What was already a big week for Jordan Wicks gained another memorable layer on Tuesday.
The Cubs selected Wicks in the first round of the MLB Draft last Sunday. Two days later, he attended the MLB All-Star Game, as Denver hosted both events.
It was at the Midsummer Classic where the 21-year-old received some friendly advice, from none other than Cubs All-Stars Kris Bryant and Craig Kimbrel.
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"They congratulated me and told me, 'Just be ready to work,' which is what I love to hear," Wicks, the No. 21 overall pick in the draft, recalled Friday afternoon.
"That's what it's all about, is getting in the organization and putting in the work to try and be at the level they are."
He officially joined the organization Friday. The Cubs announced they've agreed to terms with the lefty pitcher, who signed for slot value, worth $3.13 million.
Wicks, who pitched three seasons for Kansas State University and is the first player drafted in the first round in school history, called joining the Cubs organization a "no-brainer."
MLB
"I'm a guy where I want to get out there on the field and start competing as soon as possible," he said. "I didn't want to have any lengthy negotiations or anything like that."
That competitive spirit and goal-oriented nature stood out to the Cubs in the process leading up to the draft.
"It doesn't surprise me that he's prioritizing getting out there on the field as soon as he can," scouting director Dan Kantrovitz said.
Kantrovitz said Wicks will start his career at the club’s complex in Arizona. The Cubs are not placing a timetable on his professional track.
“We're going to take our time in the intake process, let him get his feet wet, and then evaluate where he is from there,” Kantrovitz said.
With how the Cubs have failed to develop starting pitching over the last decade, fans may already be dreaming about Wicks' future in the big leagues.
"It was super cool being out there at All-Star week and seeing all the stuff they get to go through," Wicks said. "It gives you that extra motivation to want to get there that much quicker.
“I'm super thankful for the value that the Cubs see in me, and I'm ready to get to work,” he added.
Cubs sign nine of first 10 draft picks
Friday evening, the Cubs announced they signed nine of their first 10 draft picks, including Wicks.
Second-round pick James Triantos, a University of North Carolina commit, has not signed but indicated he will.
The signees:
LHP Jordan Wicks (first round, 21st overall)
LHP Drew Gray (third round, 93rd overall)
OF Christian Franklin (fourth round, 123rd overall)
SS Liam Spence (fifth round, 154th overall)
LHP Riley Martin (sixth round, 184th overall)
OF Parker Chavers (seventh round, 214th overall)
C Casey Opitz (eighth round, 244th overall)
LHP Chase Watkins (ninth round, 274th overall)
OF Peter Matt (10th round, 304th overall)
More on the Cubs' picks in rounds 11-20 can be found here.
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