Yesterday we learned that top Chicago Cubs draft pick Ian Happ was on his way to Arizona as part of his new organization, and today Jim Callis provides some of the details:
1st-rder Ian Happ, @Cubs agree on $3 mil (pick 9 = $3,351,000). Cincinnati OF, one of best college bats, solid tools, corner guy. @MLBDraft
— Jim Callis (@jimcallisMLB) June 15, 2015
The Cubs bank $351,000 to be used elsewhere in the draft. Although we know that the Cubs went with under slot senior signs in rounds 6 through 10, I wouldn’t get your hopes up about any of the extreme upside guys the Cubs took at the very end of the draft. Rather, I’d expect that the Cubs want to make sure they have enough to sign standout high schoolers Bryan Hudson (3rd round) and D.J. Wilson (4th round).
We’ll see how things shake out as more signing figures come in. I’ll have a broader draft signing update soon.
As for Callis’s comment on Happ’s ultimate position – corner outfielder – that may certainly prove to be the case. But, for now, the Cubs aren’t ruling out second base or even center field. At this time last year, everyone outside of the Cubs was convinced that Kyle Schwarber would last at catcher for about 15 minutes. He’s on the cusp of AAA, and he’s still doing work behind the plate.
In other words, I’ll believe Happ is limited to corner outfield when we see it. Which is not to say we won’t see it very soon. I’m just going to wait until we actually do.