JUST IN:Chicago Cubs 7-Round Mock Draft 1.0: A Wall for Caleb Williams
The Chicago Cubs, entering a pivotal season with eyes set on future success, have an opportunity in the upcoming MLB Draft to continue building a foundation for long-term competitiveness. With a blend of young talent, veterans, and a rapidly improving farm system, the Cubs’ front office is in a unique position to capitalize on their picks and deepen their roster. This mock draft aims to provide insight into the Cubs’ possible selections, targeting players that will complement their existing lineup and contribute to a potential playoff run in the future.
Round 1: Jackson Holliday (SS) – Still a Star in the Making
The Cubs are selecting 13th overall, a position that offers a chance to pick up high-end talent. While shortstop is not an immediate need for the Cubs, Jackson Holliday is too talented to pass up if he falls this far in the draft. Holliday, the son of former major leaguer Matt Holliday, has drawn comparisons to other top-tier shortstops in the game thanks to his advanced bat, slick glove, and baseball IQ. A left-handed hitter, Holliday has shown the ability to hit for both power and average while also providing solid defense up the middle.
In the Cubs’ system, Holliday would likely become the cornerstone of their infield, giving them a dynamic player for the long term. His combination of skills and baseball pedigree make him an easy choice if he’s available. Plus, shortstops are a critical commodity in MLB, and having a strong one in the pipeline only adds value to an already burgeoning organization.
Round 2: Chase Davis (OF) – A Power Bat for the Outfield
With their second pick, the Cubs will likely look to add more power potential to their lineup. Enter Chase Davis, an outfielder from the University of Arizona. Known for his ability to drive the ball out of the park, Davis offers a mix of raw power and potential to develop into a strong middle-of-the-order hitter. As the Cubs continue to build their outfield of the future, Davis would provide both immediate power and a potential future bat in their lineup.
Davis’ swing and approach at the plate have been polished during his time in college, but his defense remains a work in progress. However, his bat is enough to warrant consideration in the second round, and the Cubs could bring him along at their own pace while continuing to improve his defensive game. If Davis can refine his fielding, he could quickly become an asset at either corner outfield position.
Round 3: Cole Young (SS) – Stock Rising
Although shortstop is already covered with Holliday, there’s always room for an additional versatile infielder in a system. Cole Young from the University of North Carolina provides the Cubs with another potential stud in the middle infield. Young’s smooth swing and solid contact rate give him the tools to be an offensive threat, and his defensive abilities could make him a candidate for second base or even third base in the long term.
The Cubs would benefit from his ability to make consistent contact, and his overall hitting approach fits well with their philosophy of working the count and putting the ball in play. With his advanced skills, Young would represent another important addition to their developing infield talent pool.
Round 4: Henry Williams (RHP) – Power Arm with Big Potential
The Cubs will also need to focus on adding pitching depth in this draft, particularly with an eye on the future. Henry Williams, a right-handed pitcher from Duke University, fits that need. Williams is known for his electric fastball, which has touched triple digits at times, and his ability to overpower hitters with a devastating slider. Although Williams has battled injuries in the past, he has shown flashes of brilliance and can be an ace in the making if he can stay healthy and develop his secondary pitches.
The Cubs’ farm system is in need of more high-end pitching prospects, and Williams offers the potential to develop into a frontline starter. His power stuff makes him an intriguing selection in the fourth round, and the Cubs will be hoping to unlock his full potential.
Round 5: Josh Kasevich (2B) – Defensive Stability
Josh Kasevich, an infielder from the University of Oregon, is a player the Cubs could target in the fifth round. Kasevich doesn’t have the flashiest bat, but he’s known for his defensive prowess and ability to make consistent contact. His smooth glove work at second base makes him a valuable asset, and he has the ability to hit for average, which is a quality the Cubs could use in their lineup down the road.
While not a flashy pick, Kasevich offers stability to the Cubs’ infield depth and could provide a solid option in the future. His ability to play strong defense while contributing offensively makes him an intriguing choice in the middle rounds.
Round 6: Kade Mechals (RHP) – High Risk, High Reward
In the sixth round, the Cubs could take a chance on a high-risk, high-reward player like Kade Mechals, a right-handed pitcher from Oklahoma State. Mechals has the tools to be an impact pitcher with a fastball that sits in the mid-90s and a solid breaking ball. However, his control has been inconsistent, making him a bit of a project. If the Cubs can develop his command, Mechals could become a key contributor in their pitching staff.
Taking chances on high-upside pitchers in the later rounds can pay off, and the Cubs have the developmental resources to help Mechals improve his command and potentially turn into a quality arm in their rotation.
Round 7: Drew Beam (RHP) – Depth for the Future
Finally, the Cubs can add more depth to their pitching ranks with Drew Beam, a right-handed pitcher from the University of Tennessee. Beam’s low-to-mid 90s fastball and developing secondary pitches give him the potential to be a solid bullpen arm or back-end starter in the future. Although he may not have the highest ceiling, Beam’s consistency and work ethic could make him a solid depth piece as he climbs the ranks.
Conclusion: Building the Wall for Caleb Williams
With this draft, the Cubs focus on building a team around their future cornerstone talents like Jackson Holliday. Adding a mix of power bats, defensive specialists, and pitching depth will give the organization a well-rounded foundation. As the Cubs continue to develop these players in their farm system, they’ll set themselves up for a promising future and, ultimately, position themselves to compete for championships once again.
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