Cubs add speed, defense with UNC’s Kane Kepley at No. 59

Jaylynn Nash - USA Today Sports

Dustin Riese · Senior Writer · 1 day ago

After making a surprise selection with Ethan Conrad in the first round of the 2025 MLB draft, many fans didn't know what to expect when the Cubs were back on the clock at No. 59. However, given all the trade rumors surrounding this team, many felt you would get a sense of this organizations deadline plans based on how they handled the early rounds of the draft.

Not only did they go outfield in round one, but they also went outfield in round two and selected North Carolina Outfielder Kane Kepley with the 59th overall selection. That alone leads many to believe that Owen Caissie and or Kevin Alcantara are as good as gone at the deadline as the Cubs need to start to retool their entire farm system.

Listed as the No. 84 prospect, Kepley is even more of a reach than Conrad was, but once again, you have to like the overall potential you see in his bat. Another left-handed bat, Kepley, is much smaller than Conrad and is listed at 5-8 and 180 pounds. That is smaller than Nick Madrigal, who was 5-9, so that goes to show the sheer size difference between Kepley and most MLB players.

Due to his small frame, Kepley had to work for everything as he wasn't offered a single Division 1 scholarship out of high school. That forced him to walk on to Liberty University, where he became an instant threat in their lineup. Although he got off to a slow start with the Flames, Kepley broke out in 2024 and became one of the best players in the Conference USA.

During that season, Kepley showed a keen eye at the plate to register 53 walks and swiped 25 steals, as speed is a massive part of his game. Following his 2024 season, Kepley went on to play in the Cape Cod League, where he earned an All-Star nod that summer before transferring from Liberty to the University of North Carolina.

In one season with the Tar Heels, Kepley had an impressive season, showcasing his overall speed to full effect. He ranked fourth in NCAA Division I with 45 steals and topped the Atlantic Coast Conference in strikeout rate (7 percent), and that alone would be considered elite at any level.

Even if the power isn't there, which shouldn't come as a surprise when you look at his frame, Kepley is an on-base machine who is a threat to steal whenever he gets on. Kepley has a quality swing from the left side of the plate and excels at putting the ball in play, especially in the strike zone.

His lack of physicality and flat swing lead to worries about how much impact he'll make at the plate, though he does have some sneaky bat speed and strength that could give him some modest pull power. Kepley could emerge as a Luis Arraez-type player as someone who isn't afraid to take what the pitcher gives you to get on base.

Not only does Kepley have the speed to make things happen on the bases, but he can flat-out go get it in center and has been viewed as one of the best centerfielders in this year's draft. A significant reason for this is his instincts on defense, as he has the ability to make better decisions and read the ball better than most.

Grade B: Like the Conrad pick in round one, this seems like a miss compared to some of the other options out there, but there is a lot to like about Kepley. For starters, his speed and defense alone are something the Cubs are going to love, as they need to have a plan in place for Pete Crow-Armstrong should he leave the organization someday.

His keen eye and excellent bat-to-ball skills make him the perfect leadoff candidate for the future, which is something the Cubs have struggled to find in nearly a decade. Look for him to get some reps in Mesa before the season is over, with the possibility of making a few appearances in Myrtle Beach before the season is over.