Former UNC commit Zyhir Hope chooses Cubs over Heels

Zyhir Hope committed to play baseball at UNC, but instead signed with Chicago Cubs after they picked him in the 2023 MLB Draft’s 11th round.

A couple weeks ago, Zyhir Hope was being recruited by the University of North Carolina baseball team.

It’s pretty tough to turn down a professional contract, right?

When Hope was faced with the dilemma of choosing between one of the ACC’s top programs, or signing with one of MLB’s most storied clubs after being drafted by them, he chose the latter.

Hope, who was chosen in the 11th round of the 2023 MLB Draft by the Chicago Cubs, will receive a $400,000 signing bonus.

If you followed along with Hope’s high school career at Colonial Forge High School, you know he was an all-around, offensive stud. In his senior season alone, Hope hit an eye-popping .530 with nine home runs, 38 RBIs and 29 stolen bases. Hope helped the Eagles to a second-place finish in conference and a second-round berth in the VHSL state playoffs.

Hope also has an invaluable tool in his arsenal – pitching, which any team can never have too much of. The recent Cubs signee notched three saves and struck out 23 batters, while pitching to a 1-1 record and 1.25 ERA in 14 innings pitched.

Regardless of how long it takes Hope to make the Cubs’ roster, his final scholastic season is a sign that major league appearance might come quicker than expected.

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