2026 Chicago Cubs MLB Draft Day 1 Thread

While still jockeying for a spot in the postseason, the Chicago Cubs’ front office turns its attention to the amateur level this weekend for the MLB Draft. While none of the players selected this weekend are likely to impact the postseason push, the Cubs do recognize that they need to shore up the pitching in their system.

Last year, the Cubs went with Wake Forest outfielder Ethan Conrad with the 17th overall pick. In 2024, they selected Florida State third baseman Cam Smith with the 14th pick, then traded him that December to the Houston Astros in the Kyle Tucker blockbuster. Right-hander Cade Horton was the last pitcher taken by the Cubs in the first round, picking him out of Oklahoma in 2022.

The draft begins with the first four rounds Saturday, then finishing Sunday with Rounds 5 through 20. TV coverage begins at noon CT on NBC and Peacock, with it switching to MLB.com, MLB Network, MLB.tv and MLB+ at 1:30 p.m. Sunday’s telecast begins at 10:30 a.m. CT on MLB.com, MLB.tv and MLB+.

The Cubs have the 23rd pick in the first round, with five picks total on the first day. The extra pick comes courtesy of Tucker signing with the Los Angeles Dodgers after receiving a qualifying offer, giving the Cubs the final pick of the second round at No. 75. The Cubs’ pool this year is $9,644,100. While there are slot values assigned to each pick in the first 10 rounds, teams can sign players for any amount as long as it fits into their pool. Deals are often made with certain players in order to redistribute money to another player. Teams can spend up to 5% more than their draft pool without incurring a penalty. The Cubs are one of three teams to surpass their bonus pool each of the 14 years under this system (the Los Angeles Dodgers and San Francisco Giants are the others). No team has ever spent more than 5% while this rule has been in place. Last year, 20 of 30 teams surpassed their bonus pool.

Here are the slot values for each of the Cubs' picks:

• First round (23rd pick): $3,947,600
• Second round (62nd): $1,487,200
• Second round (comp., 75th): $1,120,900
• Third round (98th): $800,000
• Fourth round (126th): $609,200
• Fifth round (159th): $441,300
• Sixth round (188th): $344,400
• Seventh round (217th): $272,000
• Eighth round (247th): $224,100
• Ninth round (277th): $204,100
• 10th round (307th): $193,300

Players drafted in the 11th through 20th rounds do not technically have a slot value, although they are soft-capped at $150,000 without counting toward the bonus pool. Any amount above $150,000 will go against the cap. That amount also applies to undrafted free agents. Teams have until July 27 at 4 p.m. CT to sign their draft picks.

Who should the Cubs take with their top pick?

Check out our 2026 mock draft board, updated regularly, and with detailed player write-ups!