OF | Bats/Throws: L/L | 5' 8" 180 lbs | Age: 22
Draft: 2025 | Rd. 2, No. 56, Chicago Cubs | North Carolina
MLB Pipeline Rank
PA AB R H HR SB AVG OBP SLG OPS
2025 131 97 28 29 2 16 .299 .481 .433 .914
Career Minors 131 97 28 29 2 16 .299 .481 .433 .914
AVG HR SB OPS
2025 .299 2 16 .914
Career Minors .299 2 16 .914

Standard Minor League Batting Statistics

SeasonTmLGLGPAABRH2B3BHRRBIBBSOSBCSHBPAVGOBPSLGOPS
2025 Myrtle Beach Pelicans CAR A 28 131 97 28 29 1 3 2 15 25 15 16 4 9 .299 .481 .433 .914

Scouting Report

2026

Scouting grades: Hit: 60 | Power: 30 | Run: 60 | Arm: 40 | Field: 60 | Overall: 50

A former walk-on, Kepley topped Conference USA with 53 walks and 25 steals at Liberty in 2024 and earned all-star honors in the Cape Cod League that summer before transferring to North Carolina. Overcoming a slow start attributed to Tar Heels coaches spreading him out and taking away his leg kick, he led the Atlantic Coast Conference in strikeout rate (7 percent) and finished fourth in NCAA Division I with 45 swipes. Signed for an under-slot $1.4 million in the second round, he broke into pro ball by slashing .299/.488/.433 with 16 steals in 28 games at Single-A.

An on-base machine, Kepley repeatedly makes quality swing decisions and almost never swings and misses, especially against strikes and fastballs. He has a relatively flat left-handed swing geared for contact and hits balls where they're pitched, using the entire field. Though he has some sneaky bat speed and strength, he won't offer much power because he produces pedestrian exit velocities and has yet to make much impact with wood bats.

Kepley not only has plus speed but also a fine understanding of basestealing that enabled him to pilfer 134 bases in 146 attempts (92 percent) during 240 games in college and summer leagues. His quickness, instinct and energy also translate into quality range in center fieler. Though his arm is below average, it's playable in center and he gets to balls quickly.


2025

Scouting grades: Hit: 55 | Power: 30 | Run: 60 | Arm: 40 | Field: 60 | Overall: 45

Kepley quickly claimed a starting job as a walk-on at Liberty in 2023 and broke out as a sophomore, when he led Conference USA with 53 walks and 25 steals before earning All-Star accolades in the Cape Cod League. After transferring to North Carolina, he ranked fourth in NCAA Division I with 45 steals and topped the Atlantic Coast Conference in strikeout rate (7 percent). The Cubs drafted him in the second round and signed him for an under-slot $1.4 million.

Kepley is an on-base machine who executes quality swing decisions from the left side of the plate. He excels at putting the bat on the ball, especially within the strike zone, and rarely chases pitches. His lack of physicality and flat swing lead to worries about how much impact he'll make at the plate, though he does have some sneaky bat speed and strength that could give him some modest pull power.

Kepley plays with constant energy and looks to make things happen on the bases with his plus speed. He also will make highlight plays in center field, where his quickness and fine instincts give him plenty of range. His arm is below average but playable in center.


Draft

Video scouting report »

Scouting grades: Hit: 55 | Power: 30 | Run: 60 | Arm: 40 | Field: 60 | Overall: 45

Listed at 5-foot-8 and 180 pounds, Kepley received no NCAA Division I scholarship offers because of his small stature. He quickly claimed a starting job as a walk-on at Liberty in 2023 and broke out last season, when he led Conference USA with 53 walks and 25 steals before earning All-Star accolades in the Cape Cod League. After transferring to North Carolina, he ranked fourth in NCAA Division I with 45 steals and topped the Atlantic Coast Conference in strikeout rate (7 percent).

Kepley is an on-base machine who executes quality swing decisions from the left side of the plate. He excels at putting the bat on the ball, especially within the strike zone, and rarely chases pitches. His lack of physicality and flat swing lead to worries about how much impact he'll make at the plate, though he does have some sneaky bat speed and strength that could give him some modest pull power.

Kepley plays with constant energy and looks to make things happen on the bases with his plus speed. He also will make highlight plays in center field, where his quickness and fine instincts give him plenty of range. His arm is below average but playable in center.


Transactions

Team Date Transaction
03/05/2026 OF Kane Kepley assigned to Chicago Cubs Prospects.
02/22/2026 OF Kane Kepley assigned to Chicago Cubs.
02/22/2026 OF Kane Kepley roster status changed by Chicago Cubs.
08/05/2025 OF Kane Kepley assigned to Myrtle Beach Pelicans from ACL Cubs.
08/04/2025 ACL Cubs activated OF Kane Kepley.
07/22/2025 OF Kane Kepley assigned to ACL Cubs.
07/21/2025 Chicago Cubs signed OF Kane Kepley.
06/03/2025 OF Kane Kepley assigned to College Workout.
02/15/2025 OF Kane Kepley assigned to North Carolina Tar Heels.
07/26/2024 OF Kane Kepley assigned to Cape Cod League West All-Stars.
04/03/2024 OF Kane Kepley assigned to Hyannis Harbor Hawks.