Long-Term Play: Cubs add high-upside switch-hitter Josiah Hartshorn

Dustin Riese · Senior Writer · 18 hours ago

It was very evident early on in the draft process what the Cubs' plans were for the early rounds of the draft. Not only was this the first time since the draft became a thing where the Cubs didn't take a shortstop, but they also only drafted players from four positions: catcher, third base, pitcher, and outfield.

The outfield was the main target for this organization early on, as four of the first six picks were outfielders, and all of them had one thing in common. They were left-handed hitters, including the Cubs ' sixth-round selection, Josiah Hartshorn, who the Cubs took at 181st overall. Listed as the 108th best prospect, most scouts had Hartshorn going in the third or fourth round, so having him fall to the sixth round has to be a win for the Cubs.

This organization had a clear plan in mind when the draft began and ensured that it adhered to it, regardless of the circumstances. While Hartshorn isn't a direct left-handed hitter like the other three selections, he is a switch-hitter who does a lot more damage from the left side of the plate. Listed at 6-2 and 220 pounds, the Texas A&M recruit already has big-league size, and the Cubs are hoping they can give him an offer he can't refuse.

Anytime you draft a high schooler, you need to have the patience to let them develop at their own pace. Not only do the Cubs have patience when it comes to developing their hitters, their last high school product to have success is James Triantos who is currently knocking on the MLB door in AAA.

Coming from a rich baseball program in Orange Lutheran High School in California, that program has seen three first-round picks over the past few years, and although Hartshorn isn't a first-rounder, he is by far the best prospect from that program this year. An extremely talented switch-hitter, Hartshorn has raised his ceiling as a player due to a strong offensive showing in the summer circuit, and the Cubs are hoping that is a sign of what is to come from this man.

Hartshorn has had a fascinating journey since day one, as a series of injuries forced him to hit solely right-handed for several years before adopting a switch-hitting approach this past season. Whatever the reason, Hartshorn is lucky to have made that switch, as his draft stock skyrocketed after converting to a switch hitter and is now looking to take off at the next level entirely.

Many may not put much stock into a high school home run derby. Still, after rediscovering his left-handed stroke, he wound up winning the high school home run derby and then went on to flash that power potential during his time on the Perfect Game circuit, which is where most scouts started to take notice of his skill set.

Even if he is considered a raw talent at this point, the Power Potential alone is what got Hartshorn drafted, and that is what the Cubs are banking on, given their lack of left-handed power in the organization. Viewed as a corner outfielder at the next level, Hartshorn has flashed above-average speed for his size, which suggests he is more athletic than people give him credit for.

If you had to pick out an MLB comparison for Hartshorn when it comes to mind, an unpolished Chipper Jones is someone to think about. Jones was known for being a great overall hitter, but when he first broke into the league, he was primarily focused on driving in runs. That's a good starting point for a guy who will need plenty of time to round into form.

Grade B: The overall grades for the Cubs' early rounds have been hit or miss, but this one is where they get a solid B. Look, it's never ideal to wait four or even five years to see if a pick pans out, but the overall upside alone from his power potential is intriguing.

If the Cubs can figure out a way to turn him into a complete hitter while being patient with his development, they are in line to grab one of the better high school bats from the middle rounds. You could also see him dangled as trade bait down the road, as the Cubs have plenty of outfield options to play with.