Cubs News: Ethan Conrad debuts, Vince Velasquez elects free agency, Pete Crow-Armstrong home run derby

With the 2026 MLB Draft a little over a week away, the Chicago Cubs' 2025 first-round draft pick has finally made his professional debut. Conrad had been recovering from shoulder surgery last summer, and suffered a back injury at the end of spring training that halted the start of his career.

Conrad was originally expected to be sidelined for a month, but the timeline was pushed into June. In recent weeks, he had been spotted at the team's spring training facility, and finally got into game action on Tuesday night.

Ethan Conrad, now healthy, could be a fast riser for the Chicago Cubs.

Conrad hit a single in his first at-bat with an exit velocity over 105 MPH. It was quick reminder of what made the Cubs fall in love with him last summer. Once healthy, there was an impressiont hat Conrad could be a fast riser in the Cubs' system. It would match the recent trajectories of first-round picks for the Cubs, and may give them an answer to their long-term outfield needs by the start of the 2028 season.

Conrad's development, overall, is an important marker for the Cubs' system. While the Cubs are thin on pitching prospects, they are rich in position player prospects at the lower levels. That could be a factor in trade talks this month as the Cubs look for pitching at the big-league level.

Cubs lose veteran pitching depth as DFA carousel continues

After being designated for assignment by the Cubs over the weekend, Vince Velasquez has elected free agency. It's the second time that Velasquez has had this outcome with the Cubs this season, and speaks to the revolving door that is the Cubs' pitching staff. A trend that will likely continue until the pitching staff gets healthy.

To Velasquez's credit, the two times the Cubs have called upon him, he's been life-saver for the bullpen. He has two scoreless outings to his name, and give need for pitching across the league, there's a chance he finds an extended opportunity elsewhere. Or, if not, he will likely be back with the Cubs on a minor-league deal in the near future.

PCA won't participate in 2026 Home Run Derby, but we think we know when he will

Pete Crow-Armstrong confirmed with reporters that he will not be participating in the 2026 Home Run Derby. Crow-Armstrong said the timing wasn't right, and matches a similar sentiment that he had last year.

As of now, Wrigley Field is scheduled to host the 2027 All-Star game. That feels like the right moment for Crow-Armstrong to participate in the Home Run Derby. Of course, that's all dependent on there actually being baseball played next summer.

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