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Chicago Cubs Select Alabama OF Kade Snell in the Fifth Round of the 2025 MLB Draft

Originally posted on On Tap Sports Net | By Ron Luce | Last updated Jul 14, 2025 2:58 PM ET

The Chicago Cubs have made their first four selections in the 2025 MLB Draft. After taking a two collegiate outfielders in Ethan Conrad and Kane Kepley, the Cubs selected a pair of pitchers. Abilene Christian's Dominick Reid and Scotts Valley's Kaleb Wing rounded out the Cubs' early picks. Now, the Cubs are dipping back into the same bag as the first two rounds, selecting another collegiate outfielder.

With the 151st overall pick in the 2025 MLB Draft, the Chicago Cubs selected Alabama OF Kade Snell. Snell is MLB Pipeline's 227th-ranked prospect in the crop of players.

With their 5th‑round pick (No. 151 overall), the @Cubs select @AlabamaBSB outfielder Kade Snell, No. 227 on the Top 250 Draft Prospects list.

Watch LIVE: https://t.co/VOZqOwmEkf pic.twitter.com/jnfgIKxB6c
— MLB Draft (@MLBDraft) July 14, 2025

Snell was originally recruited as a pitcher to Auburn back in 2021, but transferred to a community college to serve as a two-way player. At Alabama, Snell pitched and hit in 2024, but was just a hitter in 2025, finding a home in left field with the Crimson Tide. In 2025, Snell slashed .363/.464/.575 with 10 home runs, 13 doubles, and 52 RBIs.

Per MLB Pipeline, Snell offers one of the better combinations of swing decisions, contact, and exit velocity in the collegiate ranks. He isn't much of a runner, with average-to-below-average speed, likely limiting him to a corner outfield spot. However, his hit tool is spectacular and he can handle just about anything thrown his way. He should be able to provide respectable power, but could hit for more power if he learns to lift balls more frequently.

The Cubs have a type. Another collegiate left-handed outfielder joins their prospect pool. Perhaps some household names in the system will be moved at the deadline, and this is a way to backfill those future losses. Also, Snell was a summer all-star in the Cape Cod League, which the Cubs have historically valued for college players.

This article first appeared on On Tap Sports Net and was syndicated with permission.

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