3 Things Cubs Fans Need to Know About 2020 First-Round Pick Ed Howard

As baseball fans are left without a clue as to what an anger-filled season will look like in 2020, it's likely that the MLB Draft served as a needed distraction. Better still, it was pretty entertaining from a viewer's standpoint, as there were a number of surprising selections.

Among the gripping storylines was the Chicago Cubs' pick of Mount Carmel High School shortstop Ed Howard at No. 16 overall. Given that he's just 18 years old and his latest season was cancelled due to the coronavirus pandemic, it wouldn't shock us if fans in the Windy City didn't know much about the young infielder.

With this in mind, here are a few intriguing things that Cubs supporters should know about Howard.

3. He's From Chicago

Talk about a feel-good story, right? The pick was already regarded as one of the best from Wednesday night. It will be put on another pedestal of awesome if Howard goes on to become a hometown hero for the Cubs. The franchise already has Javier Baez and Nico Hoerner lined up as its middle infield of the future, but the latter has experience playing the outfield, and Howard's versatility will have him open to the possibility of being moved around. If we can guarantee anything, it's that Chicago has the Mt. Carmel product in their long-term plans.

2. He Was a Star in the Little League World Series

What's more awesome, the fact that Howard is from Chicago or that he helped the Jackie Robinson West squad reach the Little League World Series Finals in 2014? We probably have to go with the latter, simply because it's a combination of the two. Due to his background and overall development as a player in the Windy City, Howard will become a fan favorite across MLB if he realizes his potential and stars for the Cubs down the line.

1. He Can Flat-Out Play

Don't let Howard's ties to the Windy City distract you from the fact that he's a tremendous player. The Oklahoma commit hit .419 with three home runs, 29 RBI and 18 total extra base hits as a junior at Mt. Carmel. He has the tools to be player that hits for average, but his power numbers could use a boost, so expect the Cubs to ask him to tack on weight and strength. Where Howard really flashes his potential is with the glove, with which he is slick and efficient. In fact, most scouts tabbed him as one of the best defensive shortstops in the 2020 pool. If they don't already, fans in Chicago are going to love the Cubbies' first-round draft pick.