:format(webp)/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/66109922/Screen_Shot_2020_01_14_at_4.54.38_PM.0.png)
In their latest 2020 mock MLB draft, Baseball America had prep outfielder Robert Hassell going to the Cubs with the 16th overall pick. A 6-foot-2 center fielder from Thompson Station, Tennessee (a bit south of Nashville), Hassell is a Vanderbilt recruit. As such, he wouldn't come at any sort of discount. Here's a look at Hassell.
He hits and throws lefthanded, and recently performed well in an international tournament for players under 18. The bat doesn't sound like a serious concern yet, and he seems to have am advanced approach.
I normally don't burn much time talking about preps, as updates from high school games are normally about useless. "Went 3-for-4 against a prep junior tossing 77 miles per hour" isn't very predictive. However. Hassell is a very possible name for the Cubs, should he slip to 16. Here’s some video of him hitting last year:
Getting the best player on the board is the goal in any baseball draft in the first round. How to determine the best is what makes the run-up to any selection process contentious. Highest ceiling? Signability? Organizational need should be well down the list, bit not entirely ignored.
I'd prefer a college bat that has a history against college veteran arms, but with new VP of amateur scouting Dan Kantrovitz in charge of making the selections now, prior form goes somewhat out the window. Whatever is your go-to for assessing amateur draft options, I hope you consider doing homework on a name or two in the Cubs' draft range. With the Astros losing two 2020 choices in a reportedly strong draft, the Cubs sit at 16 and 51, pending the Marcell Ozuna signing and the Red Sox punishment decision. By grabbing a name in each range that intrigues you and doing an hour or two of homework spread between now and June, you could help us all better know a prospect. The teacher often learns more than the student.
What type of performer most represents "best available" to you? If you live south of Nashville. Hassell would be an informative road trip. If you go to watch anyone this spring, have fun and bring back video.