Perhaps Jed Hoyer has a huge trade deadline plan for the Chicago Cubs, specifically involving outfielders. Why you may ask? Well, after using their first-round selection in the 2025 MLB Draft to select Wake Forest OF Ethan Conrad, the team doubled down by selecting another collegiate outfielder in the second round.
With the 56th overall pick in the 2025 MLB Draft, the Cubs selected North Carolina OF Kane Kepley to join their prospect pool.
Kepley spent the 2025 season with the North Carolina Tar Heels, but was a two-year starter at Liberty University prior to 2025. As a walk-on, Kepley found a place at Liberty and put up spectacular numbers. The outfielder isn't the biggest guy in the world, standing 5-foot-8 and 180 lbs., but he has speed and a great glove.
In 61 games at North Carolina, Kepley slashed .291/.451/.444 with three home runs, 30 RBIs, 13 doubles, and seven triples. More impressively, he swiped 45 bases which was the fourth most in NCAA. Kepley also posted great numbers at Liberty. In two seasons (111 games), Kepley slashed .312/.461/.470 with 10 home runs, 50 RBIs, 20 doubles, and 42 steals.
The 84th-ranked prospect according to MLB Pipeline is never going to be a huge power threat, but he has really good bat-to-ball skills and a refined approach at the plate. He rarely chases outside the zone, and is an "on-base machine" as a result. He's always looking to make things happen with his speed on the bases, and he will make incredible plays in centerfield. His range is of high quality, and although his pop at the plate may be limited, he will make for some fun on the bases and in the field.
As noted earlier, two collegiate outfielders in the first two rounds of the draft is an interesting approach for the Cubs. Perhaps it suggests an anticipated departure of some notable outfield prospects. Who knows, but Jed Hoyer had a clear plan on the first night of the 2025 MLB Draft.
