Cubs exec forced to defend first-rounder after early health concerns

Baltimore Orioles v Chicago Cubs | Jamie Sabau/GettyImagesThe biggest reason why Ethan Conrad fell to the Chicago Cubs at No. 17 in the first round of the 2025 MLB Draft is the fact that a shoulder injury limited him to just 21 games with Wake Forest this past collegiate season. That same injury is what led to many prospect evaluators having mixed opinions on the Cubs' latest first-round pick, with the belief that injury adds a layer of risk when it comes to projecting the outfielder at the Major League level.

Cubs vice president of scouting Dan Kantrovitz met with reporters on Sunday night and discussed how the team did not shy away from Conrad's situation.

“You don’t want to close the door…