The Chicago Cubs made a significant impact on the first day of the MLB Draft, held on July 14, 2025. The team selected three players, including center fielder Ethan Conrad from Wake Forest with the 17th pick in the first round. Despite a season cut short by an injury to his left labrum, Conrad recorded impressive statistics, hitting .372 with a .495 on-base percentage and a .744 slugging percentage in just 21 games.
Conrad’s injury occurred while diving for a ball, but his previous performance had established him as a strong prospect. He had similar standout numbers during his sophomore year at Marist and excelled in summer play at the Cape, a trend that has benefited Cubs draft picks in recent years. The Cubs have a history of selecting players who have faced injuries, recognizing the potential for high value in these prospects.
In a media briefing following the draft, Dan Kantrovitz, vice president of scouting for the Cubs, remarked on Conrad’s potential. “He complied with the medical portion of Major League Baseball’s scouting combine,” Kantrovitz stated. “We felt he was somebody that, if he played out the entire season, would have been considered in the top 10 of the draft. We believe it’s exceptional value at 17.”
Conrad is noted for his left-handed batting skills, which combine power with contact ability and solid speed. Although he did not regularly play center field until transferring to Wake Forest, scouts believe he can develop into a reliable player in that position. If he fully recovers, his batting prowess may allow him to transition to a corner outfield spot.
Second Round Selection: Kane Kepley
In the second round, the Cubs opted for Kane Kepley, another center fielder, this time from the University of North Carolina. Kepley is known for his high-contact batting style and exceptional speed, having stolen over 45 bases in the past season with a walk rate exceeding 14 percent. Kantrovitz highlighted Kepley’s defensive skills, stating, “He’s a plus defender in center field, and he put a lot of pressure on the defense.”
Kepley achieved a .451 on-base percentage during his time at UNC, showcasing his ability to consistently get on base. However, scouts have raised concerns regarding his lack of power, which could lead to challenges from higher-level pitchers.
Third Round Selection: Dominick Reid
The Cubs rounded out their first day selections with Dominick Reid, a right-handed pitcher from Abilene Christian University. Reid is recognized for possessing one of the best changeups in the draft, which he can effectively deliver to both left-handed and right-handed batters. Kantrovitz praised Reid’s natural feel for pitching, noting his mid-90s velocity and potential for growth.
“Our recent success in adding velocity to pitchers aligns well with selecting players like Reid, who have strong secondary pitches,” Kantrovitz explained. The Cubs are focused on developing Reid’s slider or curveball to maximize his potential.
The Cubs’ strategy of selecting a trio of college talents on the first day of the MLB Draft positions them for an aggressive approach on Day 2. With financial flexibility at their disposal, Kantrovitz indicated that the team is considering the possibility of pursuing high school players who may be seeking larger signing bonuses. “At this juncture, it’s difficult to forecast how we’re going to deploy that flexibility,” he noted, “but we’re confident in our plans moving forward.”
As the Cubs embark on this new chapter, they remain focused on nurturing their selections, particularly Conrad, who expressed his excitement about being drafted. “It’s honestly such an honor hearing my name called by the Chicago Cubs. It’s a dream come true,” Conrad stated, highlighting the human aspect of this storied event in professional sports.
