The Cubs were ecstatic when their pick came on the clock in the middle of the 1st round last summer and Ed Howard’s name was still on the board.

The organization didn’t hesitate in making the Chicago native the 16th overall selection in the 2020 MLB Amateur Draft and they can’t wait to see what the future holds for the young shortstop.

Howard, who was born in Evergreen Park and went to high school at Mount Carmel, has not shied away from the pressure that comes with being a hometown draft pick. He was one of the top prep shortstops in the draft and came in at No. 5 on our recent list of Top 20 Cubs prospects.

In the months since last June, the Cubs have felt nothing but validation for their decision to draft him in the 1st round.

“Ed Howard is truly a player that has all five tools on the field,” Cubs VP of player development Matt Dorey said. “But his best tool might be his makeup, his competitiveness, his willingness to play the team game. He’s just a really special talent. I think he really embraces playing in his hometown; he doesn’t shy away from that pressure. He’s doing that at a very young age and that’s just going to continue to mature and grow, as will his skills.

“He has upside as big or larger than any player in our organization physically, but the true separator in my opinion will be the makeup that he brings every day to the clubhouse and field.”

Those are some high remarks for a kid who has yet to play a professional game, but the Cubs believe strongly in Howard both as a player and as a person.

The 19-year-old will get his first taste of minor-league action in 2021 as he embarks on his journey to Wrigley Field.