12up Logo

3 Hometown Kids We'd Love to See Play for Cubs One Day

By Steven Kubitza

Mike Tauchman is a Chicago-area native who would be a great addition for the Chicago Cubs one day.
Mike Tauchman is a Chicago-area native who would be a great addition for the Chicago Cubs one day. / Billie Weiss/Boston Red Sox/Getty Images

The Chicago Cubs are an iconic MLB franchise and there are plenty of kids who grow up in the surrounding area hoping to one day play for the team. Hometown kid Jason Kipnis achieved that dream this year and it brings up the thought of other homegrown players returning to play at Wrigley Field close to friends and family. Three players currently in MLB stand out as those who could one day make a return home and help the Cubs chase another title.

3. Danny Jansen

Toronto Blue Jays catcher Danny Jansen grew up near Chicago.
Toronto Blue Jays catcher Danny Jansen grew up near Chicago. / Mark Brown/Getty Images

Danny Jansen was born in Elmhurst, Illinois, a western suburb of Chicago. He moved and played his high school ball in Wisconsin, but the Toronto Blue Jays catcher still has those Chicago roots. The 25-year-old debuted in 2018 and could be an option down the road if the Cubs want to make a trade for the Illinois product. He posted a 1.1 WAR in 2019 after appearing in 107 games.

2. Mike Foltynewicz

Atlanta Braves pitcher Mike Foltynewicz played high school baseball near Chicago.
Atlanta Braves pitcher Mike Foltynewicz played high school baseball near Chicago. / Michael Reaves/Getty Images

Mike Foltynewicz made a name for himself in Minooka, Illinois. He did admit he grew up a St. Louis Cardinals fan, but a return home would still be great for those who cheered him on during his early playing days. The 2018 All-Star is under Atlanta Braves team control through the 2021 season and could try to go closer to home. He would be a welcome addition on the Cubs as Foltynewicz holds a respectable 4.24 ERA during his time in Atlanta. Being able to recreate his 2018 season in which he posted a 2.85 ERA should put him on the Cubs' radar.

1. Mike Tauchman

New York Yankees OF Mike Tauchman grew up north of Chicago.
New York Yankees OF Mike Tauchman grew up north of Chicago. / Mark Brown/Getty Images

Mike Tauchman grew up north of Chicago and also attended college at Bradley University in Peoria. The outfielder struggled after debuting with the Colorado Rockies in 2017 before turning his career around with the New York Yankees. Tauchman posted a 3.8 WAR in only 87 games last season. He won't be a free agent for quite some time but the Cubs could come calling to make a deal for the hometown kid. Tauchman would provide some great pop in the lineup and would help the Cubs compete while not breaking the bank.