Cubs select SEC pitcher Townsend in first round
PHILADELPHIA — Cade Townsend had no doubts where he wanted to land in the MLB draft.
The University of Mississippi right-hander hoped the Chicago Cubs would select him when their spot arrived at No. 23 during the first round Saturday.
Townsend got his wish. He became the Cubs’ first pitcher chosen with their top pick since going that route in back-to-back drafts with right-hander Cade Horton (No. 7) in 2022 and left-hander Jordan Wicks (No. 21) in 2021.
“I told my agent, told my family, this was my No. 1 pick for sure,” Townsend said. “It was surreal getting picked. I mean, that’s what you dream of (as) a little kid, and it’s just a new journey and the start of a new one. I’m super excited.
“I was looking for a good fit. Didn’t care what the pick was, didn’t care what the money was. I really just want a team that’s a family and, really, who’s going to help support me to get to the big leagues? Because at the end of the day, that’s the only thing that matters is going to the big leagues.”
Townsend felt the Cubs’ family environment compared to what he experienced during his two seasons at Ole Miss. He also touted the organization’s process-oriented, data-driven approach, noting that’s similar to his, which is something he appreciates.
“There’s not much you can say with a 30-minute phone call, but it’s really good just to see how they work,” Townsend said. “What’s their process like? What’s our process to get better? I mean, that’s the only thing I really care about is, how do I get better? How do I improve every single day? And they had a clear plan.”
Townsend posted a 3.94 ERA in 14 starts this year with 88 strikeouts and 22 walks in 64 innings. Following his 2025 freshman season (6.35 ERA in 15 games/eight starts), Townsend felt he became more mature by working on his craft every day and credited Ole Miss pitching coach Joel Mangrum for his mentorship and showing him the path to get to the big leagues.
“How do I really improve every single day? You stack bricks, you’re going to build a wall,” Townsend said. “Really have blinders and earmuffs on, not really care about what anyone thought. Went to work every single day.”
The 21-year-old can touch 98 mph with his fastball and utilizes a five-pitch repertoire featuring a cutter, slider, curveball and splitter. He wants to improve his fastball command and execution, as well as throwing the pitch more, which should further elevate his secondary stuff.
“The spin is really my superpower — that’s what I tell everyone,” Townsend said. “I just have a weird innate ability to spin the ball and make the ball move left or right.”
No. 62, 2nd round: Caden Sorrell, OF, Texas A&M
No. 75, compensation pick: Myles Bailey, 1B, Florida State
No. 98, 3rd round: Carson Jasa, RHP, Nebraska