The Chicago Cubs' 2025 draft class is already beginning to show the fruits of a focused investment in talent. Nineteen of the twenty selections signed, a high compliance rate that signals front‑office confidence, and the early performances of several standouts are already turning heads across the minor leagues.
Key Prospects Emerging
Among them, right‑hander Ethan Conrad, the club’s first‑round pick, is making his professional debut after a shoulder injury sidelined him for much of the previous season, and his presence on the mound adds a new layer of depth to the system.
Second‑round selection Kane Kepley has drawn attention for a strikeout‑to‑walk ratio that leans heavily toward walks, a pattern that suggests a patient approach at the plate and a developing pitch mix that could mature into a reliable starter.
Fourth‑round pick Kaleb Wing, meanwhile, has impressed with a strikeout rate that outpaces many of his league peers, hinting at a fastball‑heavy repertoire that could translate quickly to higher levels.
Sixth‑round outfielder Josiah Hartshorn is perhaps the most talked‑about name, posting an OPS that exceeds 1.000 and positioning him as a rare blend of power and on‑base skill for a rookie.
The class also includes a host of fringe prospects — Dominick Reid, Pierce Coppola, Jake Knapp, Eli Jerzembeck, Kade Snell, Justin Stransky, Nate Williams, Kaemyn Franklin, Noah Edders, Riley Hunsaker, Logan Poteet, Connor Knox, and Freddy Rodriguez — each contributing unique statistical footprints that enrich the organization’s depth chart.
While not all will reach the majors in the immediate future, the breadth of talent ensures that the Cubs can weather injuries and competition, and the early indicators suggest that the investment is already paying dividends.