Chicago Cubs Linked to SEC Slugger in 2024 Mock Draft
If some of their present prospects make the transition to the Major League Baseball full-time, the Chicago Cubs might have to replenish their outfielding depth.
If you’re the Chicago Cubs, you’re assessing your depth in the outfield organizationally and recognizing that some of it might play in the Majors very soon.
Their top prospect, Pete Crow-Armstrong, played with the Cubs in September and is a lock to start at center field on Opening Day. In September, Alexander Canario was also a member of the Cubs and will have an opportunity to establish himself in a role. Kevin Alcántara is another prospect to push for an MLB look in 2024 after making an impression on everyone at the Arizona Fall League.
Thus, when the Cubs choose No. 14 overall during All-Star Weekend in Arlington, Texas, in July of next year, they may be trying to restock.
Recently, Baseball America created a mock draft using the final first-round order, and the outlet decided to use outfielder Charlie Condon of Georgia to assist the Cubs add some depth to their lineup:
With a slugging percentage of.800 in 2023, Condon was eighth among all Division I hitters and led all freshmen in the nation. Now a sophomore eligible for the draft, Condon, the 2023 Baseball America Freshman of the Year, with immense raw power that rivals that of the nation’s best sluggers. Despite some swing-and-miss issues due to his lengthy levers, Condon did demonstrate good plate discipline with a 17.7% strikeout rate and a 13% walk rate. With 25 home runs or more, he had the second-lowest strikeout rate of any player, only surpassed by Nick Lorusso of Maryland.
High-end outfield skill may be found in the SEC.
Wyatt Langford of Florida, one of the best outfielders in the SEC, was selected No. 4 by the Texas Rangers. Dylan Crews, an outfielder at LSU, was selected by the Washington Nationals two picks ahead of Langford.
As the Bulldogs finished 29-27 and advanced to the SEC Tournament, Condon had one of the best rookie and all-around seasons in Georgia history, hitting.386 with 25 home runs and 67 RBI to win the team’s Triple Crown. As a result, he won numerous freshmen and All-America honors.
