Chicago Cubs: Five college players Cubs need on their draft radar

Feb 22, 2016; Mesa, AZ, USA; Chicago Cubs manager Joe Maddon (70) talks to president of baseball operations Theo Epstein during spring training camp at Sloan Park. Mandatory Credit: Rick Scuteri-USA TODAY Sports
Feb 22, 2016; Mesa, AZ, USA; Chicago Cubs manager Joe Maddon (70) talks to president of baseball operations Theo Epstein during spring training camp at Sloan Park. Mandatory Credit: Rick Scuteri-USA TODAY Sports
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Jun 30, 2016; Omaha, NE, USA; Arizona Wildcats designated hitter JJ Matijevic (24) singles during the second inning against the Coastal Carolina Chanticleers in game three of the College World Series championship series at TD Ameritrade Park. Mandatory Credit: Steven Branscombe-USA TODAY Sports
Jun 30, 2016; Omaha, NE, USA; Arizona Wildcats designated hitter JJ Matijevic (24) singles during the second inning against the Coastal Carolina Chanticleers in game three of the College World Series championship series at TD Ameritrade Park. Mandatory Credit: Steven Branscombe-USA TODAY Sports

J.J. Matijevic, OF/1B, Arizona

Matijevic may be the most consistent hitter the Cubs could have on their draft board. Last season, he played in 70 games but collected 75 hits, a .287 batting average and a .333 BAbip.

His power numbers and OPS from his first two seasons suggest that J.J. is a top-of-the-order batter, though his strikeout totals are a little disconcerting. However, J.J has already matched his totals in home runs (3) and RBI (27) from 2016 in just 27 games in 2017. His .211 ISO is something that Chicago will surely keep their eye on as the season progresses.

J.J. was drafted out of high school in 2014 by the Boston Red Sox, but decided to have a decorated Wildcat career instead. In the class of 2014, Matijevic was the second overall prospect, and the top-rated first base prospect in the country.

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