Logan Poteet’s Road to Proving Himself

 

Logan Poteet has had to earn his spot at just about every stop along the way. A catcher from Powell, Tennessee, with barely any high school film, he committed to Vanderbilt, spent much of his college career waiting for an opportunity. He ended up transferring to Charlotte before getting his shot at pro baseball.

Our first impression of Logan is that he's the quiet confident, and seems to be an observer-read-the-room-type. His words are thought out and he's definitely a think before speak kind of guy, making him a great addition to any social scenario. He's got the southern manners and charm along with the quintessential baseball look. 

In July 2025, the Chicago Cubs drafted him in the 17th round. Within a few weeks, he was playing in High-A and later earned a spot in the Arizona Fall League. From limited playing time to a professional contract, Poteet has never stopped pushing forward.

A Late Start and a Big Opportunity

COVID wiped out most of his sophomore season at Powell High School, leaving him with just three games that spring. He had limited film to show college coaches so he turned to summer ball with the Atlanta Team Elite caught Vanderbilt's attention.

He committed to the Commodores in 2020 and went on to become one of Tennessee's top high school catchers. As a senior, he hit .423 and helped Powell reach its first state championship game in 41 years and he earned All-State honors. But getting to Vanderbilt was only the beginning.

Finding his way

Playing time was hard to come by in Nashville. After redshirting his freshman year, Poteet appeared in just 11 games in 2024. So he did what he'd done before and found another opportunity. 

Summer ball gave him a chance to show what he could do. He hit .347 for the Sanford Mainers and was named New England Collegiate Baseball League Player of the Year. A year later, he put up even bigger numbers with the Tri-State Coal Cats, hitting .367 and earning an Appalachian League All-Star selection.

His next stop was Charlotte, where he finally got a full season behind the plate. Poteet started 51 games, hit .282 with 10 home runs and threw out 22 baserunners. He also helped anchor a defense that tied a program record for the fewest passed balls in a season.

It was the kind of opportunity he'd been waiting for, and he made it count.

From Charlotte to the Cubs

The Cubs selected Poteet in the 17th round of the 2025 MLB Draft, making him the first Tri-State Coal Cats player ever drafted.

His professional career moved quickly. After signing in July, he worked his way from the Arizona Complex League to High-A South Bend in less than a month. By October, he was playing in the Arizona Fall League, getting another chance to compete against some of the game's top prospects.

His first few professional appearances were a learning experience, but Poteet found his rhythm in 2026.

Starting the season with Low-A Myrtle Beach, he put his power on display, including a hot streak in June when he homered in four consecutive games. He hit 14 home runs with the Pelicans before earning a promotion back to South Bend, finishing the season with 21 home runs and a .901 OPS across both levels.

There are still parts of his game to develop, particularly cutting down on strikeouts as he faces tougher pitching. But the power, patience at the plate and defensive ability are all there.

What's next for Poteet?

At 22, Poteet finished the 2026 season in High-A, continuing his climb through the Cubs' farm system. The next steps won't come without challenges, but that's nothing new for a player who's spent much of his career having to prove himself all over again.

From limited opportunities at Vanderbilt to a breakout season at Charlotte and a fast-moving start to his professional career, Poteet has shown what he can do when given the chance. With the Cubs' Double-A Tennessee Smokies playing in Knoxville, not far from his hometown of Powell, there's a little extra meaning in what could be the next stop on his journey.

The next opportunity is always another chance to show what he can do.

Sources


Older articles Back to News