Cubs draft: Who will be next big star on the North Side in MLB Draft?

I’ve mostly heard them being interested in hitters, including Benintendi, Ian Happ and Trenton Clark, but Jay may be the one exception if he makes it to this pick, as he could probably help their major league club this year, yet still project as a starter in the long run.

The Cubs have surprised the last couple of drafts, taking hitters over pitchers, but industry chatter is that they will go for an arm this year. The latest chatter is for Jon Harris of Missouri State, but they have checked in on Tate late and could be in on him here as well. Harris, though, is a better bet to start.

As proof of the adage that you don’t draft for need in baseball, the Cubs are widely thought to be looking hard at position players here, and players like Kyle Tucker, Benintendi (if available) and Cincinnati’s Ian Happ could well be in play. But the hard-throwing Fulmer might prove too tempting for Chicago, despite mechanics that many feel will eventually land him in the bullpen.

Though the Cubs have a more obvious need for pitching, they’re linked to more bats than arms. Unless one of the top college arms gets to No. 9, Chicago appears to be targeting Benintendi and Cincinnati outfielder Ian Happ over Harris. They also have spent a lot of time evaluating high school outfielders such as Cameron, Tucker and Richland High’s (North Richland Hills, Texas) Trenton Clark.

Teams who like college hitters who perform, especially in competitive conferences, will undoubtedly be giving Benintendi a long look at Arkansas. The Razorbacks’ Draft-eligible sophomore has certainly raised his stock with his performance at the plate this spring. The outfielder has a smooth swing from the left side of the plate, showing the ability to consistently barrel up balls and make consistently hard contact. Not known for his power previously, the Cincinnati native has added some strength and was among the nation’s leaders in home runs this season. Benintendi has plus speed, which should allow him to be a basestealing threat and stick in center field. Benintendi does have some leverage as a sophomore, but most around Little Rock feel he’s going to be drafted early enough to forego his junior season at Arkansas.