The College of Charleston (SC) 3B/1B Cole Mathis was chosen by the Chicago Cubs with the 54th pick in the second round of the 2024 MLB Draft. The Cubs selected Cam Smith of Florida State with the 14th overall pick in the 2024 MLB Draft, making Mathis the second collegiate corner infielder they have selected.
Scouting Report
Mathis, a 6-foot-1, 210-pound third baseman from the College of Charleston, was drafted primarily for his potential at third base. However, many scouts predict he will transition to first base due to his impressive arm strength. In college, Mathis showcased his talents both as a pitcher and a hitter, but an elbow injury this past spring led him to focus more on hitting.
As a reliever, Mathis excelled, and his power at the plate was notable. This spring, he hit 14 home runs with a .335/.472/.650 slash line. While there is potential for Mathis to be considered as a two-way player, it’s more likely he will settle into a corner infield role, similar to Matt Mervis.
Mathis’ standout ability is his consistent contact to all fields, even though his swing might not be the most aesthetically pleasing. Additionally, his solid power is evident from his home run numbers in college. Overall, Mathis is a strong addition for the Cubs, addressing a position with limited organizational depth.
Placement in Cubs’ Top Prospects
Mathis might not possess the same offensive prowess as Cam Smith, but his collegiate experience offers high contact potential, reasonable power, and a powerful arm. While cracking the top-10 Cubs prospects is uncertain, he is likely to be placed around #13. Being an older player, Mathis has the potential to advance quickly through the minor leagues. However, finding his ideal defensive position will be crucial for him to establish himself as a top prospect.
Plan for 2024
Similar to Cam Smith, Mathis will likely start his 2024 season in Arizona. From there, he will progress to one of the A-ball teams, with Myrtle Beach being a likely starting point. Given his collegiate background, both Mathis and Smith could swiftly advance to South Bend. If he progresses as rapidly as Matt Shaw did after being drafted last season, Mathis could become an exciting prospect to watch alongside Smith from this year’s draft class.
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