Cole Mathis Becomes Highest Cougar Ever Taken in MLB Draft

FORT WORTH, Texas – College of Charleston first baseball and pitcher Cole Mathis was selected by the Chicago Cubs in the second round of the MLB Draft on Sunday night.

Mathis was the 54th overall pick to become the highest Cougar ever taken in the draft. Taylor Clarke was a third-round selection (No. 76 overall) in 2015, and Brett Gardner also went in round three (No. 109) in 2005.

Mathis gives the Cougars a selection in the past two drafts, joining relief pitcher William Privette last year. A total of seven Charleston players have been chosen since Chad Holbrook took over the program in 2018.

Mathis was named first team All-CAA following his junior season this spring after batting .335 with 17 doubles, 14 home runs, 63 runs scored and 57 RBI. His outstanding 2024 campaign also included NCBWA National Hitter of the Week honors when he went 11-for-14 with three home runs and 10 RBI in a series at Campbell.

As a junior in 2023, he was chosen to the NCBWA All-America second team as a two-way player after batting .330 and ranking in the top 10 in the CAA in doubles (20), RBI (51) and ERA (3.45).