![Chase Strumpf has some tools that should excite Chicago Cubs fans. [Blasting News Database]](https://staticr1.blastingcdn.com/media/photogallery/2019/6/4/660x290/b_502x220x82/chase-strumpf-has-some-tools-that-should-excite-chicago-cubs-fans-blasting-news-database_2274297.jpg "Chase Strumpf has some tools that should excite Chicago Cubs fans. [Blasting News Database]")
The Chicago Cubs selected Chase Strumpf in the second round of the MLB Draft. While the front office has voiced it's excitement over the player, Cubs fans might not know a lot about the UCLA slugger.
He's a slugging second baseman
The Cubs seem to really like second baseman who can take the ball out of the ball park. Here's hoping he has a bit more success than Ian Happ. Strumpf hit nine homers this season after hitting 12 in 2017-18. He's not just a home run hitter either. He's got a career .924 OBPS at UCLA in three seasons.
His defense could use some work
The Cubs seem to like second basemen who are iffy on defense. Strumpf has been adequate at the position in college, but there are more than a few scouts who wonder if he might be moving to first base at some point in his career.
CHASE. STRUMPF.
— NCAA Baseball (@NCAACWS) June 4, 2019
STONE. COLD. #RoadToOmaha | @UCLABaseball pic.twitter.com/GPxngSGSQf
His strikeouts are concerning
The Ian Happ comparisons just keep coming. While Strumpf has some serious pop, he's also got a bit of a hole in his swing. This season, the second baseman has struck out 61 times in 60 games. He's got 18 multi-strike out games. It will be interesting to see if the Cubs can work on that.
He projected as a first rounder
The Cubs were thought to have reached a bit with their first round pick of Ryan Jensen. On the flipside, there are plenty of people who think that Strumpf could have gone earlier. Some projected him to be the 49th best player overall and with a number of high schoolers left on the board, a first round pick wasn't out of the realm of possibility.
Next stop: @Cubs.
— Pac-12 Network (@Pac12Network) June 4, 2019
Take a look at the newest member ➡️ Chase Strumpf pic.twitter.com/VhydOMJwj0
He homered after he heard the Cubs drafted him
Chase Strumpf apparently wanted the Chicago Cubs to know he appreciated them picking him. He was on deck when the pick went through. He then strode to the plate and blasted a homer. Welcome to the Cubs big man!
With the 64th pick of the 2019 #MLBDraft, the @Cubs select @UCLABaseball 2B Chase Strumpf: https://t.co/OHooNe2EPu pic.twitter.com/eLjgch41C6
— MLB Draft (@MLBDraft) June 4, 2019
