Cubs Land Rising Star Pierce Coppola in MLB Draft Despite Injuries

Gainesville, USA - On July 15, 2025, the excitement of the MLB draft was palpable, especially for fans of the Chicago Cubs. The team made a notable selection in the seventh round, picking left-handed pitcher Pierce Coppola with the 211th overall pick. This decision comes after the Cubs had already taken Jake Clemente just 13 picks earlier, setting the stage for a draft filled with potential.

Coppola’s pick carries a slot value of $278,500, a significant amount for a player who faced substantial setbacks due to injuries over the past two years. Once considered a weekend starter prospect at the University of Florida, the young pitcher adapted his style, opting for breaking pitches rather than relying solely on power—an essential shift after enduring multiple injuries. Known for his strikeout prowess, he was a top-50 high school player in the class of 2021 from Verona High, New Jersey, and had the ninth-best ranking among left-handed pitchers by Perfect Game.

Injury Challenges and Comeback

Despite a bright start, Coppola’s journey has been rocky. He went undrafted out of high school, largely due to health concerns and a strong commitment to Florida. His freshman year saw him as the Sunday starter, but he made just one appearance before bulging disc surgery abruptly ended his season. The following year was even tougher as he missed the entire season due to a shoulder issue.

However, he made a triumphant return in 2024, starting eight games with a strikeout rate topping 30%. During the 2025 season, he pitched five innings in each of his first two starts, striking out an impressive 20 batters among 37 faced. Unfortunately, when another injury struck during his third start against Miami, it led to Aidan King stepping in for him in the rotation. Nonetheless, Coppola returned to contribute to the pitching staff in May, finishing the season with a commendable 2.53 ERA and a striking 46.7% strikeout rate over 21 1/3 innings.

The Cubs‘ Draft Strategy

The Chicago Cubs chose to prioritize pitching in this year’s draft, making 20 selections over two days, and interestingly, they focused on players with health concerns—a tactic they’ve successfully utilized in the past. This year’s draft format allowed the Cubs to select 13 pitchers, 11 of whom were right-handed, and 2 left-handed, including Coppola. They also picked up four outfielders, two catchers, and one infielder. Notable selections included Ethan Conrad from Wake Forest and Kaleb Wing, who notably increased his fastball velocity from 89-90 mph to 92-93 mph this year.

Remarkably, no shortstops were selected, marking a historic shift for the Cubs. The team is expected to sign its first ten picks and likely most from the second half of the draft, further showcasing their commitment to building a strong future.

Looking Ahead

As the Cubs draft begins to take shape, the results are already resonating within their fanbase. The potential of a pitcher like Coppola, who combines skill with experience in overcoming adversity, provides hope for both the team and its supporters. His journey, along with others from this draft class, will surely be one to watch in the coming seasons.

Fans can stay updated on these prospects and statistics by visiting MLB’s official prospect site, which tracks player performance across various teams.