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

At the crux of the direction, the Chicago Cubs could foreseeably go, adding young talent is key to the club’s development.

Before the 2020 MLB Draft, it had been five years since the Chicago Cubs had a top-20 pick. After a string of very successful seasons in which the Cubs won a world championship and made multiple appearances in the National League Championship Series, things have started to go awry. Last year the Cubs had the 16th overall pick, choosing to take homegrown Mount Carmel HS shortstop Ed Howard.

In reality, over the era of Theo Epstein, the Cubs have struggled to find success with first-round picks. Kris Bryant is far and away the best of the best, while Kyle Schwarber and Ian Happ have seen their peaks and valleys since breaking into the major leagues. Alex Lange and Brendon Little are still somewhat young but have not progressed as the team thought.

Nico Hoerner broke onto the scene in a big way in 2019 but could not find consistency this season. Ryan Jensen has shown glimpses in his first six starts in professional baseball and can hopefully continue to grow into a future big leaguer. As the organization and fans alike brace for a potentially tumultuous offseason, it is never too early to look forward to next year’s first-year player draft and the options available to Chicago.

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.

Cubs Draft: Steven Hajjar, LHP, Michigan

The last name on this initial draft talent list is the University of Michigan left-hander, Steven Hajjar. As the first name on this list, Hajjar is a big frame with a lot of power. Standing at 6-foot-5, 210 pounds, Hajjar packs punch with a multitude of pitches.

His slider and changeup have taken time to develop, but through their early stages, Hajjar has been able to continue to make them a focal point for his growth. He sits in the low-90’s with his fastball, and the two off-speed pitches sit anywhere between the high-70’s and low-80’s.

Hajjar just turned 20 years old after redshirting during his freshman season. This year, Hajjar turned in a 2.70 ERA over four quality starts in his first year, which he struck out 24 over 20 innings.

For Hajjar, a college season in 2021 will be crucial to his draft selection and whether teams will give in to his small sample size of college success. It is not every day you come across a lefty with his size, and in the right setting, he could be a steal.

Prospects Live recently conducted their first ‘mock’ for the 2021 draft, and writer Joe Doyle has Hajjar mocked to the Cubs as a guy who can utilize his strength for the environment. Hajjar will be someone to keep tabs on as we move into the beginning parts of next year.