Chicago Cubs Draft: Ranking the NL Central draft hauls
By Ryan Sikes
The Chicago Cubs landed some nice pieces in an abbreviated 2020 MLB Draft, but how does their class stack up against the rest of the NL Central?
Just as quickly as it arrived, the 2020 MLB Draft is gone. Just five rounds, thanks to the coronavirus pandemic canceling the college baseball season. The Chicago Cubs had the 16th overall pick in the draft, taking Ed Howard, a shortstop from Mount Caramel High School, in the first round.
They followed that with Dallas Baptist’s Burl Carraway in the second round, who provides an attractive option for the bullpen. He already features two plus pitches in both his fastball and curveball, and scouts believe that he could see the big leagues in a short amount of time. In the third round, the Cubs addressed the lack of outfield prospects – or depth of outfield prospects, I should say – taking Michigan’s Jordan Nwogu.
The 6-foot-3, 230-pound Nwogu had a breakout sophomore campaign in 2019, posting a .992 OPS with 12 home runs and 46 RBI to go along with 16 stolen bases. He’s a toolsy outfielder that the Cubs will love and could plug-in after just a couple of seasons down in the minors.
Luke Little could end up being one of the steals of the drafted, taken in the fourth round out of San Jacinto Junior College. He throws 105 MPH and has starter material if he can find consistent command. If not, he provides another attractive option in the ‘pen and potentially may take over as the team’s closer one day.
The Cubs’ final pick in the 2020 MLB Draft could be a tough sign, Koen Moreno, who is committed to East Carolina in the fall. With the slot values and bonus pool money, he may try this whole draft thing again in three years. Now that we’ve recapped the Cubs side of the draft, where do they rank among their NL Central foes?