Chicago Cubs News: Checking in on the 2023 Chicago Cubs MLB Draft Picks

6th Round Pick- Alfonsin Rosario OF (HS)
9 Games Played: .250/.364/.286 1 2B, 4 SB, 1 RBI, 3 R

At the time of the draft we said that Rosario was an interesting pick because he had “the look,” that scouts refer to. That being said, so did Brennen Davis before injuries derailed his once-promising career, so there was certainly still room for concern. That being said, Rosario has looked great to start his career and he’s walked four times as well. If he can eventually find the power that his frame projects he could be a steal in the sixth round. 

7th Round Pick- Yahil Melendez SS (HS)
10 Games Played: .237/.256/.342 2 2B, 1 3B, 3 RBI, 3 R

Melendez is significantly younger than the competition even at Rookie Ball. He’s almost two years younger than Rosario despite both being drafted out of high school. So to see him accessing power is a huge plus to start his career, but the thing that is more than a little concerning is that he’s struck out 16 times in 38 at-bats while walking just once. He’s young and has time to figure it out, but that’s eye-popping, to say the least.

8th Round Pick- Brett Bateman OF (University of Minnesota)
18 Games Played: .276/.442/.293 1 2B, 10 SB, 9 RBI, 15 R, 18 BB, 9 K

Bateman has been about as advertised. He’s a slap-hitting speedy outfielder who has next to nothing in terms of power but a great eye that will keep his OBP high. In 18 games he’s walked 18 times and struck out half that many times while stealing ten bases and putting himself in a good position to score runs. He could evolve into a usable 4th/5th outfield type on a good team. 

9th Round Pick- Jonathon Long 1B (Long Beach State University)
14 Games Played: .326/.473/.651 4 HR, 2 2B, 7 RBI, 8 R

Long has been the surprise of this class so far. He came from a relatively small school and immediately settled into a power-hitting role that can only be matched by first-round pick, Matt Shaw. I’m struggling to see a world where Long doesn’t end the season at High-A South Bend and he could get as high as AAA Iowa by the end of next season. 

10th Round Pick- Luis Martinez-Gomez RHP (Junior College)
1 Game Played: 0.2 IP, 2 H, 1 BB, 1 K 2 ER

At the time of the draft, I thought this pick was interesting because there wasn’t anything that stuck out to me as a solid player worth drafting. He doesn’t have an imposing frame, nor does he have the kind of stuff that has equated to eye-popping strikeout numbers. We’ll see what happens from here.