2026 MLB Mock Draft: With the 23rd Pick, Cubs Draft a Towering Prep Lefty

[Jamie Cameron]

Image courtesy of © Rick Cinclair/Telegram & Gazette / USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images

I take MLB mock draft rankings from major industry outlets like MLB Pipeline, ESPN, The Athletic (and many others) to form a consensus board, with a working hypothesis that using this approach will eliminate some of the noise and variance in MLB Draft mock rankings.

The Chicago Cubs’ first five picks are:

• Round 1: 23rd Overall
• Round 2: 62nd Overall
• Compensation Round: 75th Overall
• Round 3: 98th Overall
• Round 4: 126th Overall

Round 1: Brody Bumila, LHP, Bishop Feehan HS (MA)

Draft aficionados will be used to the concept of a cold-weather arm rising throughout the cycle. They don't all look like Brody Bumila, though. The 6'9 two-sport star committed to Texas has been making waves this spring.

As you might expect from such a unique frame, there's unique stuff to match. Bumila relies on a fastball that has been as high as 101 mph. It sits in the high 90s, coming at hitters from a drop and drive delivery and a lower launch, with good ride at the top of the zone, making it a nightmare for prep hitters in MA.

There's plenty of work to do on the secondary arsenal. Bumila relies most heavily on a changeup, thrown in the low 80s, but he'll mix in a slider and a curveball, too.

This is a size and stuff over polish prep arm in what could be one of the higher risk, higher reward plays of the entire class.

Round 2: Blake Bryant, RHP, Citizens Christian Academy (GA)

Bryant is a projectable prep righty standing 6'5, 180 pounds, currently committed to Clemson. He's jumped up boards throughout the cycle thanks to consistently outstanding performances on the summer circuit.

Bryant's velocity has ticked up in the last 12 months. His fastball is up to 96 mph with run and ride. He pairs it with a sweeper in the low 80s, a curveball that sits in the high 70s, and a split change that's a bit firm currently.

The command can come and go a bit with Bryant, which is typical for a lanky prep arm. It's a strong arsenal on which to build. It's easy to envision him being a problem when he fills out a bit more and polishes his repertoire.

Compensation Round: Ruger Riojas, RHP, Texas

Riojas pitched for two seasons at UTSA prior to transferring to Texas. He's continued to take steps forward in his two seasons with the Longhorns, capped by an excellent 2026 season. Riojas is undersized for a starter at 6'0, 195 pounds. He'll also be 23 on draft day, one of the older prospects selected in the entire class. His fastball sits 94-96 mph with good carry and will peak at 97-98 mph. It's backed up by a splitter that sits in the mid-80s, a cutter, a sweeper, and a curveball to round out a well-developed arsenal.

Riojas managed a strikeout rate of 35.5% in 2026, combined with an impressive 6.2% walk rate in 81.2 innings. He'll be drafted in the first 3 rounds as a priority senior sign that will allow an organization some financial flexibility with other early picks.

Round 3: Carson Kerce, SS, Georgia Tech

Kerce is one of the most improved prospects in 2026. He's a good example of a collegiate prospect who has a ton of baseball skill and is light on top-end tools.

Kerce hits from the right side, with a marginally open stance and a higher hand set. It's excellent bat-to-ball skills, with an overall contact rate in the mid-80s and an in-zone rate north of 90%. Add to this Kerce's lack of chase (~18%) and there's a ton of floor through his on-base ability.

He's added extra base thump this year, barrelling up more pitches, resulting in his home run total jumping from 4 to 11. While it'll never be significant power at the next level (45 grade), Kerce managed 44 extra base hits for Georgia Tech in 2026. Kerce probably doesn't have the dynamism and explosiveness to stick at shortstop, but he's a sure-handed defender with a good arm and solid mobility. Second base might be a good fit.

Kerce managed a .384/.473/.679 line with a 12.2 BB%, 13.3 K%, and 147 wRC+ in 278 plate appearances in 2026.

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