Last-minute prediction for who Cubs will take in first round of the 2026 MLB Draft

The 2026 MLB Draft is upon us, with the first round starting on Saturday afternoon. While Cubs have a clear need for pitching across their entire organization, recent mock drafts have suggested the front office will fall back on the strategy they know best: take a college bat because the organization has proved successful with that development path.

As irritating as that thought process may be, it's not impossible to consider. From a value play, it makes sense why the Cubs would prefer a position player in the first round. That would be fine as long as the rest of the draft is centered around adding pitching.

That said, one of the final mock drafts of the 2026 season does give the Cubs some hope. MLB Pipeline's final mock draft has the Cubs taking left-handed pitcher Cole Carlon out Arizona State. Beyond that, they mention that the Cubs have been exploring college pitchers, including Mason Edwards and Cade Townsend.

Carlon has a four-pitch mix with a fastball in the upper 90s. It's why there's a chance that he could stick in a starting rotation once he reaches the majors, but there is a clear chance that his fastest path is as relief pitcher.

The impression is the Cubs may have a select group of college pitchers they like. If one falls to them, especially if it is Cameron Flukey, they will probably take them. If not, they will fall back on the strategy they prefer.

It's hard to ignore the Zion Rose smoke for the Cubs in the 2026 MLB Draft.

The final guess here is that the Cubs will be taking Louisville outfielder Zion Rose in the first round of the 2026 MLB Draft. Rose is a college outfielder the Cubs have been connected to since May, and it's hard to ignore that type of buzz. Again, if there's a pitcher who falls, that could change the conversation, but Rose feels like a safe prediction.

There's plenty to like about Rose if he is indeed the selection. With a 50-grade hit tool, and power grade of 55, he's the exact outfielder the Cubs have targeted in the past. The idea being that his bat-to-ball skills can allow for him to move quickly through the organization. As for his future position, it's likely to be a corner outfield spot.

It's risky, for the Cubs to avoid taking the very thing they need in the first round of the 2026 MLB draft, but that doesn't mean it can't work.

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