Ethan Conrad, who spent his freshman and sophomore years at Marist as an outfielder and first baseman, was drafted 17th overall by the Chicago Cubs in the 2025 MLB Draft.
The Rise of Ethan Conrad: From College Star to MLB Draft Pick
In the ever-evolving landscape of professional baseball, the journey from college diamond to the big leagues remains a dream for many young athletes. Today, we’re spotlighting a remarkable transition that’s sure to inspire college baseball players across the nation. Ethan Conrad, the standout outfielder from Wake Forest University, has just taken a monumental step in his baseball career by being selected in the first round of the 2025 MLB Draft.
The Chicago Cubs, with the 17th overall pick, have placed their faith in Conrad’s potential, marking a significant milestone in the young athlete’s journey. As reported by Marquee Sports Network, the Cubs’ decision to go “all-in on a college bat” speaks volumes about Conrad’s performance and potential.
17th pick in the 2025 #MLBDraft, the Chicago Cubs have selected Ethan Conrad! Ethan was a member of the 2024 Saugerties Stallions.
Key Takeaways for Aspiring MLB Players
For college baseball athletes aspiring to follow in Conrad’s footsteps, his draft selection offers several key insights:
1. The Value of College Performance
Conrad’s selection underscores the importance of excelling at the collegiate level. While specific stats from his time at Wake Forest aren’t available, it’s clear that his performance caught the eye of MLB scouts. College baseball provides a crucial platform for players to develop their skills, showcase their talents, and prove their ability to compete at a high level.
2. Positional Flexibility and Specialization
The Chicago Tribune reports that Conrad was drafted as an outfielder. This highlights the importance of positional skills in the draft process. College players should focus on honing their abilities in specific positions while also demonstrating versatility when possible.
3. The Draft Process and Preparation
Being selected in the first round is a testament to Conrad’s preparation and readiness for professional baseball. The draft process involves more than just on-field performance. It includes physical conditioning, mental preparation, and often, extensive scouting and evaluation.
4. The Importance of Program Reputation
Wake Forest’s baseball program has clearly played a role in Conrad’s development and visibility. This serves as a reminder for college athletes to consider the strength and reputation of their school’s baseball program when making college decisions.
5. From College to the Pros: The Learning Curve
As Conrad transitions from college baseball to the Cubs’ farm system, he’ll face new challenges and opportunities for growth. College players should recognize that being drafted is just the beginning of a new journey, one that requires continued dedication and improvement.
The MLB Draft Landscape
The 2025 MLB Draft demonstrates the competitive nature of professional baseball recruitment. The Cubs’ draft strategy, which included selecting another outfielder, Kane Kepley, at No. 56, shows how teams balance immediate needs with long-term potential in their draft choices.
A portrait of a Wake Forest baseball player in his team uniform, showcasing the school’s colors and logo.
Inspiration for College Athletes
For current college baseball athletes, Ethan Conrad’s draft success serves as both inspiration and a roadmap. It reinforces the idea that excellence at the collegiate level can indeed translate into professional opportunities. However, it’s crucial to remember that the path to the MLB is unique for each player.
As you continue your college baseball journey, focus on continuous improvement, both on and off the field. Embrace the challenges of collegiate competition, work on your physical and mental game, and stay open to guidance from coaches and mentors. Remember, scouts are looking not just at statistics, but at potential, work ethic, and the ability to perform under pressure.
Ethan Conrad’s selection by the Chicago Cubs is more than just a personal achievement; it’s a beacon of possibility for college baseball players everywhere. As the 2025 MLB season approaches, all eyes will be on Conrad and his fellow draftees as they begin their professional careers.
The journey from college star to MLB draft pick is challenging, but as Ethan Conrad has shown, it’s entirely possible with talent, hard work, and dedication. Keep swinging for the fences, both literally and figuratively, and you might just find yourself hearing your name called on draft day.
