Chicago Cubs Rumors: 3 potential prospects for the Rule 5 draft.

1) Dominic Canzone (1B/OF)

The first prospect and possibly the most enticing is Dominic Canzone from the Arizona Diamondbacks. The 25-year-old is the Diamondbacks' 19th-ranked prospect according to MLB. After being drafted in the 8th round of the 2019 MLB draft, Canzone was left unprotected for this year's rule 5 draft. This should come as no surprise because the Diamondbacks have a surplus of outfield talent on their 40-man roster already. Unfortunately for them, Canzone seemed to be the odd man out in that group.

Canzone has hit at every level he has played at in the minor leagues. After being drafted in 2019, Canzone slashed .281/.318/.535 with 8 home runs and 38 RBI. There was no minor league season in 2020, but Canzone actually hit better after the off-year. In 2021, he hit .302 with 14 home runs and 52 RBI over 79 games. 2022 was his best power year, and he still hit for a high average. He batted .299 while going deep 22 times and driving in 89. Canzone ended the 2022 season in triple-A and that is where he played a majority of the 2022 season.

The Diamondbacks simply just do not have room on the roster for Canzone, but other teams do. The Cubs have a few spots left on their 40-man roster, and they are able to make selections in the Rule 5 draft. Canzone plays corner outfield and first base. If the Cubs decide to wait on Matt Mervis and give him another year to develop, taking the left-handed hitting Canzone could provide Mervis with the time he needs to continue developing. Canzone can fill in at first base when needed, and he can play a little corner outfield too. He has swung the bat well at every level he has played at, and if he can produce similar numbers in the big leagues, the Cubs could slot him in at DH as well. I will even be bold and say that Dominic Canzone will definitely be drafted in this year's rule 5 draft, and if the Cubs have the chance to take him, they should.