WATCH: Cubs draft left-handed pitcher Jordan Wicks at No. 21 overall |
DENVER — The Chicago Cubs selected left-handed pitcher Jordan Wicks in the first round of the 2021 MLB Draft on Sunday. Wicks, who previously served as a starting pitcher for the Kansas State Wildcats, was selected at No. 21 overall. At Kansas State, Wicks set the all-time program record for career strikeouts, having racked up 230 Ks in his collegiate tenure. The lefty out of Conway, Arkansas, throws a wicked changeup and was recently named a third-team Collegiate Baseball All-American.
Wicks was the second left-handed pitcher — and 10th pitcher overall — taken on Sunday, and he donned a Cubs jersey and hat and posed for pictures with MLB commissioner Rob Manfred on the stage at the Bellco Theatre after hearing his name called. Family and friends, including Wicks' fiancee, were in attendance to witness the 21-year-old, who was named to the All-Big 12 first team this spring, become the newest member of the Cubs organization. Wicks conducted a live interview on MLB Network after being drafted and said that he "couldn't be happier to be wearing blue and red." The #Cubs tonight selected LHP @jordan_wicks99 of @KStateBSB with the 21st overall pick in the 2021 Major League Baseball First-Year Player Draft. pic.twitter.com/GfjV3JjHKJ Round 1 ?? Pick 21 With the 21st overall pick, the @Cubs select @KStateBSB left-hander Jordan Wicks, No. 16 on the Top 250 Draft Prospects list. 1 (21): @Cubs select Kansas State (KS) P Jordan Wicks. https://t.co/8IJzq2IX23 #MLBDraft A forever moment for Jordan Wicks #KStateBSB x @Cubs pic.twitter.com/j9MbuyfCSo Engaged ??
Welcome to Chicago, @jordan_wicks99!https://t.co/zdHk7MQkBz pic.twitter.com/QmpLu6ed1j
Watch live: https://t.co/0xWeUlR8KJ pic.twitter.com/pp14cG7Xsm
Drafted by the @Cubs ??
Living his best life ??@jordan_wicks99 | #MLBDraft pic.twitter.com/Z8QGhjTCkm