In each of the last two MLB Drafts, the Chicago Cubs have, more or less, played it safe, selecting college position players in the first round. First, it was University of Maryland standout Matt Shaw in 2023 and, last summer, Jed Hoyer snagged rising Florida State Seminoles infielder Cam Smith.
Less than two years after being drafted, Shaw has spent the bulk of the 2025 season with the big-league team, and I needn't remind you all that Cam Smith looks like the real deal after going through some early-season struggles with the Houston Astros. The final mock draft from MLB Pipeline seems to think the Cubs won't fix what's not broke and will, once again, go with a college hitter with the #17 overall pick.