Jed Hoyer has at least two reasons to be feeling good about the Cubs’ future. When Hoyer was promoted to president of baseball operations, there was no question he’d be marked with a handful of tough calls, including tearing down the old core and rebuilding the roster. With that came an opportunity for the Cubs to once again try their hand at the top half of the draft. Two of those first-round picks have already begun creating a name for themselves at the major league level.
Right-handed pitcher Cade Horton (seventh overall pick in 2022) and infielder Matt Shaw (13th overall in 2023) have grown into their roles while cementing themselves as cornerstones of the future.