Getting to Know Cubs Draft Pick: Ryan Gallagher |
The 2024 MLB draft was a bit different than what most fans have been accustomed to in recent seasons. The organization chose to go bat-heavy on days one and two. Of the team's first 10 selections, eight were position players compared to just two pitchers, which hasn't been the case in recent drafts.
In fact, it took the Cubs six rounds to even take a pitcher, but once they did, you started to see this organization begin to stockpile arms on Day three, which shouldn't come as a surprise. The first of what ended up being a long list of arms taken in this year's draft was RHP Ryan Gallagher from the University of California Santa Barbara, as the Cubs took him with the 182nd overall pick. Another one of those picks not mentioned in the top 250, this is once again considered a reach by the organization as they are looking at his overall body of work and potential on the diamond. Throw in his 6-4 and 250-pound frame, and the Cubs have an imposing figure on the mound that no one will like staring at. After missing the 2023 season with Tommy John, Gallagher returned to the mound in 2024, where he played a massive role in the Gauchos' overall success. By the time his career was over, he was one of the best pitchers in program history, making 30 career appearances (29 starts) and going 18-1 with a 2.72 ERA. That included his phenomenal 2024 campaign, where he posted a 10-1 record with an ERA of 2.22. Another thing that stands out about his season is his excellent command and control on all his pitches, as he walked just 25 and struck out 96 in only 89 innings. Although not a top 250 prospect, he did sneak into the top 500 ranking and checks in at 462. Despite the impressive strikeout numbers and a low walk rate, Gallagher does it with a bit of a throwback approach as his fastball barely surpasses 90 MPH and touches the 91 and 92 MPH range. There is hope that given his size on the mound, there can be an uptick in velocity once he reaches pro ball, which the Cubs hope can happen. Along with his fastball, he has a mid-80s slider and change-up, which he will look to utilize more at the next level. While neither of his secondary pitches is better than the other, he does live at the top of the zone, but his massive break on his bender gives hitters a different look. When you look at the Cubs' pitching infrastructure, this is a classic Jed Hoyer pick, as Gallagher may not throw hard but is a strike pumper. He broke onto the scene as a freshman when he earned freshman of the year honors after posting a 3.25 ERA in 18 starts that season. Two years later, he was better than ever, as Gallagher was not only one of the best strike throwers in the nation this season but one of the best in program history. Although his fastball isn't your typical blow-you-away fastball, he can get it up to 93 at times. He does so with riding life, which makes it hard for a hitter to square up. He is also one of the few pitchers in this year's class who has a four-pitch mix and isn't afraid to use all four pitches at any point in the count. Given his career walk rate of only 7% and his ability to command the fastball while changing speeds, Gallagher does profile well as a back-of-the-rotation starter at the next level. This could be one of the few draft picks who skips Rookie Ball this season and gets thrown into full-season ball, as he has the experience to come in and make a solid impact right away. Chicago Cubs select Big West Pitcher of the Year UCSB RHP Ryan Gallagher with Pick No. 182 in the 2024 MLB Draft#CollegeBaseball #MLBDraft Chicago Cubs 6th rounder, Ryan Gallagher boasts a projectable frame.
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FB avg 90 mph, could be a velo improvement in pro ball. Big carry at top of zone (> 20 in of induced vert break)
Has a SL and changeup. Prior TJS
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