Seen as possible insurance if Kyle Tucker leaves via free agency, or a potential replacement to Owen Caissie in the farm system, Wake Forest outfielder Ethan Conrad is the latest first-round pick of the Chicago Cubs. Had it not been for a shoulder injury that ended his 2025 collegiate season prematurely, Conrad may not have been on the board when the Cubs were on the clock at No. 17.
The Cubs expect a full recovery for Conrad, and when he returns to the field, one prospect expert believes the team will see why their latest first-round pick was one of the best college hitters in this year's draft class.