Kane Kepley is one step closer to fulfilling his lifelong dream of playing in the big leagues.
After impressing in High-A, the former Tar Heel is now set to take on the next challenge of his professional baseball career. The Chicago Cubs believe he is ready for promotion, putting him one step closer to calling Wrigley Field his future home.
Kane Kepley promoted to Double-A Knoxville
Kepley will be making his way to Knoxville to join the Cubs Double-A affiliate. This promotion comes after he played in 93 games at the High-A level this season.
The Chicago Cubs are promoting Kane Kepley to the Knoxville Smokies (AA), per @_chaseford. pic.twitter.com/OOQ4phoP3J
— Milb Central (@milb_central) August 4, 2026
The 56th pick in the 2025 MLB Draft, Kepley has continued to showcase his talents early on in his professional baseball career. So far this season, Kepley has posted a slash line of .254/.435/.414, with seven home runs, 50 stolen bases, and 105 runs scored.
Former Tar Heel Owen Hull crushes his first home run of his professional career
Ranked as the Cubs' No. 4-ranked prospect, Kepley seems to be on the upward trajectory toward finding his way to the big leagues. A guy who has a knack for getting on base, the former Tar Heel hasn't lost his ability to steal bases, as his 50 stolen bags are evident of that.
Let's not forget how he works walks and somehow finds a way to get hit by pitches a lot, as he was drilled 16 times so far this season!
While there is plenty of baseball left to be played, is it possible that Kepley could find his way onto the big league roster at some point this season? Honestly, it wouldn't be a surprise given the current circumstances.
For starters, the Cubs are firmly in the playoff mix, currently holding the top wild card spot in the National League. When it comes to postseason baseball, clubs often look for versatile guys to fill their bench, and undoubtedly love to have a stolen base machine available to pinch run in crucial spots.
Kepley can play all three outfield spots and might just be the best base stealer that the franchise currently has. It would make a lot of sense for them to save a roster spot for Kepley, as his skillset could become very valuable in October.
For now, Kepley will continue to work hard toward his goals, taking on the next step in his professional baseball career. He now looks to continue his success at the Double-A level, looking to build on what he was able to accomplish at the High-A level through the first half of the 2026 season.
Regardless of where he's playing, fans of the UNC baseball program will be tuned in, ready to hold up any item near them to serve as Simba from The Lion King when his walk-up song, "Circle of Life" resonates through the home stadium's sound system.
It would be really cool to see that in action at Wrigley Field during MLB Postseason action. Hopefully, the Cubs fan base will help continue the trend!
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