David Zalubowski/AP
The first question, albeit a joking one, during Cubs VP of scouting Dan Kantrovitz’s pre-draft media session?
“Do you draft someone to trade for [Shohei] Ohtani now?”
The most recent first-round pick Kantrovitz’s scouting department made is now hitting in the middle of the Astros’ lineup. Jed Hoyer used Cam Smith, selected at No. 14 in last summer’s draft, to pry outfielder Kyle Tucker away in a blockbuster offseason trade, one that’s helped put the Cubs where they are today, atop the NL Central with status as true World Series contenders.
The Cubs certainly aren’t asking for trade backs, not even with Smith — slashing .