Cam Smith's inclusion in Kyle Tucker trade highlights importance of Cubs' drafting

While Jon Lester helped get the 2016 Chicago Cubs over the top, over the years, it's the draft that proved to be the foundation of their championship team. Going forward, the draft will be the key to whatever success the team has in the future. Their 2024 draft is already paying dividends.

The Cubs' fanbase is buzzing over the trade for Kyle Tucker. However, a key to that trade was the team's ability to include Cam Smith in the package that went to the Astros. How were the Cubs able to send Cam Smith to the Astros? In part, they drafted Matt Shaw in the first round of the 2023 draft. Shaw now looks to be the leading candidate to be the Cubs' opening day third baseman.

It's unusual for draft picks to impact the big-league team so quickly. It also highlights how draft picks can impact a team by their performance, as well as their value as trade chips.

How other recent drafts have impacted the current team

The Cubs' top two picks in the 2022 draft were Cade Horton and Jackson Ferris. Horton's progress was derailed by injury last season, but Ferris was part of the deal that brought Michael Busch to the Cubs. So, the Cubs are already seeing some benefits from the 2022 draft. If Horton is able to contribute in 2025 it will be a huge bonus.

Going back to 2021, the Cubs selected Jordan Wicks in the first round, while going James Triantos in round two. Wicks already has some value as a major leaguer while Triantos could see the time in the Cubs 2025 lineup or be used as a trading piece.

The success of the 2016 team was based on excellent drafts

Javy Baez was the Cubs' first-round pick in 2011. Albert Almora was their first pick in 2012. Pitchers Pierce Johnson and Paul Blackburn were also first-round picks in 2012. Obviously, 2012 wasn't a banner year when it came to the Cubs' draft.

However, the Cubs struck gold in the first round of the 2013, 2014 and 2015 drafts. They hit on Kris Bryant, Kyle Schwarber, and Ian Happ.

One thing that is sometimes overlooked is that one of the 2016 cornerstones, Anthony Rizzo, was acquired in a trade for another former Cubs' first-round pick, right-handed pitcher, Andrew Cashner. Cashner was the Cubs' first pick in the 2008 draft. It turns out he was actually a contributor to the 2016 championship team.

Bad drafts, bad teams

From 2002-2010, the Cubs' first-round picks weren't generally speaking, game changers. I mentioned Andrew Cashner, but beyond that, there weren't a lot of hits in the first round. Josh Donaldson was selected in the first round of 2007 and developed into a very good major leaguer. However, he was traded to the A's for Rich Harden before he really blossomed.

A look at a list of Cubs' first-round draft picks reveals they were terrible at drafting for years. At least in the first round. MLB's common draft began in 1965. From 1965 through 1980, the most impactful Cubs' first round was Roger Metzger. The Cubs' big three of the late 60s of, Williams, Santo, and Banks, didn't have a lot of support. It also explains why the 70s were such a dark period for Cubs' baseball.