Cubs Add High-Upside College Arm Cade Townsend at No. 23
The Chicago Cubs selected Ole Miss right-hander Cade Townsend with the 23rd overall pick in the 2026 MLB Draft. Townsend, a 6'1", 185-pound pitcher, brings a 95-98 mph fastball and a deep five-pitch mix (cutter, slider, curve, splitter, changeup) and is viewed as a potential starter, though shoulder soreness earlier in the season adds some injury risk. The Cubs continue to lean on college pitching to replenish their system, hoping Townsend can progress quickly through the minors if his medicals check out and his control improves.