The Chicago Cubs add the next wave of talent in this three-round mock draft.
Amid the coronavirus pandemic, MLB shortened the upcoming amateur draft to just five rounds. The Chicago Cubs hold the 16th overall pick, the highest draft slot since they took Ian Happ ninth overall in 2015. Pitching and outfield help would seem to make the most sense as draft targets, but Theo Epstein and company may also utilize the best player available approach.
It’s well known that regardless if there’s a 2020 season, the Cubs will lose 60 percent of their starting rotation to free agency this year. Strapped for cash and the added unknown in the available budget, the 2020 offseason may look eerily similar to the last two.
Let’s look at a three-round mock draft that makes the most sense.
Round 1, 16th overall
Cole Wilcox, RHP, Georgia
Most mock draft I’ve seen have Wilcox going later in the first round. However, the Cubs have shown they aren’t afraid to reach for players they fall in love with – see Ryan Jensen, for example. Wilcox is a draft-eligible sophomore who was set to the transition into the Bulldogs’ rotation this year. Last year, he made 19 appearances – including six starts – striking out 64 batters in 59.2 innings.
He struggled with his command, as a freshman, allowing nearly six walks-per-nine innings. However, after a summer stint in the Cape Cod League, Wilcox allowed just two walks through his first four starts. Adding to his impressive resume, he spun a 1.57 ERA, striking out 32 batters in 23.0 innings of work while limiting the opposition to a .209 average.
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Alternate Pick: Robert Hassell, OF, Independence High School
Round 2, 53rd overall
Logan Allen, LHP, Florida International
I love Logan Allen if he’s available at this slot in the second round. He’s been picking up steam heading towards the draft, so there’s a chance he may already be gone. That said, he features a three-pitch arsenal and will likely need to add another pitch if he wants to have success at the big-league level.
The definition of consistency, Allen’s been a starter for the Panthers since the day he stepped on campus. Time in the Cape Cod League after his sophomore year yielded better command for a pitcher who doesn’t have an overpowering fastball. Through his first four starts in 2020, Allen spun a 2.45 while striking out 41 batters in 25.2 innings to go along with just six walks.
