Cubs may already have a hidden gem emerging from their 2026 draft class

Typically, being drafted in the second round of the MLB draft is going to be noteworthy and said prospect is one that fans will keep a close eye on. The problem for the Chicago Cubs is that their 2026 draft class wasn't one you would have come to expect from the organization, considering they drafted over a dozen pitchers. Pitching was the focus so when the Cubs snagged a position player, it may not have gotten the attention it deserved.

That brings us to their most recent second-round pick, Caden Sorrell. Again, it was a strong pick, but the focus was on the arms the Cubs were bringing into the organization. Now that the season is over, the draft is getting another look, and MLB Pipeline recently picked one prospect from each team's draft class that impressed to close out the season.

For the Cubs, Sorrell was the selection. In 22 Single-A games, Sorrell slashed .295/.347/.523 with a wRC+ of 131. Part of what drew the Cubs to Sorrell this past summer was his combination of speed and power, and that was on display in those 22 games, considering he had five home runs and eight stolen bases.

Cubs may have struck gold with an overlooked pick from 2026 draft

As an organization, one area the Cubs have thrived in is developing bats. That is why there was little doubt the team would be able to unlock a level of success for Sorrell. In a similar vein, the Cubs have proven to be especially excellent at developing outfielders.

In their end-of-season ranking of the Cubs' system, MLB Pipeline had Sorrell as ths seventh-best prospect in the organization. Where things become interesting for the Cubs is that they have three outfield prospects ahead Sorrell in Josiah Hartshorn, Kane Kepley, and Ethan Conrad.

Hartshorn appears to be the blue-chip prospect in the Cubs' system, and Kepley certainly appears to be earmarked for a starting outfield spot once he's ready. Conrad played in 36 games over the summer, but the 2025 first-round pick continues to be plagued with injuries thwarting his development.

Why that's relevant to Sorrell is that his ascension could make the Cubs more comfortable in moving one of Kepley or Conrad in trade talks. Conrad could be difficult, considering the biggest red flag that surrounded him before he was drafted, injuries, is the same concern right now. Kepley, meanwhile, seems like an ideal center fielder once he reaches the majors, and that could make him an appealing trade chip for the Cubs, considering center field is one need the Cubs won't have for a long time.

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