The Chicago Cubs have picked another infielder in the 2023 MLB Draft.

After taking Matt Shaw 13th overall in the first round, the Cubs selected Florida shortstop Josh Rivera with the 81st overall pick in the third round. Rivera, 22, had a breakout senior season in 2023 with Florida, as he got on scouts' radar with a 1.064 OPS in 70 games.

Rivera posted a slash line of .348/.447/.617, with 35 strikeouts and 46 walks in 312 plate appearances. An amazing step forward at the plate for the shortstop, who in previous seasons with Florida struggled on offense.

Via MLB.com.

For his first three seasons at Florida (the first cut short by the pandemic), Rivera didn’t produce much, if at all, offensively, and dealt with arm issues in 2022. This year, though, he’s been healthy and shown he can impact the ball a lot more effectively. He’s not necessarily a pure hitter, with a bit of an unbalanced setup at the plate, but he’s been barreling up the ball all spring, with an advanced approach that has led to very few strikeouts and a healthy walk rate. All of that has enabled him tap into his raw power consistently.

While he isn’t overly rangy, scouts do think Rivera has the chance to stick at shortstop. He’s good to his glove side and will make the everyday play consistently, but he won’t be flashy. Some think that, plus his arm being a little short, might make him a better fit for second base or perhaps a super-utility role. But his big step forward with the bat has made him one of the higher-profile seniors in the class.

Some are calling this pick a steal for the Cubs.

Definitely looks like he has the tools to stick at shortstop.

2023 Cubs Draft Picks

Matt Shaw: Round 1, 13th
Jaxon Wiggins: Round 2, 68th
Josh Rivera: Round 3, 81st