Chicago Cubs: Kameron Misner would be a great value pick

The Chicago Cubs should grab a top pitcher if available but could get Mizzou’s Kameron Misner for great value at the end of the first round.

The primary focus for the Chicago Cubs should be to acquire more pitching prospects in the first few rounds of the 2019 Major League Baseball Amateur Draft. However, if there is a run on pitchers before the Cubs pick at 27th overall in the first round, they should absolutely pull the trigger on toolsy Mizzou outfielder Kameron Misner.

Misner was actually drafted in the 33rd round of the 2016 draft by the Royals but chose to honor his commitment to the University of Missouri. He made an immediate impact with the Tigers playing in 58 games as a true freshman and slashed 0.282/0.360/0.446 with 7 home runs and 34 RBI’s. He also swiped 17 bags with a physical stature of 6′-4″ 219 pounds.

Theo Epstein and the Cubs scouting department love draft prospects who have proven themselves in wood bat leagues. Misner played in the New England Collegiate Baseball League (NECBL) after his freshman season and batted 0.378 with 8 home runs and 25 RBI’s in just 38 games. He also displayed his speed there swiping 14 bases.

Flash forward to his sophomore year, Misner was on a terrific trajectory slashing 0.360/0.497/0.576 before suffering a foot injury that caused him to miss the final 22 games of the season. He decided to skip out on the NECBL and focus on getting healthy for 2019.

Misner was terrific this past season for Mizzou. He slashed 0.287/0.443/0.485 with 10 home runs and 32 RBI’s to go along with 20 stolen bases. And get this. He doubled his walks from his freshman season while keeping his strikeouts the same (54 walks to 56 strikeouts).

Scouts absolutely love his ability to consistently make solid contact with the ball and his ability to steal bases given his size:

"Listed at 6-foot-4, 219 pounds, Misner has a powerful, athletic frame and an easy lefthanded swing. His approach is geared toward hitting line drives up the middle, and he makes consistent hard contact. His size and bat speed give him solid raw power, but he’s still learning to make the most of it. His speed and arm are both above-average, giving him a chance to play all three outfield positions. – via BaseballAmerica"

Questions have come up about his dip in production in SEC play wondering if he will have the same issues against big-league pitching. However, Misner has all the necessary tools to become a successful Major League Baseball player.

He has played some first base to fill in for an injured teammate but projects to be a corner outfielder in the Major Leagues. Misner is currently ranked as the sixth-best outfield prospect in June’s draft.

Pro Comp: Cody Bellinger, OF Dodgers