The Chicago Cubs drafted an exciting two-way player in the MLB Draft, but he may no longer be a pitcher in professional baseball.
In college, Mathis showcased his offensive prowess and versatility. As a sophomore at 19 years old, he batted .330 with a .439 on-base percentage and a slugging percentage of .575, hitting nine home runs and collecting 20 doubles while stealing eight bases. His breakout continued into his junior year, where he improved with a .335 batting average, a .472 on-base percentage, and a .650 slugging percentage, amassing 14 home runs, 17 doubles, and 14 stolen bases.
What sets Mathis apart is his ability to excel not only as a hitter but also as a pitcher. He maintained a career ERA of 3.60 in college, showcasing his skills on the mound as well. His 90:74 strikeout-to-walk ratio further highlights his command and all-around capabilities.
Given his success as a two-way player in college, the question arises whether Mathis could continue this dual role in the minor leagues and potentially in the majors.
Cubs shut down idea of second round pick being the next Shohei Ohtani
In short, Cole Mathis isn’t positioned to become the next Shohei Ohtani, but that’s not a knock on him. Mathis pitched in college due to his ability to excel against hitters at that level, rather than having professional pitching potential like Ohtani. His primary strength lies in his arm, which allowed him to contribute on the mound while being an athletic competitor in the Coastal Athletic Conference.
While Mathis demonstrated his skills in college, the level of competition in the SEC would provide a clearer picture of his potential as a professional pitcher. The Chicago Cubs have decided against developing Mathis as a two-way player, a decision that seems acceptable to him and his family. Focusing solely on hitting or pitching is challenging enough in professional baseball, and attempting both simultaneously might hinder Mathis from reaching his full potential.
Even Jac Caglianone, another notable two-way player in his class known for his impressive pitching velocity, faces uncertainties about his future as a pitcher in the majors. This underscores how exceptional Shohei Ohtani’s accomplishments are in Major League Baseball, highlighting the rarity and difficulty of succeeding in both roles at the highest level.
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