Cubs Sign 9 More 2024 Draft Picks

Photo of Evan Altman Evan AltmanJuly 26, 2024

After previously announcing they’d signed 10 of their 20 picks from the recent MLB Draft, the Cubs have added nine more to the list. The only remaining unsigned draftee is righty Ben Johnson out of Georgia Southern University. That name carries a little more meaning with the Olympics about to start, so maybe the Cubs can pivot to Carl Lewis if Johnson doesn’t sign.

I have to imagine the 512th overall pick will agree to terms fairly soon, as he was something of a sleeper who may have big upside if he can iron a few things out. From what little I’ve seen, he’s sort of a tall-and-fall pitcher who doesn’t doesn’t appear to get into his back side to drive through his delivery. I guess he’s got a pretty broad repertoire with good underlying numbers, so perhaps the pitching gurus believe there’s an unlock.

If they asked me, I’d say he might want to try bending his knees just a little more and sinking into that back hip just enough to feel it engaging. That might help him to get moving forward right at leg lift, which would improve his time to the plate and possibly lengthen what looks to me like a stride that could stand to be a little longer.

Anyway, here’s more on the players the Cubs have signed…

The Chicago Cubs today announced they have agreed to terms with nine more players from the 2024 First-Year Player Draft, including fourth round infielder Ty Southisene from Basic High School (Nev.) and 11th round outfielder Eli Lovich from Blue Valley West High School (Kan.). The Cubs have now agreed to terms with 19 of 20 overall selections from the draft. Terms of the deals were not disclosed.

In addition to Southisene and Lovich, the Cubs have agreed to terms with left-handed pitcher Evan Aschenbeck (13th round), first baseman Cameron Sisneros (14th round), left-handed pitcher Hayden Frank (15th round), left-handed pitcher Christian Gordon (16th round), right-handed pitcher Thomas Mangus (18th round), catcher Owen Ayers (19th round) and right-handed pitcher Brayden Risedorph (20th round).

Southisene, 19, slashed .495/.560/.705 in 116 plate appearances during his senior season at Basic High School in Nevada, tallying 11 doubles, three triples, one home run and 20 stolen bases. Southisene participated in the All-American Classic this past season and was named the MVP. The Henderson, Nev. native is ranked by Perfect Game as the No. 1 overall prospect in Nevada and was previously committed to the University of Tennessee.

Southisene was recommended by area scout Steve McFarland.

An Overland Park, Kan. native, Lovich completed his high school career this season by hitting .402 (39-for-97) with eight doubles, six triples, five home runs, 15 stolen bases, a .482 OBP and a 1.245 OPS for Blue Valley West High School (Kan.) in 2024. Rated by Perfect Game as the No. 1 outfielder and No. 3 overall recruit in the state of Kansas, Lovich was committed to play collegiately at the University of Arkansas.

Lovich was recommended by area scout Ty Nichols.

Aschenbeck, 23, this season recorded an SEC-leading 10 saves for Texas A&M, going 6-1 with a 1.78 ERA (15 ER/75.2 IP) in 32 games in relief. He recorded 87 strikeouts, compared to only 12 walks in 75.2 innings pitched. For his work in 2024, he was rewarded with First Team All-SEC honors, as well as being named the 2024 NCBWA Stopper of the Year.

Aschenbeck was recommended by area scout Will Swoope.

The six-foot three-inch, 230-pound Sisneros was named the 2024 SoCon Player of the Year, after he batted .369 (79-for-214) with 16 doubles, 23 home runs, 86 RBI, a .493 on-base percentage and a 1.259 OPS. The 86 RBI this season set a single-season school record, passing Paul Hoilman’s 84 RBI in 2010. All told in two seasons with the Buccaneers, Sisneros batted a combined .376 (161-for-428) with 39 home runs, 145 RBI, a .483 OBP and a 1.212 OPS in 111 games.

Sisneros was recommended by area scout M’Lynn Dease.

Photo of Evan Altman Evan AltmanJuly 26, 2024
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