Cubs Now

Cubs Weekly: 2025 MLB Draft preview

·26 min·2 clips
Jim Kaus reveals the two player groups that could all be gone before the Cubs pick at 17, forcing them into a weird spot.
The episode is a draft preview interview with MLB.com senior writer Jim Kaus. Host Lance Brozdowski introduces Kaus and outlines the show's structure: a general draft overview followed by Cubs-specific analysis. Kaus begins by describing the 2025 draft as having two key strengths: high school shortstops and college pitchers, especially left-handers. He lists top shortstop prospects like Ethan Holliday, Eli Willits, and Billy Carlson. He then details the top college lefties: Cade Anderson of LSU, Liam Doyle of Tennessee, and Jamie Arnold of Florida State, analyzing their differing arsenals and projecting Anderson as the likely first overall pick. The conversation shifts to how the recent firing of Nationals GM Mike Rizzo might affect their number one selection, with Kaus doubting major impact. The second half focuses on the Cubs at pick 17. Kaus explains the draft is flat from picks 10-30, meaning the Cubs could get a player they have ranked in their top 10. He discusses the Cubs' philosophy of best player available, noting their recent tendency to draft college hitters but acknowledging a need for pitching. Kaus suggests potential targets for the Cubs, including hitters Vaheva Alloy and Ethan Conrad, and pitchers Tyler Bremner and Gage Wood. He highlights Wood's 19-strikeout no-hitter but notes shoulder injury concerns. The hosts then make their final predictions: Kaus selects Gage Wood for the Cubs, while Brozdowski picks Tyler Bremner. The episode concludes with plans to cover the draft on Marquee's broadcast.
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