Long overdue Cubs prospect update could quickly change narrative plaguing 2025 draft pick

When the Chicago Cubs drafted outfielder Ethan Conrad in the first round of the 2025 MLB draft, there was skepticism. Conrad certainly had the profile of a college bat who could ascend quickly through the Cubs' farm system, but was recovering from shoulder surgery that ended his collegiate career prematurely.

Jed Hoyer and Co. were quick to downplay the injury concern, and that hasn't exactly aged well. There was hope that Conrad would be ready by spring training this year, but a back injury added further delay to the start of his professional game. Conrad has yet to play a professional game, and that certainly hasn't been an encouraging development for the farm system.

Regardless of what happens with the Cubs at the major league level this season, it's become clear that their farm system is in need of a surge. There's been several early breakout performances from the Cubs' 2025 draft class, but Conrad's uncertainty clouded the picture moving forward.

In an update from the Cubs' spring training complex in Arizona, it seems that Conrad has resumed baseball activity. Initial reports had the Cubs expecting Conrad to miss a month of the minor-league season, so he's certainly behind schedule, but his return to the field is a step in the right direction

Ethan Conrad could solve a looming Cubs' roster problem

While the Cubs have a clear understanding of what their starting infield will be through the 2029 season, the same can't be said for the outfield. Sure, Pete Crow-Armstrong is going to be the Cubs' starting center fielder for a long time, but the other two spots are up for debate.

Both Ian Happ and Seiya Suzuki are free agents this offseason, and it's hard to imagine the Cubs rushing to make a deal with either veteran. Depending on circumstances, the door may not be closed to one of Happ or Suzuki returning, but even that wouldn't be much of a long-term path forward.

It would also seem that Kevin Alcantara has fallen out of favor with he Cubs. Fortunately, the Cubs are seeing impressive early returns on Josiah Hartshorn and Kane Kepley. The development of Hartshorn and Kepley has certainly improved the outlook of the Cubs' farm system from where it was at the start of the season, and Conrad being healthy and playing in games would certainly be an important moment.

At very least, the developments of those three will help restore the shine a the top of the Cubs' farm system, considering it recently took a step back with the graduations of Matt Shaw, Moises Ballesteros, and Cade Horton.

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