Kane Kepley

Organization Prospect Rankings

• 
  Ranked Chicago Cubs #6 prospect in 2026
  BA Grade/Risk: 50/Average
  
  Adjusted Grade: 40
  
  Track Record: Kepley spent two seasons at Liberty before transferring to North Carolina. In his single season with the Tar Heels, he hit .291/.451/.444 with three home runs and 45 stolen bases. The Cubs drafted Kepley in the second round in 2025 and signed him for $1.4 million. Kepley had one of the most impressive debuts of any draftee, hitting .299/.481/.433 with two homers and 16 steals in 28 games for Low-A Myrtle Beach.
  
  Scouting Report: A throwback-style player, Kepley has an undersized, hit tool-driven profile with plus-plus defense in center field. He stands just 5-foot-8 and has limited power, but his hit tool is likely advanced enough to make him a productive big league hitter. Kepley rarely swings and misses, running elite contact rates in 2025 at North Carolina and in his pro debut. He rarely expands the zone while showing aggressive tendencies on strikes. His approach and bat-to-ball skills are consistently good across all pitch types. While Kepley may lack over-the-fence power, he makes consistently hard contact. Kepley lacks impressive top-end exit velocities, but he finds the barrel, and his average exit velocity is in line with major league average. Kepley hits the ball flush at good angles and shows the ability to pull the ball in the air. Kepley is a plus runner and dangerous basestealer who will consistently draw the attention of opposing batteries. He’s a plus-plus defender in center, where his plus speed and strong instincts help him cover large swaths of grass.
  
  The Future: Kepley has an advanced hit tool, more power than one would expect from his frame and a no-doubt center field defensive profile. He looks like a classic table-setter and outstanding everyday center fielder.
  
  Scouting Grades: Hit: 60 | Power: 40 | Run: 60 | Field: 70 | Arm: 45