Chicago Cubs 2024 MLB Draft Report Card

Best Pure Hitter: Third baseman Cam Smith (1) completely changed his approach and setup at the plate after his freshman season at FSU, and it’s unlocked more contact and much better zone skills that has continued to translate to pro ball. After signing, Smith hit .313/.396/.609 in 32 games across three levels between Low-A Myrtle Beach and Double-A Tennessee with a 22.9% overall miss rate and 17.9% strikeout rate.

Best Power Hitter: Smith’s (1) reputation throughout college and as a high school player was primarily as a power-over-hit righty bat with tons of physical strength and raw power from a 6-foot-3, 224-pound pro body. He has plus raw power and should be at least an above-average in-game power hitter depending on how his approach develops. His seven home runs led all 2024 draftees who debuted, and his 111.4 mph max exit velocity was good for seventh among the 158 debut hitters for whom we have data.  

Fastest Runner: The Cubs don’t have any true burners in this draft class, but shortstop Ty Southisene (4) is an above-average runner who might be able to carve out some value on the bases.

Best Defensive Player: Southisene (4) is an extremely reliable middle infield defender with strong actions and footwork, though his arm strength is more fringy. Catcher Ariel Armas (5) is an excellent athlete and is extremely mobile behind the plate. Scouts expect him to develop into an above-average defender at the position, and in 2024 with San Diego, he made the ABCA/Rawlings Gold Glove Team and was also named the West Coast Conference’s defensive player of the year.

Best Fastball: Righthander Brooks Caple (9) sat in the low 90s this spring with Lamar University, but his fastball has been up to 97 at peak velocity and generates a ton of riding life—20 inches induced vertical break this spring—which should allow it to play above and miss bats.

Best Secondary Pitch: Righthander Ryan Gallagher (6) throws a slider in the low 80s with modest spin that he used to generate a 43% miss rate this spring with UC Santa Barbara.

Best Pro Debut: Smith (1) was one of only four players who posted an OPS over 1.000 in his pro debut. Of that group, he had, by far, the largest sample of playing time with 134 plate appearances. He led all draftees with 36 hits, seven home runs, 70 total bases and tied Guardians outfielder Ryan Cesarini for first with four triples.

Best Athlete: Eli Lovich (11) was a talented lefthander and outfielder in high school and some scouts preferred his upside on the mound thanks to a lean frame and simple delivery. The Cubs drafted him as an outfielder and signed him for $650,000 as their first pick on day three. 

Most Intriguing Background: Another two-way player in the Cubs’ 2024 class, Cole Mathis (2) was a first baseman and righthanded pitcher with College of Charleston. He has touched 96 mph on the mound and mixes in a curveball, slider and changeup. Focusing on hitting only in 2024, he slashed .335/.472/.650 with 14 home runs and more walks (46) than strikeouts (32) and should move into a hitter-only role in pro ball after being selected as a third baseman. 

Closest To The Majors: Smith’s (1) pro debut and ascent to Double-A competition won’t do anything but hasten his ascent to the majors. He’s physically ready now, though he might require some refinement defensively at third base to handle the speed of the major league game at the hot corner. 

Best Day Three Pick (Or NDFA): Lovich (11) was the team’s big signing on day three, but righthander Daniel Avitia (12) could be a bounce-back candidate. He entered the draft cycle as a potential day one arm and one of the best pure pitchers in the class, but had a poor 2024 season with Grand Canyon and will need to add a bit more power to a fastball that is routinely in the 88-92 mph range from a low slot.