Cubs' 2026 MLB draft plans could be uprooted thanks to the Tigers

The 2026 MLB Draft is just about a month away, and it's clear the direction the Chicago Cubs. The Cubs need not only an infusion of pitching into the organization, but preferably college arms that have clean bills of health and capable of ascending quickly through the farm system.

It's why some Cubs fans may do a double take when looking at FanSided's latest mock draft. With the No. 23 selection, they have the Cubs taking Georgia catcher Daniel Jackson. There's some question if Jackson will remain at catcher once he starts his professional career, but his bat very much should play. He had 32 homers this season, and is a threat on the base paths with 26 steals.

In a vacuum, it's hard not to like that pick and would match the philosophy the Cubs have used over the last several years in taking college bats who could fly through the system. For how the Cubs have acted as an organization, the pick makes sense.

But it ignores the larger need. Regardless of the injuries, the 2026 season has proved that outside of Jaxon Wiggins, it's hard identifying who will be the next homegrown ace for the Cubs. Let alone, a pitching prospect that looks like a clear candidate to help the rotation in the next season or two.

Cubs face looming problem in 2026 MLB Draft

It's why the first round pick for the Cubs this summer should probably be a pitcher. But a look at the mock draft, it's clear why they ultimately had the Cubs taking a position player. Drafting right ahead of the Cubs is the Detroit Tigers, and they were mocked to select Ole Miss pitcher Cade Townsend.

In terms of a clean bill of health, Townsend checks that box for the most part. He had a shoulder scare in March, but by most accounts, it has since cleared. He doesn't overpower hitters with velocity, but still misses bats. In 14 starts this season, the 21-year-old struck out over 31% of the hitters he faced.

Townsend very much checks the box of the pitcher the Cubs would be interested in, and that's the problem with the draft order. Like the Cubs, the Tigers have an organizational need for pitching. While that's largely tied to the looming departure of Tarik Skubal, like the Cubs, the Tigers' farm system is thin on established pitching prospects.

That need the Tigers have could be a thorn in the Cubs' side during the draft. At the very least, the reaosn why the Cubs may not get their preferred option at No. 23.

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