3 Genius Cubs Draft Decisions That Set up Their 2016 World Championship
By Adam Weinrib
The Chicago Cubs broke a 108-year hex in 2016 with the perfect combination of veteran leadership and forethought, stacking promising youngsters just hitting their stride around a fluid selection experienced talent. Yes, as expected, Theo Epstein executed the whole thing perfectly.
But without a few key draft decisions, this plot could've been torpedoed before it ever really got off the ground.
3. 2014: Kyle Schwarber's Bat Prevails
The Cubs went BOLD in 2014, siding with the power bat of a maybe-catcher out of Indiana with the fourth overall pick. They took Schwarber because they believed in him, even though he seemed more suited to a DH role from the second his draft card was handed in. Though you could argue Aaron Nola or Trea Turner, taken in the top 10 behind him, might've been better long-term picks, Chicago doesn't win the 2016 World Series without Schwarber's heroic return and .412 average in a herculean World Series. Fact.
2. 2013: Kris Bryant at No. 2 Over 'Upside Picks'
Here's a perfect example of the Cubs not being scared away by something that just...made sense. At the time of the draft, Bryant was the clear best offensive player on the board, but he was already 21.5 years old, and had dominated at San Diego, hardly a powerhouse. Some in baseball had begun to talk themselves out of KB, claiming his upside was limited. Mocks often sent him fifth to Cleveland, and some preferred UNC's Colin Moran and prep players like righty Kohl Stewart and Clint Frazier. Nope. The Cubs showed faith in the power bat they knew they had, and he was up in the bigs shortly thereafter. Sometimes, the obvious call is the right one.
1. 2011: Javier Baez at No. 9 Over the Field
No, Javy Baez was not a lock to head to Chicago at No. 9 in 2011. The consensus had Baez landing lower in the first round, towards the later half, and many projected the Cubs to splurge for outfielder Bubba Starling. When the Royals selected Starling fifth overall, that option disappeared. Ultimately, Chicago ignored veteran college arm Taylor Jungmann and utility man Corey Spangenberg to take Baez about 10 picks higher than expected. And THAT'S how you land a 2016 NLCS MVP. You have to be bold and put faith in your scouting advantage.