Chicago Cubs Mock Draft Focuses on Elite Prep Infielder

The Chicago Cubs may be focused more on a hitter than on a pitcher when it comes to their No. 13 overall selection in the MLB Draft.

Oddly, the selection remained the same, between last week’s mock draft at MLB.com and this week’s at ESPN.com.

The Cubs may be pointed toward taking shortstop Arjun Nimmala of Strawberry Crest High School in Dover, Fla.

Per ESPN, the youngster is impressing scouts with his upside and some good old-fashioned exit velo:

Nimmala, the youngest of the prep position players, has been wowing teams in private workouts, consistently posting the best exit velos and with probably the best shot to stick at shortstop of those players, as well. The Cubs are rumored to be on that train of thought and have proved they don't mind some risk in young hitters if it comes with upside.

The Cubs have made pitching a priority in the first round of the last two drafts, and the early returns have been good. Both Cade Horton and Jordan Wicks are among the Cubs’ Top 5 prospects and in position to progress further in the system later this year.

Nimmala could give them a prospect that needs time to develop. It’s also at a position of need organizationally-speaking, as the only shortstop in the Top 10 is Cristian Hernandez. He’s currently at Class A and is just 19 years old.

The Cubs would also have to convince him to not honor his commitment to Florida State.

The first five picks featured the same five players that have appeared in other mocks, though the order changed slightly. The Pittsburgh Pirates took LSU pitcher Paul Skenes at No. 1 overall. The Washington Nationals took LSU outfielder Dylan Crews at No. 2. The Detroit Tigers selected Florida outfielder Wyatt Langford at No. 3. The Texas Rangers took outfielder Max Clark from Franklin (Ind.) High School The Minnesota Twins selected outfielder Walker Jenkins from South Brunswick High School in Southport, N.C.

The MLB Draft will be held July 9-11 in Seattle during All-Star Weekend.

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