Josiah Hartshorn isn't your typical sixth-round pick -- that much was clear when the Cubs signed him to a record $2 million bonus last July.
At just 19, the switch-hitting phenom is capping his outstanding debut season with his second promotion, and he seems to be fitting in just fine at Double-A.
The Cubs' top prospect showed his all-around skill in his debut at the level as he singled, walked twice, drove in two and stole a base in Knoxville's 8-7 win over Birmingham on Friday at Regions Field.
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Hartshorn's ascent this season has been rapid. The Cubs had high hopes for him after paying him second-round money, but few saw this much production this quickly as he cracked the Top 100 Prospects list in June and now ranks as MLB's No. 39 prospect.
The California native slashed .273/.424/.460 in 39 games for Single-A Myrtle Beach with more walks (34) than strikeouts (27) before becoming the first high school player in his Draft class to reach High-A. He proceeded to hit even better for South Bend: .297/.405/.560 with 18 homers in 83 games -- plus a 3-for-8 showing with a home run in the Midwest League playoffs.
Now he's the third prep player from last year's Draft to reach Double-A, just three days after first overall pick Eli Willits and six weeks after Braves first-rounder Tate Southisene.
Hartshorn didn't take long to make his presence felt in the Southern League, either. Batting right-handed, he laced a single up the middle on the first pitch he swung at in Friday's game and then stole second two pitches later before coming around to score.
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The right fielder added a sacrifice fly while batting left-handed in the sixth inning and then displayed his keen eye by walking in the eighth and ninth frames. It marked his 37th game this year reaching base safely at least three times.
Hartshorn stood out as a prep prospect for his power, particularly after he tied for a share of the 2024 High School Home Run Derby crown, but it's been his on-base ability that has stood out in pro ball. Yes, he does rank 27th among qualified Minor Leaguers in full-season ball with a .527 slugging percentage, but he ranks in the top 20 in OBP (.412) and walks (90). (His .939 OPS ranks 12th.)
At 6-foot, 220 pounds, Hartshorn moves fairly well for his size, even if he may be limited to first base or an outfield corner down the road, and his heady baserunning fits in well with the Smokies. Knoxville stole 11 bases on Friday, tied for the highest single-game mark among full-season Minor League teams this season, as Cubs No. 5 prospect Kane Kepley led the way with four more swipes to give him a MiLB-high 70 on the season.