Cubs MLB Draft 2026: Rounds 11-15

The Chicago Cubs have loaded up on pitchers in the MLB Draft. Rounds 11-15 were no different. Although a prep catcher and a college shortstop were also added, three more pitchers entered the organization late in the draft.

Before moving forward, here is the recap of the MLB Draft to this point.

• Round 1: RHP Cade Townsend
• Round 2: OF Caden Sorrell
• Round 2C: 1B Myles Bailey
• Round 3: RHP Carson Jasa
• Round 4: RHP Dylan Marionneaux
• Round 5: RHP Dylan Blomker
• Rounds 6-10

Without further ado, here is how the Cubs faired in rounds 11-15. 

Round 11, Pick 337: RHP Ariston Veasey, Clemson

Ariston Veasey began his collegiate career at Alabama, and ultimately made just six appearances in that time. The ERA was unspectacular, the innings weren’t there, and the walks were high. Then, he transferred to Clemson, and had a very respectable junior season with the Tigers.

In 20 appearances, all out of the bullpen, Veasey pitched to a 3.29 ERA over 27.1 innings of work. 37 strikeouts compared to just 18 walks showed that he can get it done with high quality stuff. The walks could be a concern, but the Cubs will surely work with him to hone in his command. He is another high-upside bullpen swing late in the draft.

Round 12, Pick 367: LHP Brandon Arvidson, Tennessee

The Cubs certainly love Arvidson’s frame. The 6-foot-5 lefty is huge, and can overpower with his strikeout stuff. His 2026 season wasn’t as good statistically as 2025, but the same story is told in the numbers.

Arvidson appeared in 30 games in 2025, pitching 38.2 innings and striking out 70 batters. He followed that up with a 2026 season featuring only 16 games, but 37.1 innings and just 44 strikeouts. The Cubs are certainly betting on the 2025 version of Arvidson, which yields huge swing-and-miss upside.

The ERA was never spectacular for Arvidson, posting a 4.19 ERA and 4.34 ERA in 2025 and 2026, respectively. However, he is another calculated pick on a reliever with big strikeout ability.

Round 13, Pick 397: C Emanuel Hernandez, Carlos Beltran Baseball Academy

Finally dipping back into the prep pool, the Cubs selected Emanuel Hernandez out of Carlos Beltran Baseball Academy in Puerto Rico. Although Hernandez played middle infield and catcher, the Cubs selected him as a backstop.

The fifth-best prep player coming out of Puerto Rico, Hernandez is a switch hitter and naturally throws righty. He has an impressive pop time at 1.90 seconds, and he can really sling it from behind the plate. He hit 82 mph on his throws from the catcher spot.

The Cubs are betting on traits with Hernandez. Outside of Owen Ayres, the Cubs do not have many notable catching prospects in their top 30. Ariel Armas and Logan Poteet are both names, but are likely far away from becoming impact prospects. Hernandez deepens the position in the organization.

Round 14, Pick 427: SS Corey Nunez, UC Santa Barbera

The Cubs selected their first middle infielder with Corey Nunez in the 14th round. The UC Santa Barbera product is not a huge hitter and frankly doesn’t profile as a potent base stealer either. In 2026, Nunez slashed .280/.361/.393 with two home runs, nine doubles, two triples, and only 15 RBIs.

However, the defense appears to be what stands out. Nunez has been a reliable fielder on the middle infield, posting fielding percentages above .978 over the last two seasons. A reliable glove with middle infield ability feels like a nice depth pick who is likely to sign as a college senior.

Round 15, Pick 457: RHP Griffin Naess, Cal Poly

The number of college relievers in the Cubs’ draft class is high, but they got another starter in the 15th round with RHP Griffin Naess. Naess pitched at least 50.2 innings each of the last three years (averaging 73 innings the two seasons prior). The body of work was far better for Naess in 2024 and 2025 compared to 2026.

Naess doesn’t post huge strikeout numbers, and the ERA is very middle-of-the-pack. However, the dependability and 6-foot-6 frame provide a canvas for the Cubs. Late-round picks are always crap shoots, so taking a swing on intangibles is a worthy flier.