CHICAGO — The Cubs have a track record of focusing on college athletes at the top of the MLB Draft and then reaching for some prep stars with athleticism and upside once Day 2 arrives. This year’s Draft has followed that recent pattern for the North Siders.
After grabbing Florida State third baseman Cam Smith (first round) and College of Charleston infielder Cole Mathis (second round) on Sunday night, Chicago opened Monday’s picks with the selection of high school shortstop Ronny Cruz. The young prospect out of Miami Christian School (Fla.) was unranked by MLB Pipeline, but he opened eyes at the MLB Draft Combine at Chase Field in June.
Cruz, who will turn 18 in August, showed off his athleticism and power potential at the Combine, putting on a show in batting practice. That included reaching 107.9 mph in exit velocity. The 6-foot-2, 170-pound shortstop is committed to the University of Miami, but being picked in the third round (slot value of $826,000) could sway him to turn pro.
According to Max Preps, Cruz hit .397 (25-for-63) with two homers, five doubles and 16 RBIs in 21 games this past season, posting a .467 on-base percentage and .571 slugging percentage along the way.
“He’s probably going to have to work on his approach at the plate,” Pipeline expert Jonathan Mayo said during the Draft Show on MLB.com. “He’s probably not going to stick at shortstop when it’s all said and done. I think he probably moves over to third base, but he has the power profile that could work really well.”
