs: A big, powerful high school standout
In 2017, as a junior in high school, Brett Baty was named the Gatorade High School Player of the Year. He is 19 years old. However, his production speaks volume for his age as his large 210-pound frame can drive the ball hard off the bat with ease.
Baty stands firm at the plate, upright and comes through the ball quickly and incredibly smooth. The smoothness of his swing helps to generate the power, and the ball seems to jump right off the bat. Baty’s stance is reminiscent of Curtis Granderson, as he seems to generate most of that power at a lower point of gravity, giving a nice added pop to the swing.
According to Perfect Game, Baty posted a 97th-percentile max acceleration swing, as well as an 87th-percentile max barrel speed. Baty’s top exit velocity came in at a whopping 101 mph, good for 99th-percentile for his class. His bat is indeed his main weapon. However, he does possess nice arm strength. His smooth smooth glove is certainly playable at the next level.
Baty is someone to keep an eye on next summer as the draft approaches. He currently has a verbal commitment to the University of Texas, but he is another name that, if he is available and willing to forgo his collegiate commitment, the Cubs should look into targeting.
Chicago Cubs: A solid all-around high school talent
Notice a trend yet? Callihan is the final name on this list who could be available when the Cubs make their first-round selection at pick number 27. Adding to our theme of big left-handed hitters, Callihan is no different. He stands 6’1” and 200 pounds and has every making of a future big league star.
Concerning his production and bat speed, Callihan ranks above-average in all facets. According to Perfect Game, his max acceleration ranks in the 95th-percentile and his max barrel speed ranks in the 88th-percentile. His top exit velocity last season ranked in the 93rd-percentile for his class, coming in at 94 mph.
When it comes to his glove, Callihan displays a smooth ability and transition with a strong arm. Callihan also has an excellent quick release on the ball. His instinctual senses on defense are above-average, and Callihan is relatively as sure-handed as they come.
He is projected to someday turn into a solid middle-of-the-order starting player and could be the next young prospect to join the Chicago Cubs.
Chicago Cubs: Takeaways from this year’s talent group
Last year, the team missed out acquiring depth at the first and third base positions, which could mean that this is the year they do so. Their 2018 first round selection, shortstop Nico Hoerner, is hoping to be the next star in the loaded Cubs’ infield.
Two of the names on this list meet the Cubs’ need for depth. One is merely a superb offensive player who would be worth strong consideration for the team despite their selection of a shortstop last year.
As the Cubs have their young core already in the majors, the club is trying to rebuild their farm system and find their next crop of young star-studded talent. The draft is still a little while away however it is never too early to dive into this phase of baseball. Hopefully, 2019 is another year where the Cubs can find some impressive future talent.