The Cubs drafted outfielder Josiah Hartshorn in the sixth round of the 2025 Draft, but they valued him much more than his slot as the No. 181 pick. The team gave Hartshorn a $2 million signing bonus -- a record for a sixth-rounder and much closer to what players drafted early in the second round receive -- to make sure that the then-18-year-old would join its ranks instead of honoring his commitment to Texas A&M.
Through the first 13 games of his pro career, you can see why the Cubs are so high on the switch-hitter.
COMPLETE CUBS PROSPECT COVERAGE
Hartshorn, Chicago's No. 7 prospect, went 3-for-4 with a double and a home run for Single-A Myrtle Beach on Saturday. That lifted his slash line to a robust .319/.492/.553 through 65 plate appearances. The homer, the second of Hartshorn's pro career, was a two-run shot that sailed beyond the right-field wall.
Power is Hartshorn's top tool. That strength helped him become co-champion of the 2024 All-Star High School Home Run Derby at Globe Life Field. But the New York native is much more than a pure masher. He has recorded 16 walks next to just six strikeouts as a pro. And although he has average speed, he has picked up a couple of stolen bases, too.
You can get a look at Hartshorn tonight when he and Pelicans face the Kannapolis Cannon Ballers -- the White Sox Single-A affiliate -- in the Minor League Free Game of the Day. First pitch is scheduled for 6:35 p.m. ET.