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.

The Chicago Cubs have selected SS Josh Rivera. Exploded this spring to the tune of a .348 average to go along with 10 2B and 19 HR. Violent swing with plus bat speed. Solid defender at SS, comfortable moving in either direction. Some present physicality. pic.twitter.com/va28jeTGnj
— Peter Flaherty III (@PeterGFlaherty) July 10, 2023

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.

I think the @Cubs getting @GatorsBB SS Josh Rivera in the third round will prove to be a steal. Rivera struggled in the CWS Finals, but was very, very good in 2023. Strong defender and I thought the bat took a big step forward in '23. #MLBDraft
— Kendall Rogers (@KendallRogers) July 10, 2023

Florida SS Josh Rivera goes to the Cubs in the 3rd round. Arguably the top upperclass talent left on the board today. Good get.
— Joe Doyle (@JoeDoyleMiLB) July 10, 2023

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

This is excellent glove work. It’s astounding how much Josh Rivera has improved in every facet of the game relative to a year ago. pic.twitter.com/UldmDcv4cH
— Jacob Rudner (@JacobRudner) March 16, 2023