Cubs Draft: A ‘not too early’ primer on the 2021 MLB Draft

Cubs Draft: Jonathan Cannon, Georgia, RHP

The SEC is college baseball’s gold standard, pumping out draft talent year after year. Last year several talented prospects found homes in the first round. Next year one of the draft-eligible names to watch is sophomore right-hander Jonathan Cannon.

Cannon appeared in relief in 2019 as a freshman for the Bulldogs pitching 11 1/3 innings over five appearances. He impressed in a big way as the then 19-year-old did not allow a single run, allowing four hits and striking out 12 along the way.

Cannon stands at 6-foot-6, 210 pounds, and has one of the smoothest deliveries I have ever seen. It is effortless to drive to the mound where his fastball can reach up to 96 mph and ranges from 92-94 on average. Cannon possesses a slider and a curveball, both of which can become strong secondary pitches to his fastball. Scouts believe his slider is further along than his curveball, but he does have time to continue to develop both.

One intriguing note on Cannon will be his path to starting in 2021. Given a full season, it should allow him the opportunity to show his ability entirely and give him a chance to be a first-rounder come draft day. Baseball America has him ranked as the number 19 overall college prospect, which is right in line with where the Cubs are picking at number 21 overall next year.