Cubs prospect Drew Wharton and senior signs

Al YellonOn Friday night, I noticed an online comment that Cubs minor league outfielder Drew Wharton had retired. In an era where it’s seemingly easy to be triggered by machinations in the baseball business that seem counter-productive, I wanted to write an article to assess an announcement that even the most rabid Cubs fan would probably disregard. Wharton, likely, provided well beyond his value to the team.

A 30th round choice in June 2018, Wharton was a senior sign. From the Clemson Tigers program, he was a reserve defense-first outfielder his first three college campaigns. In the high-end Atlantic Coast Conference, he managed but 100 at-bats in his first three college seasons, connecting…