Chicago Cubs 2025 MLB Draft: Rounds 16-20

To kick off the home stretch of the MLB Draft, the Cubs selected yet another college arm. RHP Riely Hunsaker out of Lamar University is the next name the Cubs are adding to their stable of arms. 

Hunsaker spent one season with Lamar University, pitching to a 2.47 ERA. Over 76.2 innings (14 starts), Hunsaker struck out 70 batters compared to just 16 walks with a 4-3 record. Its uncertain if Hunsaker will be a starter or a bullpen arm in the Cubs organization, but the Cubs are continuing to take fliers on college arms who should be more MLB ready sooner than high school prospects. 

Round 17, Pick 511: C Logan Poteet, UNC Charlotte

The Cubs have only selected three position groups in the draft so far. Outfielders and pitchers have made up most of the draft, but Logan Poteet marks the second collegiate catcher selected by the Cubs.

Like the Cubs' strategy to replace potential losses in the team's outfield prospects with draft picks, it feels like the organization's top catcher, Moises Ballesteros, could be on the move at the upcoming trade deadline. 

In 51 games in 2025, Poteet slashed .282/.393/.486 with 10 home runs and 40 RBIs. Poteet has very respectable college numbers, and another seasoned catcher in the organization can only help the Cubs' depth moving forward. 

Round 18, Pick 541: RHP Connor Knox, George Mason University (VA)

The Cubs once again added a college pitcher to their ranks. This time, RHP Connor Knox out of George Mason University was the choice. 

Knox spent three years at George Mason, with his final season being his best. Steadily improving into his third year, Knox held a 3.29 ERA over just eight appearances (six starts) in 2025. He flashed quality strikeout numbers, as he fanned 28 in 27.1 innings and only walked eight batters all season. Perhaps he can become another piece of a bullpen in the future. 

Round 19, Pick 571: 3B Caleb Barnett, Mountain Brook HS (AL)

One of the few high school players drafted by the Cubs, Caleb Barnett is a two-way player committed to play collegiate ball at Alabama. Barnett is also a pitcher, but the Cubs took him as a third base prospect, their lone infielder chosen in the 2025 MLB Draft. 

Barnett is the second-best player in the state of Alabama and top third base prospect. In addition, he is the 35th-ranked high school prospect nationally, supporting his upside and why the Cubs took a late flier. He will be hard to pry away from Alabama, but its certainly worth a shot. 

Round 20, Pick 601: RHP Freddy Rodriguez, University of Hawaii

With their final pick in the 2025 MLB Draft, the Cubs selected another college arm. This time, RHP Freddy Rodriguez from the University of Hawaii rounds out the Cubs' 20-round draft. 

Like a number of the Cubs' later college arm selections, Rodriguez was primarily a bullpen arm in his one season at Hawaii. Over 26 appearances (two starts), Rodriguez threw 52.1 innings, holding a 3.10 ERA along the way. In addition, Rodriguez fanned 52 batters while walking just 16. This is another case of the Cubs taking a flier on a player who could potentially find a role in the bullpen sooner than later.