Despite a need for a pitching, the Chicago Cubs decided to go another route and draft Indiana C/OF Kyle Schwarber with the fourth overall pick in the 2014 MLB draft. After seeing Brady Aiken and Carlos Rodon get picked before the Cubs were up, they decided to save some money for the next few rounds and draft under slot.
In 2014, Schwarber hit .348 with 13 home runs and 45 RBIs in 57 games. The Cubs love power and Schwarber fits their profile for what they want in a hitter. The interesting thing to watch here is whether he can stay at catcher. The Cubs lack catching at every level in their system and would benefit the Cubs if he could stay there long-term.
Reaction: This pick is not much of a surprise for the Cubs. Although a lot of mock drafts had the Cubs taking Michael Conforto, Schwarber is a better hitter and has more power.When you have a pick this high, you can’t draft based on need. With Jorge Soler constantly dealing with injury problems, you can’t blame the Cubs for grabbing another bat. LSU’s RHP Aaron Nola also would have been a nice fit for the Cubs but they decided to go with a bat with the first pick for the third year in a row under Theo Epstein and Jed Hoyer.
North Carolina State lefty almost slid to the Cubs but the White Sox grabbed him with the third pick.
The Cubs next pick will be 45th overall.
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