Draft Breakdown: Cubs 12th rounder Cubs Mathew Peters |
Not only did the Cubs put a significant focus on adding pitching in this year's draft, but they also didn't care where they found it. Whether D1 or D2 schools, to high schools, and everywhere in between, the Cubs made sure that pitching was coming to town, with 16 of their 20 picks coming as pitchers.
Two picks into day three, and the Cubs selected two pitchers, with RHP Mathew Peters the newest addition in round 12. An Ivy-Tech Community College draft-eligible player, Peters is a sophomore at a Junior College and will qualify for a draft and follow. For those unfamiliar with that, it means that the Cubs can draft him now, but the team doesn't have to sign him until later. In other words, it works like the NBA International rights during their draft process, where you draft a kid and have rights but don't have to sign him right away. While all that is good, you sense that the Cubs want to sign him right away because of his fastball. Peters is the sheer definition continuing to invest in high-velocity arms as he was touching 101 with his fastball this past season. That alone could be the main reason why the Cubs took him when they did. Peters is the classic story of someone who doesn't give up and is willing to put in the work to become a better player. After being unregarded as a serious prospect in high school, Peters was forced to sign with a Junior College team in the hopes he would get a chance to prove his worth. While there, all he has done is continue grind and completely transformed his body to the point where teams had no choice but to notice. That is the kind of work that many players are unwilling to put in, and it must have caught the Cubs eye. Although he was considered an after thought in high school, I want to encourage some fans that he was more of a late bloomer as opposed to an after thought. Look no further than his senior season when he grew nine inches in one year. That took what was once a 5-7 140 pound frame and turned it into a 6-4 225 pound frame which is ideal size for a pitcher of any caliber. Add in his flame-throwing capabilities and the Cubs may have one of the biggest if not the biggest X-factor in this year's draft. While his fastball can touch 101, he tends to sit in the 93-95 range, but can carry that deep into games. He also brings with him a slider that he has a great feel for and both pitches are constantly around the strike zone which is something you love to see. The now Miami (Oh) committ should the Cubs not be able to sign him, has good size, great arm and the command you look for as he instantly became the most compelling pick by the Cubs outside of the first five rounds. Expected to be a starter in the early stages of his career, Peters is also versatile enough to move the bullpen or become a swing man. Another long-term project for this team, he does have a bit more experience than some of the Cubs other selections and seems more polished than some of their other lower round guys. It may take a lot to get him to sign, but should he indeed sign the Cubs are going to waste zero time getting him to Arizona. Ideally, I think Peters is better suited for a bullpen role so the organization can maximize on his heater. Regardless, this is a very intriguing pick as the story alone sets up nicely to follow in the coming years. Extended look at Peters below. Very much in control today, 40 command overall but around the zone, only 1 walk I recall. Held 93-94 up over 55-60 pitches, has feel for commanding/varying slider. Good size, good arm speed, interesting stuff. Committed to @MiamiOHBaseball. #PGJC https://t.co/ZIo4U9fm0r pic.twitter.com/cPCJYvEpcn
