The Chicago Cubs picked third baseman Kris Bryant from University of San Diego with the second overall pick in the 2013 MLB Draft just now. Kris Bryant was recommended by area scout Alex Lontayo.
“Kris Bryant had an incredible season at San Diego, hitting for both power and average,” said Jason McLeod, Cubs VP of Scouting & Player Development. “He is a big, strong, athletic player, and we feel he has the attributes of someone who could fit into the middle of a lineup at the major league level.”
Kris Bryant hit .329 with 80 runs scored, 13 doubles, three triples, 31 home runs and 62 RBI. His 31 home runs led the nation. Kris Bryant also led the nation in runs scored, walks (66) and slugging percentage (.820).
Named a finalist for the 2013 USA Baseball Golden Spikes Award, Bryant was also named the Collegiate Baseball National Player of the Year to go along with All-Tournament Team honors at the West Coast Conference Championships.
Baseball America listed Kris Bryant as the top position prospect available in the draft, and the third-best overall. The publication ranks him as the top college power hitter available and third-best with regards to strike zone judgment.
From Cubs Den, John Arguello Live Blog of MLB Draft:
Cubs go Kris Bryant. This has not been a surprise of late as we have been hearing more and more that he was gaining late momentum. Big time power, solid athleticism, plus arm and a chance to stay at 3B. Gives Cubs the kind of plate discipline they want in their system.
Here’s more from Arguello, on his Cubs essentials for draft day piece:
- If the Astros take Appel, then I think the Cubs will take Kris Bryant now. It’s a gut feeling and here’s why…
- College bats are just better bets to make it and make an impact, as we discussed earlier in the day. Philosophically, Jason McLeod and the Cubs front office believe that all things being equal, you take the bat. They have also said, as many have pointed out here, that you can get pitching anywhere in the draft — and history supports that.
And his mock draft:
The slugging Kris Bryant is rated as having 80 power by some scouts and though the Twins weren’t expecting a shot at Kris Bryant, they would be thrilled to land him here and have a future lineup that included both Byron Buxton and Kris Bryant. Bryant still could go first overall if the Astros think they can sign him early and under slot, but that won’t be easy to do with Scott Boras as his agent. Cubs: There is an outside shot the Cubs take Kris Bryant if Appel is not available. A college bat is the safest pick in the draft but the dropoff from the top two pitchers may be too large to take that strategy this year.
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