The Chicago Cubs tried to play catch-up in the June amateur draft by selecting pitchers with 13 of their first 14 selections despite not having a first or second round pick.
And some of their selections offer promise, according to Baseball America’s report cards.
Third-round pick Thomas Hatch of Oklahoma State was regarded as the draft pick closest to the majors. Hatch, who recently concluded a stint in the Cubs’ Instructional League, was praised for his command and polish of his pitches.
Duke pitcher Bailey Clark, a fifth round pick, was ranked as having the best fastball that topped out at 98 mph, followed by sixth-round pick Chad Hockin of Cal State Fullerton.
Bethune-Cookman catcher Michael Cruz, the only non-pitcher taken among the first 14 picks, was regarded as the Cubs’ best pure hitter out of the 2016 draft class. Cruz went 28-for-95 before a 3-for-35 slump dropped his average to .238 with short-season Mesa of the Arizona League.
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