Where will what some analysts call the best college hitter in the draft bat in the order?
Who will his family root for — their beloved Cincinnati Reds or the rival Chicago Cubs — when the Cubs come calling to Great American Ball Park?
OK, Schwarber already has an answer on that one.
“They’re wearing Cubs gear,” Schwarber said with confidence Friday morning. “They’re OK with it.”
The Cubs were sold on Schwarber’s power and patience at the plate. The 6-foot, 240-pound Schwarber hit .358 with 14 home runs, 48 runs batted in and a .659 slugging percentage for the Hoosiers this past season. He finished his college career with more walks (116) than strikeouts (91).
As good as those numbers are, the Cubs were rumored to like his personality even more. Schwarber met Cubs president Theo Epstein when the Hoosiers took batting practice at Cubs Park in Mesa, Ariz., during a road trip in February. He also took batting practice at Wrigley Field last summer playing for Team USA.
As MLB commissioner Bud Selig approached the podium to announce the Cubs’ pick Thursday evening, Schwarber — watching the draft at Weatherwax Golf Course with 200 family and friends — perked up.
“No one really thought that. I thought it could be a cool possibility then it happened,” Schwarber said. “Everyone went nuts.”
Schwarber could be assigned to the Cubs’ short-season Class A minor league team in Boise, Idaho, which starts its season June 13. He’s also working out details of his contract. Chicago area media reported Schwarber could sign for less than the roughly $4.6 million assigned value for a pick in Schwarber’s range.
How does it feel going from a college student on Thursday evening to waking up as a potential millionaire Friday?
“You don’t even think about that,” Schwarber said. “I’m just excited I have an opportunity to reach my ultimate goal to play major league baseball. I’m excited. I can’t thank the Cubs enough and I can’t be happier.”
Schwarber was ranked as the 17th-best prospect by Baseball America. The Cubs had him No. 2 behind left-handed pitcher Brady Aiken of San Diego’s Cathedral Catholic High School. Aiken went No. 1 to the Houston Astros.
“We felt Kyle was the best hitter, hands-down, in this year’s draft,” Jason McLeod, Cubs vice president of scouting and player development, told Chicago media during a conference call. “He really does everything that we like from an offensive standpoint, from controlling the strike zone to hitting for average and hitting for power. And he has makeup off the charts.”
As for defense, Schwarber could switch from his life-long catcher position to a corner outfield spot or first base. He’s one of three finalists for the Johnny Bench Award, presented to the top Division I catcher in the country, along with Mississippi’s Will Allen and Kennesaw State’s Max Pentecost (selected No. 11 by the Toronto Blue Jays). The winner will be announced June 26.
“If they want me to develop as a catcher I’ll develop as a catcher. If they want to move me to a corner outfield spot they can,” Schwarber said. “I enjoy catching a lot but I’m going to do what the team wants me to do. … This is actually the team I wanted to get drafted by. They believe in me as a person and not just a player.
“I’m excited as all get out.”
“It started in high school. That’s when I really developed a love for the game. … Baseball’s been my dream ever since.”
“I’m just a happy guy and that’s one of the reasons I felt the Cubs liked me so much.”
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