Cubs Select SS Ronny Cruz with the 90th Overall Pick in the 2024 MLB Draft

The Chicago Cubs are going against their historical norms in the 2024 MLB Draft. After years of selecting pitcher after pitcher to compliment a small group of position players, the tides have turned. After selecting 3B Cam Smith and 3B Cole Mathis in the first and second round , respectively, the Cubs have added another infielder with the 90th overall selection. In the third round, the Cubs selected shortstop Ronny Cruz out of Miami Christian School (FL).

The high school product carried incredible stats over 39 high school games, batting .357 and carrying a .424 on-base percentage. In addition, Cruz's senior year was spectacular, as the shortstop swatted his way to a .397 average with two home runs, five doubles, 16 RBIs, and 13 run scored in just 75 plate appearances.

Cruz is currently committed to Miami (FL) in the fall, but the Cubs could sign the 6-foot-1 shortstop away from his collegiate commitment. In the last few seasons, the Cubs have had a ton of success signing their high school draft picks, meaning they should have similar success getting Cruz to sign. The 12th-ranked shortstop in Florida, Cruz is a switch-hitting bat with long-term upside.

Finally, Cruz displays solid arm strength, having registered a 92mph throw as a high schooler from the shortstop position. If Cruz signs, he'll certainly spend a lot of time in Arizona, working on improving his skills and getting bigger and stronger for a potential stop in Myrtle Beach next season.

Here is a note from SI's high school coverage on Cruz:

"Getting selected to the MLB Draft Combine is sign pro teams are serious about you. After a terrific senior season at Miami Christian, Cruz was picked to attend the week-long combine in June at Chase Field. Cruz’s athleticism and tools stood out, as he flashed an exit velocity of 107.9 mph. Defensively, he’s a standout at shortstop. Getting selected in the top 10 rounds is certainly possible." - High School Fan Nation

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