JUST IN: The Chicago Cubs choose 3B/1B Cole Mathis in the second round of the 2024 MLB draft.
The Chicago Cubs selected 3B/1B Cole Mathis from the College of Charleston (SC) as the 54th choice in the second round of the 2024 MLB Draft. Mathis is the Cubs’ second collegiate corner infielder taken in the 2024 MLB Draft, following the 14th overall pick, Florida State’s Cam Smith.
Scouting Report
Mathis is a 6-foot-1, 210-pound third baseman for the College of Charleston. Despite being drafted as a third baseman, many analysts feel he will play first base due to his exceptional arm strength. Mathis was a pitcher and hitter in college, but owing to an elbow injury, he focused on hitting this spring.
Mathis was an incredible reliever and displayed quality power at the collegiate level as well. This past spring, Mathis finished with 14 home runs and a .335/.472/.650 slash line. There is certainly a chance that Mathis gets a look as a two-way player, but like Matt Mervis, he might be destined to a corner infield spot full time.
Mathis’ best trait is the consistent contact he makes to all fields, despite not having the “prettiest swing”. In addition, the College of Charleston product has solid power as demonstrated by his long-ball numbers in college. He will be a fine addition for the Cubs at a position that is rather thin in terms of organizational depth.
Placement among Cubs’ Top Prospects
Although Mathis may not be as effective an offensive unit as Cam Smith, the collegiate bat has high contract upside, good power, and a massive arm.
Mathis may break into the top ten Cubs prospects, but he’ll most likely be ranked around #13. As an older batter, he should be able to advance fast through the minors. However, finding him a defensive position will most certainly be necessary before he can be considered a true top prospect.
Plan for 2024.
Mathis, like Cam Smith, is likely to spend some time in Arizona. Following that, one of the A-ball teams will be the next stop. Because of his collegiate background, Mathis and Smith could begin in Myrtle Beach and soon travel to South Bend. Don’t be surprised if he moves up the system as rapidly as Matt Shaw did after getting drafted last season. Mathis could be another fascinating possibility to pair with Smith at the top of this year’s draft.
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