Cubs Sign Baseball America Top Prospect as UDFA After Shortened Draft
By Michael Luciano
A five-round MLB draft didn't stop the Chicago Cubs from replenishing their farm system with elite talent, as they picked up local hero and Little League World Series star Ed Howard in the first round, while adding social media sensation Luke Little, a left-hander who can touch 105 miles per hour, later on.
The Cubs continued their fine work in the "2020 draft" by adding a high ceiling outfielder as a free agent, signing Cal Poly star Bradlee Beesley.
OF Bradlee Beesley from San Leandro High/Cal Poly has agreed to free agent deal w/Cubs, according to Baseball America. Probly would’ve been fairly hi pick if draft been more than 5 rnds. @DarrenSabedra @VytasMazeika @JensenPhil @JonBecker28 @MitchMashMax @HaroldAbend @Bradleelow
— Mike Lefkow (@leftwich) June 14, 2020
Beesley fits the prototype the organization is looking for. A four-year starter at Cal Poly, Beesley is a contact-first outfielder with speed on the basepaths and the ability to play a solid defensive outfield. Traits like that will help him speed through the minor leagues.
His success in the Cape Cod League, in which he hit .368 in 22 games, is likely what convinced the Cubs he is worthy of taking a chance on.
From @BaseballAmerica, Cubs first undrafted free agent is Bradlee Beesley, from Cal Poly (the program they drafted Erich Uelmen from). Contact-first versatile outfielder with a good history in the Cape Cod League? Yeah, sounds like a fit for this org.
— Cubs Prospects - Bryan Smith (@cubprospects) June 14, 2020
Even though the 2020 draft was so unusual given the shortened format, the Cubs managed to nab some elite prospects in the early rounds and on the UDFA market.