Cubs Select Ethan Conrad in 1st Round of MLB Draft

The Cubs have selected Ethan Conrad with the 17th overall pick in the 2025 MLB Draft. Conrad had a 167 wRC+ at Wake Forest in his junior year, posting an impressive 18.6% walk rate.

Ethan Conrad looks ideal in the Chicago Cubs model and they nab him at 17.
Conrad slashed .385/.433/.486 on the Cape, which is a key indicator for the Cubs org. He was off to a blistering start before injuring his shoulder. Cubs taking him this high suggests they trust medicals. pic.twitter.com/1AKFoZH7k4

— Greg Zumach (@IvyFutures) July 13, 2025

Conrad underwent season-ending shoulder surgery in April, only playing 21 games in 2025. He had a .744 slugging percentage, hitting seven home runs.

In his last full season at Marist University, Conrad lowered his strikeout rate by 12.1%. His wRC+ was an insane 183, with a .510 wOBA. He had an 18.1% barrel rate, with an average exit velocity of 91.9 mph.