College Baseball Star Ethan Conrad Enters Transfer Portal After MLB Draft Selection

August 20, 2025 — College baseball fans were stunned this summer when Ethan Conrad, a standout outfielder for Wake Forest University, officially announced his entry into the NCAA Transfer Portal on June 10, 2025. The announcement, first reported by respected college baseball insider Kendall Rogers, immediately shook the collegiate baseball landscape. Conrad, widely recognized as one of the most complete hitters in the game, leaves behind a stellar track record at Wake Forest while facing a pivotal choice for his athletic future: transferring to another elite program or signing with a professional franchise.

A Rising Star in College Baseball

Ethan Conrad’s performance at Wake Forest was nothing short of electrifying. Despite a shortened season due to injury, the junior outfielder posted a remarkable .372 batting average, 8 doubles, 7 home runs, and 27 RBIs before being sidelined. His disciplined approach at the plate, paired with explosive bat speed and agility in the outfield, made him a key figure in Wake Forest’s 2025 campaign.

What set Conrad apart was not only his offensive consistency but also his ability to deliver in high-pressure situations. Scouts regularly cited his plate vision and advanced power-to-all-fields approach as hallmarks of a future major leaguer. By the midpoint of the 2025 season, he had already climbed into the top echelon of MLB Draft prospect rankings, eventually landing at No. 9 overall on national boards.

The MLB Draft Spotlight

Conrad’s reputation reached a new peak on July 13, 2025, when the Chicago Cubs selected him with the 17th overall pick in the 2025 MLB Draft. For Chicago, the selection underscored the organization’s commitment to building around young, versatile hitters who could develop into cornerstone players.

Historically, the Cubs have targeted position players with polished offensive resumes in the first round. Conrad fits perfectly into that strategy, echoing their selections of hitters like Kris Bryant in 2013 and Kyle Schwarber in 2014—both of whom transitioned into key contributors at the major league level. The Cubs’ willingness to invest a first-round selection in Conrad, despite his injury-shortened campaign, signals their strong belief in his long-term potential.

The Transfer Portal Decision

Yet, in a twist not often seen from top MLB draft selections, Conrad’s name remained in the NCAA Transfer Portal even after hearing his name called on draft day. Under NCAA rules, a drafted player may still choose to return to college baseball if he does not sign a professional contract. With his collegiate eligibility intact, Conrad now faces one of the most consequential decisions in modern college baseball: sign with the Cubs and begin the journey through the minor leagues, or continue refining his game at a new program.

Athletes entering the transfer portal often seek improved development opportunities, a different competitive environment, or a fresh start following injury. Conrad’s decision could be influenced by a desire to ensure more at-bats before jumping into professional baseball, especially considering the shortened 2025 season that limited his showcasing opportunities.

Wake Forest’s Loss, Rivals’ Opportunity

For Wake Forest University, the departure of Conrad represents a significant blow. The Demon Deacons have been one of the nation’s powerhouse programs in recent years, routinely contending in the Atlantic Coast Conference (ACC) and producing a steady stream of major league-caliber talent.

With Conrad’s exit, Wake Forest loses a centerpiece of its lineup and one of the most marketable names in college baseball. His move reshapes not only the roster dynamics for the Demon Deacons but also the competitive balance within the ACC. Rival programs from the Southeastern Conference (SEC) and Pac-12 are now likely to explore the possibility of adding Conrad, knowing full well the boost a player of his caliber can offer both on the field and from a recruiting standpoint.

Regional Comparisons and Transfer Landscape

Conrad’s decision draws comparisons to other recent high-profile college baseball transfers who weighed professional contracts against additional collegiate seasons. For instance, stars like Dylan Crews at LSU and Adley Rutschman at Oregon State faced similar crossroads early in their careers, ultimately opting to anchor their college programs before moving onto professional ball. Their decisions paid dividends, helping secure national championships and top draft selections.

In the broader regional context, the transfer portal has become increasingly influential in shaping the balance of power across conferences. The SEC, often regarded as the premier baseball conference in the NCAA, has gained multiple MLB-ready players through recent transfers, leading to championship runs. Should Conrad land at a program like LSU, Florida, or Vanderbilt, the ripple effects could be immediate, potentially shifting the 2026 College World Series power rankings.

Economic and Career Implications

From an economic perspective, Conrad stands at a critical fork in the road. As a first-round selection, he is projected to command a multimillion-dollar signing bonus should he sign with the Cubs. First-round picks in the 2025 draft have slotted bonuses ranging from approximately $3 million to $6 million depending on position and overall number. Accepting that bonus would secure his financial future and begin his journey as a professional athlete.

On the other hand, if Conrad chooses to continue at the collegiate level, the rise of Name, Image, and Likeness (NIL) opportunities provides a safety net. Under NIL rules, top-tier prospects like Conrad can earn six-figure endorsement deals while still playing college baseball, bridging the once-massive financial gap between amateur and professional play. Programs with robust NIL collectives might use this as leverage to attract Conrad for another season.

Public and Professional Reactions

The announcement has already sparked intense reactions from fans and analysts alike. Wake Forest supporters have expressed disappointment over losing a fan favorite, while Chicago Cubs fans eagerly speculate whether Conrad will don the pinstripes of the minor league system as soon as this fall. Baseball analysts note the rarity of a player ranked this high in the MLB Draft leaving his decision open after being selected in the first round.

Professional scouts remain confident in Conrad’s ability to succeed regardless of his path. His swing mechanics, speed on the bases, and defensive range in the outfield are all considered MLB-ready tools. For some, another year at the college level might only serve to polish his contact skills further and solidify his reputation as one of the most advanced hitters of his draft class.

A Future Worth Watching

Ethan Conrad’s journey is emblematic of the complex choices modern athletes face in the era of the transfer portal and NIL opportunities. His performance at Wake Forest cemented his reputation as one of the NCAA’s brightest stars, while his first-round selection by the Cubs placed him in line with the sport’s next generation of professionals.

What comes next—whether he signs with Chicago or transfers to another powerhouse program—will be closely monitored by scouts, fans, and rivals across the sport. For now, Ethan Conrad’s future remains undecided, but one thing is certain: wherever he plays in 2026, he will instantly become one of the most closely watched players in all of baseball.

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