Chicago Cubs 2024 MLB Draft: Rounds 6-10

The Chicago Cubs had a largely successful first two days of the 2024 MLB Draft. All five picks from the first five rounds were position players. The Cubs continued some of that trend in rounds 6 through 10, selecting a number of position players and two pitchers. After multiple drafts that were very pitcher heavy, Jed Hoyer and Carter Hawkins pivoted to more position players, especially of the college variety, in this draft.

For more information on the first five picks, check out the below:

• Round 1 : 3B Cam Smith
• Round 2 : 3B Cole Mathis
• Round 3 : SS Ronny Cruz
• Round 4 : SS Ty Southisene
• Round 5 : C Ariel Armas

Without further ado, here is how the Cubs finished out Day 2 of the draft.

Round 6, Pick #182: RHP Ryan Gallagher, UC Santa Barbara (CA)

Hailing from UC Santa Barbara, college prospect RHP Ryan Gallagher is a big right-hander joining the Cubs organization. He was a Second-Team All-American and profiles as a starting pitcher even at the next level.

In 2024, Gallagher owned a 2.22 ERA over 14 starts. In 89.0 innings of work, Gallagher was 10-1, threw a complete-game shutout, and struck out 96 batters while only walking 25 batters. The big righty's fastball doesn't blow people away, sitting around 90 mph. However, the carry at the top of the zone, like Shota Imanaga, helps Gallagher look more dangerous. He also throws a slider and changeup to keep hitters off balance.

As the first pitcher off the board, Gallagher still profiles as a bit of a project. That said, it's a high-upside swing by the Cubs taking a college arm.

Round 7, Pick #212: OF Ivan Brethowr, UC Santa Barbara (CA)

One of the biggest question marks in the draft, outfielder Ivan Brethowr has big, raw power that is incredibly intriguing in the seventh round. With a 55-grade power, Brethowr could become a big-time slugging corner outfielder. That said, some scouts believe his power could be as high as a 70 grade .

The 6-foot-6, 250-pound junior saw slight dips in his numbers from 2023 to 2024, but was largely consistent across both seasons. In 2024, Brethowr slashed .275/.402/.566 with 15 home runs, 39 RBIs, and 10 doubles. His strikeouts numbers were down a considerable amount (42 vs 55), showing a better eye at the plate. In 2023, Brethowr slashed .311/.408/.571 with 11 home runs, 40 RBIs, and 13 doubles in less games (46 in 2023, 50 in 2024).

The Arizona State transfer could certainly become a diamond in the rough for the Cubs. A fair amount of development is required with bat speed and consistency, but a quality development path for Brethowr in the minors could prove valuable for the Cubs.

Round 8, Pick #242: 1B Edgar Alvarez, Nicholls State (LA)

Another huge corner infielder, Edgar Alvarez joins the Cubs with a fair number of collegiate accolades . The 6-foot-4 first baseman was a Gold Glover, Second-Team All-American, and Southland Conference Player of the Year.

As a senior, Alvarez put up insane numbers at Nicholls State. In 58 games, the big lefty hitter slashed .405/.514/.678 with 13 home runs, 21 doubles, 67(!) RBIs, and more walks (53) than strikeouts (32) in 58 games. In addition to phenomenal numbers in his sophomore and junior seasons as well, Alvarez was a beacon of durability, playing at least 50 games in every season of his collegiate career.

With a lack of clear depth in the corner infield spots, the Cubs have certainly addressed those two positions. Michael Busch has been incredible for the Cubs at first in the majors, but having additional depth is never a bad thing.

Round 9, Pick #272: RHP Brooks Caple, Lamar University (TX)

Brooks Caple is another huge pitcher joining the organization. Caple had a successful 2023 season, posting a 3.19 ERA over 15 appearances (11 starts). Caple struck out 50 batters compared to 16 walks over 59.1 innings of work. He put up solid numbers in 2024 as well, posting a 2.40 ERA , 7-3 record, and 102 strikeouts in 97.2 innings.

Caple's stature screams starting pitcher, but his velocity might be best suited for the bullpen. His fastball, his best pitch, sits in the low 90s but can touch 97. High velocity in short spurts could be Caple's best fit in the long run.

Round 10, Pick #302: 3B Matt Halbach, UC San Diego (CA)

Adding further to the corner infield spots, the Cubs selected third baseman Matt Halbach from UC San Diego. Halbach was off to a hot start in 2024 before missing the remainder of the season after 19 games. In those 19 games, Halbach slashed .408/.511/.662 with three home runs, nine doubles, and 18 RBIs.

Halbach is another big body. The 6-foot-3 third baseman slipped due to the injury according to many. But, the general consensus is that Halbach is one of the better prospects at the position in this draft class.

This comes after the Cubs load up with Cam Smith and Cole Mathis as well.
Now, there is not going to be long-term concern at the hot corner with some big-name prospects in their pipeline.

What's On Tap Next?

Day 3 of the MLB Draft will wrap things up with rounds 11 through 20. The draft can be followed on MLB.com.

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