The Chicago Cubs, for the fifth year running, have looked to the college ranks for their top draft selection. This year, it's Wake Forest outfielder Ethan Conrad, snagged at No. 17 in the 2025 MLB draft. While he was listed as the 28th-best prospect by MLB.com, Conrad's collegiate numbers speak volumes. Despite a season-ending shoulder surgery in April that limited him to just 21 games, his performance prior to the injury was stellar: a .372/.495/.744 slash line with seven homers, eight doubles, and 27 RBIs. He showed a keen eye at the plate, too, with 18 walks against only 14 strikeouts. Before Wake Forest, Conrad spent his first two years at Marist, where he hit .389 with a .467 on-base percentage and .704 slugging percentage, even leading NCAA Division I with 13 triples in 2024. His summer in the Cape Cod League also impressed, hinting at a promising future.
But the Cubs' recent news isn't just about future prospects; it's also about explosive present performance. Just recently, they put on an offensive fireworks display, setting a franchise record with eight home runs in an 11-3 rout of the St. Louis Cardinals. Michael Busch was the star of the show, blasting three homers, while Pete-Crow Armstrong added two. Seiya Suzuki, Dansby Swanson, and Carson Kelly also got in on the long-ball action. It was a celebration of sorts, especially on the Fourth of July at Wrigley Field, a day Busch described as "one game I'll never forget."
However, the jubilation was tempered by a significant blow to the pitching staff. Starting pitcher Jameson Taillon was placed on the 15-day injured list with a right calf strain, and manager Craig Counsell anticipates he'll be sidelined for over a month. This injury once again tests the depth of the Cubs' pitching, especially after welcoming back Shota Imanaga from a nearly two-month absence due to a hamstring issue. The team will be looking for their offense to continue its torrid pace to help offset Taillon's absence, with Drew Pomeranz set to open as a pitcher on Saturday.
The offensive explosion saw Busch reach 17 homers for the season, and Crow-Armstrong now has 23, trailing only Suzuki's team-high 24. The Cubs' offense, which ranks second in the majors in runs scored, is clearly clicking. Crow-Armstrong even commented on the team's collective success, calling it "the best offense I've ever been a part of or ever seen."
Adding a bit of familiar rivalry drama, the game also saw former Cub Willson Contreras return to Wrigley Field, receiving a chorus of boos before each at-bat. This encounter followed a previous incident where benches cleared after a tense exchange between Contreras and Cubs closer Daniel Palencia.
