The Chicago Cubs didn’t shy away from Myles Bailey’s severe ankle injury when they made their pick. Instead, they selected the Florida State first baseman with the No. 75 overall pick in the 2026 MLB Draft. This move defies the usual caution teams show toward players with recent major injuries. Most clubs would wait to see a full recovery before spending a high draft slot. The Cubs decided his raw power was too good to pass up. That’s a bold call.
Bailey played 82 games for the Seminoles across two seasons before the injury struck. His sophomore year ended just 26 games into the 2026 season after he suffered the season-ending ankle injury. Despite the short sample size, his production was electric. According to On3 Seminoles, Bailey accrued a career .337 batting average with 32 home runs and 89 RBI. He also posted a .734 slugging percentage and a .448 on-base percentage. These numbers are rare for a college player with such a short career span. Think about that.
The injury happened when Bailey was hitting for a .363 average with 13 home runs. He was on pace to shatter school records if the season had continued. The Cubs saw a player who was crushing baseballs in the ACC. He finished second in the conference with 19 homers as a freshman. This power potential was enough for the White Sox to take a flier on him in the 20th round of the 2024 Draft. Now the Cubs have secured his rights with a much higher pick. No kidding.
Bailey becomes the eighth Florida State first baseman selected in the MLB Draft since 2010. He joins a long list of former Seminoles including Brett Roberts and Drew Mendoza. However, only John Nogowski has reached the Majors from that group. The Cubs know the risk. They also know the reward if Bailey’s power translates to the pros. The kicker?
Why This Matters
The selection signals a bold shift in how the Cubs build their roster. They are betting on upside rather than safety. A player with this much raw power can change a lineup overnight. If Bailey gets to that power consistently at the next level, he solves a long-standing need for the team. The one question remains whether he can hit enough to get there. Here’s the thing:
His ability to draw walks helps offset a 31 percent strikeout rate. A scout noted he has a bit of a grooved swing as a freshman that will have to be improved. But the Cubs clearly believe his juice is for real. They saw him slug .913 over his first 26 games before the injury. That kind of output is what wins games in the big leagues. Not great. Massive.
Bailey is a strong left-handed hitter who can drive the ball to all fields. He reaches the seats even when he mis-hits balls. This trait makes him dangerous against any pitching staff. The Cubs now have a high-ceiling bat to develop in their system. The risk of the injury is real, but the potential reward is massive. If he stays healthy, the No. 75 pick could look like a steal in a few years. The fanbase should watch his recovery closely. The path to Wrigley Field just got a little more exciting. And here’s why.
