Chicago Cubs: Potential options in the upcoming MLB Amateur Draft

Finding serious High School talent

Gunnar Henderson, SS/RHP, John Morgan Academy

The Cubs drafted nine infield prospects in last years amateur draft to include precisely five shortstops. Nico Hoerner has shown excellent progression through his first year-plus in professional baseball. However, you can never have enough infield options.

Henderson attended the John T. Morgan Academy, in Selma, Alabama and made a verbal commitment to the University of Auburn. With Henderson, he profiles as a right-handed pitcher as well, something he will have to figure out moving forward. A polarizing talent in all facets, he may find himself in a better position as a pitcher the further he progresses.

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According to Perfect Game, he possesses a way-above-average fastball, as it reaches into the 98th-percentile, topping out at 93 MPH. For a kid who stands at 6-foot-3  and weighs under 200 pounds, it is indeed impressive.

As a hitter, he bats from the left side and does generate a good amount of pop. Henderson utilizes a slight toe tap to help create power from a broad base, coiling his body to help extend that power. In terms of his leather, Henderson moves well laterally and displays strong reaction time to balls hit his way.

The Cubs have many a shortstop waiting in the wings, and with the multi-talented Henderson possibly diverting his draft plans to attend Auburn he seems like a bit of a dark horse for Chicago. Never the less, he possesses an impressive skill set and could do very well under Theo Epstein and company.