Major League teams often draft based on a particular player profile, gravitating toward familiarity or potential. Sometimes, though, they simply strike gold.
The Chicago Cubs could experience a combination of all three in this July’s MLB Draft.
Holding the 17th overall pick, the Cubs are likely headed for postseason contention next season, making this selection even more crucial.
Pitching remains a top priority—especially when the arm in question brings a sense of déjà vu.
According to ESPN’s Kiley McDaniel, the Cubs are projected to take Arkansas right-hander Gage Wood, whose electric stuff has drawn attention, despite his limited college starting experience.
Wood posted a 2-1 record with a 5.59 ERA over seven starts, racking up 37 strikeouts and just five walks across 19.1 innings, missing a large chunk of the season due to injury.
Wood has drawn comparisons to both Cade Horton—the Cubs’ 2022 first-round pick who is already contributing at the major league level—and Jaxon Wiggins, another Arkansas arm now excelling in Double-A with the Cubs. If Wood’s development follows a similar trajectory, he could be a steal.
Chicago’s recent draft history includes Cam Smith, Matt Shaw, Horton, Jordan Wicks, and Ed Howard—a mix of infielders and pitchers who are at various stages of making an impact.
The 2025 MLB Draft is set for July 13–14 during All-Star Weekend in Atlanta, and the Cubs will once again look to secure their future with a pick that matters.