The Cubs went with a high school pitcher in the third round of the draft and selected LHP Bryan Hudson with the 82nd overall pick from Alton High School, Illinois in the First-Year Player Draft.
Bryan Hudson is 6-foot-8, 220 pounds and just turned 18 years old (May 8, 1997). Hudson is extremely athletic and with a projectable frame could add a couple of ticks to a fastball that has already touched 93 mph.
The Cubs believe they will be able to sign Bryan Hudson, who is committed to Missouri. The Cubs’ third round slot allotment is $731,000.
Theo Epstein watched Hudson pitch two times and the lefty has been in constant communication with the Cubs.
• MLB Pipeline Scouting Grades – Fastball: 60 | Curveball: 60 | Changeup: 50 | Control: 50 | Overall: 45
Bryan Hudson features a hard breaking ball in which reports indicate range from the high-70s to low-80s (77-82). Hudson’s fastball sits in the upper-80s and he can consistently touch 92-93 mph with his fastball. Due to his arm action, scouts feel his fastball will eventually reach the mid-90s.
Hudson throws a changeup but reportedly has very little confidence in it. Hudson is considered more a two-pitch pitcher right now due to the lack of a changeup.
Bryan Hudson has clean arm action, throws plenty of strikes and the body control necessary to repeat his delivery.
The reports on the first pitcher the Cubs selected in the 2015 draft are positive and point to a lefty with a projectable frame and a very good upside. High school pitchers are difficult to project. Based on the video, Bryan Hudson’s curveball is going to be a lot of fun for hitters in the Midwest League, Carolina League, Southern League and Pacific Coast League in the coming years.