Cubs' 2026 MLB Draft strategy should follow blueprint of ESPN's latest prediction

The Chicago Cubs have had a clear draft strategy in recent years. Draft a college bat who could potentially ascend quickly through the farm system. That's worked out for Cam Smith and Matt Shaw, and remains to be seen if it will for Ethan Conrad. It's not exactly a bad blueprint, and one the Cubs have had success with, but this summer, there's a clear need for the organization to change their approach.

The Cubs need pitching. They don't just need pitching at the major league level, they need pitching across their entire system. Their top pitching prospect, Jaxon Wiggins, is once again throwing in games and could return to the Iowa Cubs soon, but his journey has been all too familiar for Cubs fans. In other words, the Cubs have been littered with pitching prospects who have had high ceilings, but also met with a checkered injury history or lack of a development plan.

If the Cubs truly want to close the gap between them and the Milwaukee Brewers, identifying the right pitchers to draft is key. Along those lines, it's hard to argue with ESPN's Kiley McDaniel's latest mock draft. The prospect expert as the Cubs taking left-handed pitcher Mason Edwards out of USC, who has the impression of being arm that could ascend quickly through a system.

"The Cubs could benefit from some quicker-moving talent if there isn't a compelling upside prospect available here. Several scouts have told me they see Edwards as perhaps the best quick-moving talent who could fit in a lot of roles early in his big league career but ultimately becomes a long-term starter."

The Cubs' 2026 MLB Draft approach should be clear

A junior with the Trojans, Edwards has posted impressive strikeout numbers in each of his three seasons with USC. This year, in 17 starts, Edwards has an ERA of 2.07 while striking out over 42% of the hitters he faced. Beyond the need for a pitcher who could be ticketed for the rotation upon their arrival, the Cubs should also prioritize swing-and-miss stuff.

As good as the Cubs' defense will be, this season has proved it's a moot point if their pitchers are going to league the lead in home runs allowed.

There's also no question of the need the Cubs will have for pitching after this season. Three of their starting pitchers are free agents, and the same is true for just about each veteran in the bullpen. Perhaps Edwards can be someone who initially slots into the bullpen over the next year or two before becoming a fixture in the rotation.

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