Chicago Cubs fans: you officially have a workhorse right-handed pitcher in your organization.
Former UNC baseball ace Jake Knapp has agreed to terms on his first professional baseball contract with the Chicago Cubs. The organization has now signed both Tar Heels that they selected in last week's MLB Draft.
Baseball America National Writer Carlos Collazo revealed Knapp's signing bonus on social media:
A few Cubs signings:
— Carlos Collazo (@CarlosACollazo) July 21, 2025
5th Kade Snell, $200,000
7th Pierce Coppola, $278,500
8th Jake Knapp, $175,000
9th Colton Book, $100,000
10th Justin Stransky, $140,000
11th Eli Jerzembeck, $150,000
15th Noah Edders, $100,000
According to MLB.com, Knapp's pick value (Round 8, Pick 241) was valued at $225.40K. It didn't take that signing bonus to get the former Tar Heel to agree to terms on a deal, as the right-hander settled for a deal that was a little over 50K less.
Tar Heel fans can attest that the Cubs got a good one in Knapp, a guy who could end up being an absolute steal as an eighth round selection. Given his age and experience, it wouldn't be surprising to see Knapp rise up the minor league system sooner rather than later, as his development will be one that the organization will likely look to expedite as much as possible.
Whatever the organization asks of him, you know he'll be ready.
In his final season as a Tar Heel, Knapp returned from Tommy John surgery in extraordinary fashion. A Consensus All-American, Knapp put together a dominant 14-0 record, as the UNC baseball program won each of his 15 starts. He posted a 2.02 ERA (fourth best in the country) over his 102.1 innings of work.
The business side of things are taken care of, as now Knapp can focus on what he does best: getting outs on the mound. After witnessing what he accomplished this past season, it would be wise for everyone to take stock now in this young man, as he will continue to prove everyone wrong as he continues stringing together an incredible career.