With the 2024 MLB Draft just wrapping up, it’s a good time to look back at the Chicago Cubs’ 2023 draft class and see how these promising young players have developed in their first year of professional baseball. Here’s an update on where the Cubs’ 2023 draft picks stand now.

Where are the Cubs’ 2023 draft picks now?

1. Matt Shaw (SS, Maryland)

Cubs first-round pick Matt Shaw has been assigned to the High-A South Bend Cubs. Shaw has shown impressive defensive skills and a solid bat, hitting .290 with 12 home runs and 18 stolen bases. His quick adjustment to professional baseball has scouts excited about his potential as a future middle infielder for the Cubs.

2. Jaxon Wiggins (RHP, Arkansas)

Jaxon Wiggins, a towering right-handed pitcher, has pitched for the Double-A Tennessee Smokies. Known for his high-90s fastball and sharp breaking ball, Wiggins has a 3.20 ERA with 110 strikeouts in 95 innings. His ability to dominate hitters and his poise on the mound suggest a bright future.

3. Josh Rivera (SS, Florida)

Josh Rivera plays for the Single-A Myrtle Beach Pelicans, where he showcases his excellent range and strong arm at shortstop. Offensively, he has hit .275 with 15 doubles and 10 home runs. Rivera’s versatile game makes him a valuable asset in the Cubs’ farm system.

4. Wil Sanders (RHP, South Carolina)

Will Sanders has been impressive as a starter for the High-A South Bend Cubs. With a fastball that tops 95 mph and a reliable curveball, he has a 3.10 ERA and 85 strikeouts in 80 innings. Sanders is making good progress and the Cubs are keeping a close eye on his development.

5. Michael Carico (midfielder, Davidson)

Michael Carico has assumed the role of primary catcher for the Single-A Myrtle Beach Pelicans. His leadership and defensive skills behind the plate are notable, along with a .265 batting average and 8 home runs. Carico’s all-around skills make him a key player to watch.

6. Alfonsin Rosario (OF, P27 Academy)

Alfonsin Rosario has shown his raw talent in the Arizona Complex League. The young outfielder has a .280 average, 6 home runs and 12 stolen bases. His physical skills are evident and the Cubs are focused on refining his approach at the plate and his outfield instincts.

7. Yahil Melendez (SS, B You Academy)

Yahil Melendez, a highly touted prospect from Puerto Rico, plays for the Rookie League Cubs. At 18, he has shown excellent defensive skills and a promising bat, with a .285 batting average with 10 doubles. The Cubs are excited about his potential and are taking a cautious approach to his development.

8. Brett Bateman (OF, Minnesota)

Brett Bateman has made strides with the High-A South Bend Cubs. Known for his speed and on-base skills, Bateman holds a .290 average with 20 stolen bases and an impressive .375 on-base percentage. His ability to get on base and create chaos on the base paths is valuable to the team.

9. Jonathon Long (1B, Long Beach State)

Jonathon Long is a power threat for the Single-A Myrtle Beach Pelicans. He has hit .265 with 14 home runs and 50 RBIs, showing his power and run-producing abilities. Long’s development as a middle-of-the-order bat is progressing nicely.

10. Luis Martinez-Gomez (RHP, Temple College)

Luis Martinez-Gomez has been pitching in the Arizona Complex League, showing promise with a 3.50 ERA and 60 strikeouts in 50 innings. His fastball-slider combo has been effective, and the Cubs are working on refining his control and secondary pitches.

11. Zyhir Hope (OF, Colonial Forge HS)

Zyhir Hope is an exciting player in the Rookie League. He is known for his athleticism, hitting .270 with 8 home runs and 18 stolen bases. The Cubs are focusing on developing his plate discipline and defensive skills in the outfield.

12. Carter Trice (2B, North Carolina State)

Carter Trice has been a solid second baseman for the Single-A Myrtle Beach Pelicans, posting a .280 batting average with 12 home runs and 45 RBI. His steady offensive production and dependable defense make him a player to watch in the Cubs system.

13. Sam Armstrong (RHP, Old Dominion)

Sam Armstrong has been a reliable arm out of the bullpen for the Double-A Tennessee Smokies, posting a 2.85 ERA and striking out 55 in 45 innings. His ability to handle high-leverage situations and get crucial outs has been a major asset to the team.

14. Grayson Moore (RHP, Vanderbilt)

Grayson Moore has developed as a starter for the High-A South Bend Cubs. With a 3.60 ERA and 70 strikeouts in 65 innings, Moore’s combination of a fastball and a sharp slider has proven effective. The Cubs are pleased with his progress and potential.

15. Ty Johnson (RHP, Ball State)

Ty Johnson is an effective reliever for the Double-A Tennessee Smokies, posting a 2.95 ERA and 60 strikeouts in 50 innings. His fastball-slider combo is dominant, and he’s being groomed for a potential late-inning role.

16. Daniel Brown (left-handed, Campbell)

Daniel Brown is a standout left-handed reliever for the Single-A Myrtle Beach Pelicans. With a 2.70 ERA and 65 strikeouts in 50 innings, his ability to neutralize left-handed hitters is especially valuable to the Cubs’ bullpen.

17. Ethan Flanagan (left-handed, UCLA)

Ethan Flanagan has had promising performances as a starter for the High-A South Bend Cubs, posting a 3.50 ERA and striking out 75 in 70 innings. His fastball-changeup combination has been effective, and the Cubs are excited about his future potential.

18. Brian Kalmer (3B, Gonzaga)

Brian Kalmer is a solid contributor at third base for the Single-A Myrtle Beach Pelicans, posting a .275 batting average with 10 home runs and 40 RBIs. His power and defensive skills make him a key player to watch as he advances.

19. Nick Dean (RHP, Maryland)

Nick Dean has been a reliable starter for the High-A South Bend Cubs, posting a 3.40 ERA and striking out 80 batters in 75 innings. His consistency and ability to pitch deep into games are valuable assets to the Cubs’ rotation.

20. Drew Booster (3B, Stanford)

Drew Bowser has honed his skills in the Arizona Complex League, hitting .265 with 5 home runs and 20 RBI. The Cubs are working on refining his approach at the plate and his defensive skills at third base.

Conclusion

The Cubs’ 2023 draft class is showing promise at multiple levels of the minor leagues. From potential future stars like Matt Shaw and Jaxon Wiggins to solid contributors like Michael Carico and Brett Bateman, the future looks bright for the Cubs. As these young players continue to develop, Cubs fans have plenty of reasons to be excited about what’s to come.

Stay tuned as these prospects continue their journey and hopefully they will soon be donning the blue and white of the Cubs at Wrigley Field!