Cubs Finalize Draft Picks and Transactions

Draft Signings Announced

The organization has locked in five amateur prospects for the upcoming season. Cade Townsend joins the roster as the first‑round pick, followed by right‑handers Carson Jasa (third round) and Dylan Marionneaux (fourth round). Left‑handed pitcher Cole Tryba was selected in the seventh round, while right‑hander Luke Alwood rounds out the class in the tenth round.

Player Movements and Releases

• Owen Ayers moved up from Double‑A Knoxville to Triple‑A Iowa.
• Jace Beck also crossed from Knoxville to Iowa.
• Kevin Valdez shifted to Knoxville after stints with High‑A South Bend.
• Miguel Useche traveled the same path as Valdez, joining Knoxville from South Bend.
• Yenrri Rojas of the Smokies was placed on the development list.
• Right‑handers Liam Hendricks, Kyle Wright, left‑hander Aaron Bummer, and catcher Eric Yang were all released from the Iowa Cubs roster.
• Jake Woodford opted to become a free agent.

In a brief note, Mesa won at least a game that day.

Game Recap: Iowa Cubs vs Memphis Redbirds (Cardinals)

Iowa fell just short in a 10‑9 contest after leading for most of the game. Starter Jaxon Wiggins labored through 2.2 innings, surrendering five runs on two hits and five walks while striking out three. The Cubs responded with a four‑run fourth and a two‑run fifth, only to see the bullpen falter.

Closer Corbin Martin took the loss after a walk‑off single in the bottom of the ninth. Martin tossed 1.1 innings, allowing one unearned run on three hits, walking two (one intentional) and fanning one hitter. His own throwing error forced the run to be unearned, leaving him to shoulder the blame. Iowa produced 12 hits— all singles— and collected ten walks in the defeat.

Offensive highlights came from Brett Bateman (2‑for‑6, three RBI, one run), Owen Miller (2‑for‑5, two RBI), and James Triantos (2‑for‑4, walk, run). Designated hitter Owen Ayers Made an immediate impact with a 3‑for‑4 performance, adding a walk and a stolen base in his Triple‑A debut. Bateman’s strong defensive play and a crucial two‑run single sparked the rally, while a third hit by Ayers kept the offense alive.

Affiliate Updates

Knoxville Smokies

The Smokies were shut out 5‑1 by the Montgomery Biscuits (Rays). Luis Martinez‑Gomez returned from the injured list and tossed the first four frames, giving up a solo home run among two hits, two walks, and a hit batter while striking out one. Evan Taylor relieved and took the loss after a single run on two hits and one strikeout, with no walks. Knoxville managed only three hits; Andy Garriola went 1‑for‑2 with a sacrifice fly, and Alex Ramírez recorded a double and scored on the sac fly.

South Bend Cubs

South Bend fell 9‑3 to the Peoria Chiefs (Cardinals). Starter Ethan Flanagan pitched 3.1 innings, allowing two runs on a triple and a home run, striking out five without issuing a walk. Luis Rujano was tagged for the loss after a rough 0.3‑inning cameo, surrendering five runs on three hits and two walks while fanning one. Josiah Hartshorn paced the offense with a 2‑for‑3 line, adding a walk, an RBI single, and a run in the third inning.

Myrtle Beach Pelicans

The Pelicans were blasted 9‑1 by the Kannapolis Cannon Ballers (White Sox). Emilio Ramos started and took the loss after two innings, allowing three runs on four hits, walking three and striking out one. Myrtle Beach mustered just four hits, all singles. Ethan Conrad and Alexis Hernández each went 1‑for‑3, both recording walks; Hernández also scored a run.

ACL Cubs

The ACL Cubs outscored the Reds 11‑6 in a high‑scoring affair. Second baseman Ezequiel Pena recorded his first professional home run, providing a spark for the offensive effort.