Cubs 2026 draft intentions are hiding in plain in final MLB mock drafts

Drafting at the back of the first round of the MLB Draft can be tricky. In most cases, a team may have a clear need, but the board could force them in a different direction. The Chicago Cubs clearly have an organizational need for pitching, but recent mock drafts have leaned toward college bats.

Considering the Cubs have thrived with developing college bats in recent years, it's not really a leap of faith to suggest they go that route once more. ESPN's Kiley McDaniel hears that the Cubs have been linked to underslot college outfielders, specifically mocking Texas Tech left fielder Logan Hughes to the North Siders.

Another college outfielder to keep an eye on is Louisville's Zion Rose. Rose has been connected to the Cubs throughout the entire draft process, and The Athletic's Keith Law has that being the selection for Jed Hoyer and Co. in his final mock draft. Ironically, if Rose isn't on the board, Law mentions Hughes as an option.

"I think the Cubs would really like to get Rose, and if he’s gone, I wonder if Logan Hughes would be a fit here, just given his outstanding hard-contact rates."

Cubs need pitching, but first-round selection could be a familiar path

Generally, there's an argument to be made that the player a team targets in the first round should be someone who carries the most value. More times than not, especially for teams drafting toward the end of that round, that is going to be a position player. Along those lines, it wouldn't be a complete surprise if the Cubs go that route.

Whether it's Rose or Hughes, they are both college bats with preferable bat-to-ball skills, and can fly through the system. Not to mention, it leaves the Cubs bonus-pool space to take High School talent later in the draft.

There's also a scenario where some pitchers fall to the Cubs. Cameron Flukey is someone who has drawn comparisons to Tyler Glasnow, and that's why most recent mocks have him being selected in the middle of the first round. If he falls, however, that's clearly the priority selection for the Cubs. The Cubs lack high-upside pitching prospects. The only way that need is going to be addressed is if they take pitching early in the draft.

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