Cubs Draft: Top high school prospects team should consider in 2021 MLB Draft

Wading into the surplus of high school talent in the 2021 MLB Draft would fit the Cubs’ narrative and direction.

In today’s current climate, the draw as a top high school draft prospect is not as alluring in year’s past. For one, the job security aspect continues to sizzle, and the young men looking for that opportunity may leverage it to their advantage. On the flip side, as has been the case for many years, it does not matter if you find yourself at the top of the class or middle of the pack. Talent generates success. Mike Trout was a 25th overall pick.

The Cubs have slowly begun letting the air out of the tires instead of ripping off the bandaid, leaning into a mentality of curiosity enmeshed with frustration depending on who you talk to about the reported financial woes plaguing the organization, leading to a polarization among fans.

Rebuilding the system is the clear priority for the President of Baseball Operations Jed Hoyer and company. Last summer, for the first time in eight seasons, the Cubs turned their eyes outward to the prep world, selecting shortstop Ed Howard out of Mount Carmel High School. Mount Carmel also happens to be half an hour down the road from Wrigley Field.

We are still seven months out from the 2021 MLB Draft however it is never too early to take a gander at the goods in terms of talent. This year is critical for Hoyer as it is his first draft since taking over for Theo Epstein back in November. Let us hope the heir to the throne has been doing his homework.

Cubs Minors: Jackson Jobe, SS/RHP, Heritage Hall

One of the more seemingly underrated prospects within Baseball America’s top 30 draft-eligible high school prospects of this upcoming draft is a two-way star, Jackson Jobe. Standing a solid 6-foot-2, 190 pounds, Jobe packs a punch and displays a smooth delivery. He currently has a verbal commitment to Ole Miss.

Jobe was on a unique trajectory as a two-way player. His primary position started at shortstop, but soon after, the stocky right-hander moved to the mound. Most likely, he will not see the number six spot on the diamond moving forward.

His two strongest pitchers are his fastball, which topped out at 96 mph, and his slider carries a nice breaking bite, and per his scouting report, at Perfect Game carries a spin-rate of 3,100 rpm. To put it into perspective, Los Angeles Dodgers starter Walker Buehler posted the second-best slider spin-rate in the majors in 2020 at 2948. If Jobe can make his slider the primarily dominant pitch, he will be in business.

As a very talented and athletic star for Heritage Hall, Jobe put up some gaudy improvements, adding more velocity to his fastball and continuing to master his curveball and changeup, which moves towards right-handers in the box, making it a potentially strong out pitch.

Jobe also drives the ball with authority. His exit velocity of 92 mph, according to Perfect Game, ranked above the 90th percentile in his class. The swing is effortless. Being able to sit back on the ball patiently appears to be a strength of his, and it could translate well if he continues to work on hitting too at the next levels.

Cubs Draft: Max Debiec, RHP, O’Dea

The final kid on this list fits the overall theme of pitching. Already standing 6-foot-7, 200 pounds, Max Debiec is an intriguing prospect. He has seen his draft stock improve in recent months with various strong performances at tournaments.

While scouts could see Debiec’s direction either as a starter or as a reliever go, either way, it seems most likely he will fit an organization as a reliever. The righty carries a smooth delivery and easy arm action through the zone to the plate and has a four-pitch mix of a fastball, curveball, slider, and changeup.

Debiec’s fastball appears to be the best of his repertoire. It packs a serious punch, and as an 18-year-old, it is already an impressive pitch. It tops out at 97 mph with a range between 92-94 mph. Since last year he has added some speed to his fastball. His secondary pitches need some work; however, they will most likely develop with time and age.

Debiec gives off the vibes of a young Tyler Glasnow, which would be a great ceiling to reach for if he so chooses to forego his verbal commitment to the University of Washington. While Debiec does not align with some of the other top talents, he does provide maybe the best opening of the other two prospects listed.

The Cubs have a great facility as fans know and utilize their pitch lab to the greatest of their ability. A young talented addition such as Debiec would help deepen the pitching talent and allow another big arm to grow within the organization.