Chicago Cubs: Looking ahead to the 2020 Major League Baseball draft

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The 2020 Major League Baseball Amateur draft is still ten months away. It may seem like an eternity. However, it isn’t too early to look at the direction of Theo Epstein and the Chicago Cubs could go come next June.

Of every major professional sports draft, Major League Baseball is the most difficult to predict. The event encompasses a whopping 40 rounds and over 1,200 prospective players. Unlike the National Football League, there is a far less guarantee of any guys, even the number one overall selection, panning out.

The Cubs have seemingly struck gold the past couple of seasons. This year, the club selected right-handed pitcher Ryan Jensen out of Fresno State University with their first-round pick at number 27 overall. Jensen is currently with the Low-A Eugene Emeralds where he carries an impressive 2.25 ERA through his first six games.

In 2018 it was Nico Hoerner at number 24 overall in the first round, a shortstop from Stanford University. Hoerner tore through rookie ball and Low-A before his promotion to Class-A South Bend last season. While there, he slashed .400/.471/.667 before earning another promotion. Currently at Double-A Tennessee this season, Hoerner has a respectable 115 wRC+. As we near the draft, what will Epstein and company do for an encore?

Chicago Cubs: Building for the future

According to MLB’s Jim Callis, next years draft class is on pace to be as good as the 2011 class. That class included Cubs’ superstar and firecracker Javier Baez. While the Cubs will not be lauding a top 10 selection, or even top 20, due diligence by the trusted Epstein is sure to bring another talented prospect to the Windy City.

It is no use beating a dead horse about the veteran nature of the current rotation. However, it is essential to note. Jon Lester and Cole Hamels are both 35 years old, and there is no certainty to how much longer either guy will be able to pitch. Lester has another two years on his current deal and becomes an unrestricted free agent in 2022. Hamels, meanwhile, is a free agent after this season.

Many young arms in the system should see considerable time over the next few seasons. When it comes to the future, it is crucial to nail those picks, and the Cubs could very well continue to go after pitching.

Chicago Cubs: Nate Savino, Potomac Falls High School

High school starting pitcher Nate Savino could fit that mold and be available for the Cubs late in the first round. He currently has a commitment to the University of Virginia. However, if the money is right, that could become an option for the team.

Savino is a good-sized left-handed pitcher standing at 6’3″, 195 pounds. As his development continues, he could quickly turn into a reliable starter with a ton of velocity. His fastball sits in the mid-’90s, and Savino has been able to get it up to 96 mph. For an 18-year-old with room to grow, that is impressive.

In his delivery, Savino can hide the ball well, and his arm angle through his delivery. It gives him a nice amount of added ‘oomph’ with his velocity and movement. Outside of his fastball, Savino also possesses a slide which has drawn praise. His command with both pitches is secure, and his slider is something which has also been seen as a pitch Savino can actively develop. Epstein and the club could and should take a chance if he is still available at their turn.

Chicago Cubs: Drew Romo, The Woodlands High School

Of all the high school prospects in next years draft class, Drew Romo is one of the more exciting names. A senior at The Woodlands in Texas, Romo has a verbal commitment with LSU next season. If he can be convinced with the Cubs instead, Romo could turn into the ultimate great backstop down the line.

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A switch-hitter, Romo hits better from the left side. His bat speed is superb, and Romo can drive the ball to all parts of the field almost effortlessly. Romo is strong and possesses above-average barrel speed on his swing.

In terms of his defensive prowess, Romo is one of the best and is considered elite. According to his profile at Perfect Game, he has an elite level pop time of 1.76 seconds, suitable for 99th-percentile status. Romo has a catcher velocity of 84 mph which also ranks in the 99th-percentile of the class at his position. Since 2017, Romo has decreased his pop time by 0.27 seconds and his velocity by eight mph, according to Perfect Game.

Watching the highlights of what Romo can do, it is exciting to think the Cubs could land him next season. If he can continue to develop and grow, it can be said with confidence that Romo could morph into the next superstar catcher for the team. Wouldn’t that be something?

Chicago Cubs: Daniel Cabrera, LSU

The final guy on this list who the Cubs should consider is Daniel Cabrera, a left-handed outfielder who can play center field and left field. Cabrera was a first selection by the San Diego Padres in the 26th round of the 2017 draft. He forewent the opportunity to attend LSU, where he has been dominant.

As a freshman with the Tigers, Cabrera slashed .315/.405/.525 with eight home runs and 54 RBI in 63 games. He posted a .397 wOBA with a 13.23% walk rate and respectable 14.01% strikeout rate. Cabrera followed his freshman season up with another solid campaign. This year, he slashed .293/.357/.571 with 12 home runs and 47 RBI in just 49 games.

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Cabrera has a beautifully smooth, compact swing, and the ball jumps off his bat with ease. The power can translate easily to the next level, and Cabrera also has above-average durability according to The Baseball Cube, setting him up for a hopefully lovely long career.

Outside of Brennen Davis and Cole Roederer, the Cubs do not have many quality outfield prospects in their pipeline. Cabrera could be the answer to that challenge, and if he is available when its Chicago’s turn, they should bring him into the system.

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