As it’s been a month since the 2024 MLB Draft concluded, it’s an opportune time to look back at the Chicago Cubs’ 2023 draft class and see how these promising young players have progressed in their first year of professional baseball. Here’s an update on where the Cubs’ 2023 draft picks are now.
Where Are the Cubs’ 2023 Draft Picks Now?
1. Matt Shaw (2B, Maryland)
Matt Shaw, the Cubs’ first-round pick, was assigned to the Triple-A Iowa Cubs this August. Shaw has shown impressive defensive skills and a solid bat, hitting .269 with 14 home runs and 26 stolen bases. His quick adaptation to professional baseball has scouts excited about his potential as a future middle infielder for the Cubs.
Matt Shaw is now the top prospect in the Cubs system (and number 25 in baseball) according to @MLBPipeline pic.twitter.com/Kc5qHcaU6s
— Jack Susanin (@SusaninSports) August 14, 2024
2. Jaxon Wiggins (RHP, Arkansas)
Jaxon Wiggins, a towering right-hander, has been pitching for the High-A South Bend Cubs. Known for his high-90s fastball and sharp breaking ball, Wiggins has posted a 4.57 ERA with 46 strikeouts over 43 1/3 innings. His ability to dominate hitters and poise on the mound suggest a bright future.
3. Josh Rivera (SS, Florida)
Josh Rivera played for the Double-A Tennessee Smokies before he was traded to the Toronto Blue Jays for right-hander Nate Pearson. In his brief stint in the Cubs minor league system, Rivera showcased his excellent range and strong arm at shortstop. Offensively, he hit for an OPS of .537 with 16 RBI and four home runs. Rivera’s well-rounded game makes him a valuable asset in the Blue Jays farm system.
4. Will Sanders (RHP, South Carolina)
Will Sanders has been impressive as a starter for the High-A South Bend Cubs. With a fastball that touches 95 mph and a reliable curveball, he has a 4.64 ERA and 81 strikeouts in 73 2/3 innings. Sanders is progressing well, and the Cubs are monitoring his development closely.
5. Michael Carico (C, Davidson)
Michael Carico took on the role of primary catcher for the Single-A Myrtle Beach Pelicans before he was put on the 60-day IL in late May this year. His leadership and defensive skills behind the plate were noteworthy, along with his career .718 OPS. Carico’s all-around abilities make him a key player to watch.
6. Alfonsin Rosario (OF, P27 Academy)
Alfonsin Rosario has shown his raw talent on the Single-A Myrtle Beach Pelicans. The young outfielder has a .234 average, 13 home runs, and 19 stolen bases. His physical tools are evident, and the Cubs are focused on refining his approach at the plate and his outfield instincts.
7. Yahil Melendez (SS, B-You Academy)
Yahil Melendez, a highly touted prospect from Puerto Rico, has been playing for the Rookie League Cubs. At 18, he displays excellent defensive skills and a promising bat, hitting .268 with 13 doubles. The Cubs are excited about his potential and are carefully approaching his development.
8. Brett Bateman (OF, Minnesota)
Brett Bateman has been making strides with the Double-A Tennessee Smokies. Known for his speed and on-base skills, Bateman has a .283 average with 24 stolen bases and an impressive .394 on-base percentage. His ability to get on base and create havoc on the base paths is valuable for the team.
9. Jonathon Long (1B, Long Beach State)
Jonathon Long has been a power threat for the Double-A Tennessee Smokies. He’s hit .283 with 12 home runs and 54 RBI, showcasing his power and run-producing abilities. Long’s development as a middle-of-the-order bat is progressing well.
10. Luis Martinez-Gomez (RHP, Temple College)
Luis Martinez-Gomez has been pitching in the Arizona Complex League, showing promise with a 3.54 ERA and 25 strikeouts over 28 innings. His fastball-slider combination is effective, and the Cubs are working on refining his control and secondary pitches.
11. Zyhir Hope (OF, Colonial Forge HS)
Zyhir Hope was an exciting player in the Rookie League for the Cubs before he was traded to the Los Angeles Dodgers in the Michael Busch trade this past offseason. Known for his athleticism, he’s hitting .321 with seven home runs and six stolen bases. The Dodgers are focusing on developing his plate discipline and defensive skills in the outfield.
12. Carter Trice (2B, North Carolina State)
Carter Trice has been solid at second base for the Single-A Myrtle Beach Pelicans, hitting .229 with eight home runs and 34 RBIs. His steady offensive production and reliable defense make him a player to watch in the Cubs system.
13. Sam Armstrong (RHP, Old Dominion)
Sam Armstrong has been a dependable arm out of the bullpen for the Double-A Tennessee Smokies, posting a 3.51 ERA with 80 strikeouts in 82 innings. His ability to handle high-leverage situations and get crucial outs is a key asset for the team.
14. Grayson Moore (RHP, Vanderbilt)
Grayson Moore had been developing as a starter for the High-A South Bend Cubs before hitting the 60-day IL in June. With a 2.57 ERA and 15 strikeouts over 14 innings, Moore’s combination of a fastball and a sharp slider was effective. The Cubs appear pleased with his progress and potential.
15. Ty Johnson (RHP, Ball State)
Ty Johnson was an effective reliever during his stint in the Cubs minor league system before he was sent to the Tampa Bay Rays in the Christopher Morel – Isaac Paredes trade, posting a 3.55 ERA with 81 strikeouts in 61 innings. His fastball-slider combo was dominant, and he’s being groomed for a potential late-inning role.
16. Daniel Brown (LHP, Campbell)
Daniel Brown was activated by the ACL Cubs on May 3 this year, but has not made an appearance in the minors yet.
17. Ethan Flanagan (LHP, UCLA)
Unfortunately, right after being activated by the ACL Cubs, Ethan Flanagan suffered an injury, and has yet to play a game in the minors.
18. Brian Kalmer (3B, Gonzaga)
Brian Kalmer has been a solid contributor at third base for the High-A South Bend Cubs, hitting for an OPS of .719 with 10 home runs and 39 RBI. His power and defensive abilities make him a key player to watch as he progresses.
19. Nick Dean (RHP, Maryland)
Nick Dean has been a reliable starter for the High-A South Bend Cubs, posting a 3.36 ERA with 81 strikeouts over 77 2/3 innings. His consistency and ability to pitch deep into games are valuable traits for the Cubs’ rotation.
20. Drew Bowser (3B, Stanford)
Drew Bowser has been developing his skills in the Arizona Complex League, hitting .191 with 6 home runs and 21 RBI. The Cubs are working on refining his approach at the plate and his defensive skills at second base.
The Last Word
The Cubs’ 2023 draft class is showing significant promise across various levels of the minor leagues. The future looks bright for the Cubs, from potential future stars like Matt Shaw and Jaxon Wiggins to solid contributors like Michael Carico and Brett Bateman. As these young players continue to develop, Cubs fans have plenty of reasons to be excited about what’s to come.
Stay tuned as these prospects continue their journeys. Hopefully, they’ll be donning the Cubs’ blue and white at Wrigley Field soon.
Photo Credit: Joe Camporeale-USA TODAY Sports
