This year's MLB Draft is loaded with the connections to former Chicago Cubs players

Ahead of this week's All-Star Game in Arlington, it's all eyes on the 2024 MLB Draft on Sunday, with the Chicago Cubs picking 14th overall in the first round. The jury is still out on many of last summer's picks, with the exception of first-rounder Matt Shaw, but given their strong draft position this year, Jed Hoyer could add some major impact to an already-strong system.

Aside from speculating who Chicago will pick, Bob Nightengale of USA Today did a great job in his weekly roundup drawing out all the connections to former and current big league players - and there is no shortage of Cubs connections.

Sons of former Cubs infielders - and manager Craig Counsell - are among this year's potential draft picks

Son of former Chicago infielder Mark Grudzielanek (Bryce Martin-Grudzielanek) out of USC is looking to follow in his father's footsteps. Mark played 15 years in the big leagues, making one All-Star team and earning a Gold Glove. He played for the Cubs from 2003 to 2004 and, funnily enough, despite playing for six different teams, his only postseason appearances came with Chicago and St. Louis.

An all-time Cubs free-agent bust, Jeff Blauser, will watch to see if his son Cooper hears his name called. The son of former journeyman Scott Hairston, who got a cup of coffee in Wrigleyville during the 2013 season, Landon, and Ben Zobrist's nephew, Luke Heefner, are also among potential picks during this year's draft.

The son of current Chicago Cubs manager Craig Counsell, Brady, is coming off a .905 OPS at the University of Minnesota - and following in his father's footsteps would be quite an accomplishment. Counsell played 16 years in the bigs, winning a pair of World Series rings and taking home NLCS MVP honors, as well. Of course, after his playing days, he became manager of the Milwaukee Brewers, further etching his name in the lore of his home state, before jumping to the rival Cubs last fall.

I can't believe that the guys I grew up watching are now old enough to have sons starting their professional careers. But it's still a very cool moment for those families - and, even for us fans who can fondly remember random moments from the prior generation's playing days.