The Chicago Cubs made a statement in the 2026 MLB Draft by selecting Florida State first baseman Myles Bailey with their compensation pick in the second round. This pick was acquired as compensation for losing Kyle Tucker to free agency. The Cubs, known for their strategic drafting, are betting big on Bailey’s raw power and potential.
Bailey, a draft-eligible sophomore from the ACC, is renowned for his extraordinary power-hitting abilities. As a freshman, he hit 19 home runs in 56 games, and as a sophomore, he managed 13 home runs in just 26 games before an ankle injury cut his season short. His raw power has been graded as high as 80 by some scouts, the highest possible grade. Despite his impressive power, Bailey’s contact issues and high strikeout rate have raised some concerns.
Bailey’s Strengths and Weaknesses
Standing at 6’4″ and weighing 255 pounds, Bailey is a formidable presence at the plate. His long uppercut swing allows him to hit the ball out of the park to all fields, but his power is particularly evident when he pulls the ball. The exit velocities generated by his bat are elite, making him a formidable hitter.
However, Bailey’s high strikeout rate is a significant concern. As a freshman, his strikeout rate was a troubling 31 percent, which improved to 24.6 percent as a sophomore. While this improvement is encouraging, his strikeout rate is expected to rise when facing better ACC pitchers. Despite his swing-and-miss tendencies, Bailey has shown patience at the plate, drawing walks and demonstrating a three-true-outcomes potential (home run, walk, strikeout).
Defensive Abilities and Future Prospects
Despite his size, Bailey runs well and has shown himself to be quite nimble at first base. He could develop into an above-average defensive first baseman, which is a positive sign for his The Cubs rarely draft pure first basemen, and the fact that they selected Bailey in the second round indicates their belief in his power potential and their confidence in improving his contact skills.
Bailey’s draft position aligns with his rankings by MLB Pipeline (83rd) and baseball America (96th). However, Keith Law of The Athletic did not include him in his Top 100 picks, reflecting a more cautious view of Bailey’s contact issues. The Cubs’ decision to draft Bailey is a departure from their usual approach, but it could pay off if he realizes his All-Star potential.
The Cubs’ Strategic Move
The Cubs’ selection of Bailey is a high-risk, high-reward move. In an ideal scenario, Bailey could hit 30+ home runs with an OBP around.340, despite a low batting average. However, there is also a risk that his contact issues could prevent him from advancing beyond Double-A. The Cubs have reviewed Bailey’s medical reports, indicating that his ankle injury is not a significant concern.
Watch Bailey hit this ball 468 feet as a freshman, showcasing his incredible power. Additionally, here are some general highlights of Bailey as a sophomore, including his solid defense at first base.
