Chicago Cubs: Day 1 draft grades, MLB comparisons
Pick Analysis. P. University of San Diego. 4. Scouting Report. Paul Richan. player. 9
Compensatory Pick, No. 78 Overall
Jake Arrieta left Chicago for Philadelphia, but not before he imparted one final gift — sort of. The Cubs earned this compensatory pick as a result of Arrieta signing with the Phillies. With the pick, the Cubs selected Paul Richan, another right-handed pitcher whom they can only hope will have the same career as Arrieta.
He was ranked by MLB.com as the 175th overall prospect. From that perspective, the Cubs once again reached considerably on a player that was not expected to be drafted until at least the fourth round. Richan, who began his career as a reliever, had a good but not great season. He finished the year 4-6 with a 4.62 ERA. Richan did demonstrate very good control, striking out 101, while only walking 13 in 89.2 innings.
Just like Cole Roederer, Richan graduated from Hart High School, which has produced quite a few major league pitchers recently. In fact, Trevor Bauer, James Shields, Tyler Glasnow, and current Cub Mike Montgomery, all played for Hart. Realistic expectations for Richan is as a fourth or fifth starter. But with experience as a reliever and very good command of four pitches, he gives the Cubs some options. He has the size and stuff to be a very good middle reliever if the Cubs so choose. In terms of a player comparison, he reminds me quite a bit of former Cub, Adam Warren.
Grade: C+
Bottom Line
The Chicago Cubs had a very interesting opening night of the draft. They definitely took some chances on at least three of their first four picks. If they are able to hit on at least one of those “reaches” along with Hoerner, this will be considered a very successful draft.