Well, the Rule 5 Draft was pretty anti-climatic. The Cubs selected Conner Menez, a lefty reliever from the San Francisco Giants. That’s it, no one else. The Cubs did lose right-handed pitcher Carlos Ocampo to the Mets.

As for Menez, he does have MLB experience pitching parts of three seasons in the major for a total of 42.1 IP. Last year, he threw 14.1 IP in San Francisco with a respectable 3.86 ERA with 15 Ks to only 3 walks.

While used a reliever last year, Menez was previously used a starter for all of MiLB career. HIs best season was at AA in 2019 where he had a 2.72 ERA in 11 starts before moving up to AAA. He struck 154 in 121 innings that summer. So the his stuff can play in the minors.

Basic Info
Age – 26
Throws – Left
Height – 6-foot-2
Weight – 206
Originally drafted in the 14th round in 2016
Taken by the Cubs in the 2021 MiLB Rule 5 Draft

As for the future, it is unclear what his role is going to be going forward. He could be a reliever or a starter.

North Side Bound’s own Greg Zumach has one idea on what the Cubs could work on with with Menez next spring.

As for Carlos Ocampo, his time as a Cub is at an end. He is now in the Mets system and will probably head to High-A next summer. Good luck to him.

I was surprised a little bit that the Cubs did not add a catcher. We may have to wait for the MLB phase for that. No date has been set for that or even if it will take place.

Lead Picture of Conner Menez courtesy of MiLB