The Cubs have signed 15 players selected in the First-Year Player Draft, including right-handed pitcher Paul Blackburn out of Heritage High School in Brentwood, Calif., who was selected in the supplemental round, 56th overall. In addition, the Cubs signed right-handed pitcher Josh Conway (fourth round) of Coastal Carolina University; infielder Stephen Bruno (seventh round) of the University of Virginia; left-handed pitcher Michael Heesch (eighth round) out of the University of South Carolina Beaufort; and catcher Chadd Krist (ninth round) out of the University of California, Berkeley.
Others to sign include outfielder Rashard Crawford (11th round); right-handed pitcher Corbin Hoffner (14th round); catcher Carlos Escobar (15th round); left-handed pitcher Nathan Dorris (17th round); and right-handed pitcher Stephen Perakslis (21st round). The list of signees also includes 28th-round pick Lance Rymel; 30th round pick Izaac Garsez; 32nd round selection Timothy Saunders; 35th round pick Ben Carhart; and 40th round pick Jacob Rogers.