Hayden

Simpson

Simpson has been a major disappointment since being drafted with the No. 16 overall pick in 2010. He posted a 6.42 ERA over his first two minor league seasons and will attempt to latch on with another organization.

Simpson was selected 16th overall in early June after going 13-1 with a 1.81 ERA in his junior year at Southern Arkansas. An official announcement of the signing could come this weekend at Wrigley Field.

Simpson, 21, was taken with the No. 16 overall pick in the June MLB amateur draft. He went 13-1 with a 1.81 ERA in his junior year at Southern Arkansas, but many draft experts have concerns about his lack of experience against top competition. He’s not known for having a dominant fastball.

Simpson, who was selected No. 16 overall in last month’s First-Year Player Draft, signed with the club on June 19. The plan was for the 21-year-old right-hander to pitch with Single-A Boise, but it looks like his official pro debut will have to wait until next season.

A big surprise. Simpson, a product of Southern Arkansas, wasn’t viewed as a first-round arm. Most didn’t see him going in the first three rounds. The Cubs must see something special about him, but as far as we know, he’s a low-90s guy with no standout offspeed pitch.

Simpson was signed on June 17 and was expected to be assigned to a minor league team this month, but he’s going to have to get healthy before that happens.