On The Clock: Interview with 2025 MLB Draft Prospect Gavin Turley

In this episode of On the Clock, Jared Perkins and Tyler Jennings interview Gavin Turley, a standout outfielder from Oregon State and 2025 MLB Draft prospect. Gavin shares his journey from a small town in Utah to a top-level baseball program, detailing how moving to Arizona in high school helped him face stronger competition. Now at Oregon State, Gavin reflects on his freshman year and playing alongside talented teammates like Travis Bazzana, who went first overall in the MLB Draft. Gavin credits Bazzana’s work ethic and focus for shaping his own approach, particularly around the importance of self-evaluation and process-oriented improvement.

Gavin talks about his time in the Cape Cod League, where he worked on refining his hitting, particularly a more disciplined approach with two strikes. He explains how keeping a detailed notebook of his at-bats and performance has helped him make faster adjustments and improve his swing. Heading into the 2025 season, Gavin is eager to adapt his refined approach to metal bats and focus on using the opposite field more effectively. He also discusses the uncertainty of Oregon State’s schedule now that the Pac-12 has dissolved, but remains confident in facing strong competition and maintaining Oregon State's presence in the baseball landscape.

Off the field, Gavin is passionate about ranching and outdoor activities, which help him maintain a balanced lifestyle. He shares stories about his love for working on projects around his home in Corvallis and exploring Oregon’s natural beauty. He also plays piano to unwind. In rapid-fire questions, Gavin reveals his favorite spots in Corvallis, his dream to one day own a ranch in Montana or Idaho, and his admiration for MLB players like Vladimir Guerrero Jr., Manny Ramirez, and Aaron Judge. The episode concludes with Gavin’s optimism for the upcoming season and his aspirations for a successful career.

Apple: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/2025-mlb-draft-of-gavin-turley-oregon-state/id1733326436?i=1000669920563

Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/episode/4k3FNlbi1BqPPp6CTuB1EK?si=4ba9a3193f10412c

On The Clock: Interview with 2025 MLB Draft Prospect Tyler Bremner

In this episode of On the Clock, Jared Perkins and Tyler Jennings interview Tyler Bremner, a right-handed pitcher from UC Santa Barbara who has become possibly the top pitching prospect for the 2025 MLB Draft. Tyler shares his journey from San Diego, where he tried various sports before focusing on baseball at the start of high school. He describes his experience playing for the USA Collegiate National Team over the summer, which included being part of a combined no-hitter—an experience he considers a highlight of his career. Tyler also talks about meeting other top players from across the country, particularly those from SEC and other major schools, noting how special it was to compete alongside them.

The discussion delves into Tyler's pitching arsenal, emphasizing his standout changeup, which is considered one of the best among his peers. He explains how he grips and throws the pitch, highlighting the tweaks he's made to increase effectiveness against top hitters. Tyler also talks about his efforts to improve his slider, a pitch that has been a major focus in bullpen sessions. He acknowledges the mental aspect of his development, emphasizing the need for confidence and aggressiveness on the mound as he heads into the 2025 season.

Off the field, Tyler enjoys downtime in Santa Barbara, playing guitar, going to the beach, and spending time with teammates. He shares insights into his training regimen, which emphasizes strength building and tailored routines to prepare for starts. In rapid-fire questions, Tyler reveals his favorite local spots, potential walk-up songs, and pitchers he admires, such as Rhett Lowder and Walker Buehler. The episode ends on an optimistic note, with Tyler discussing his goals for the upcoming season and excitement about his baseball future.

Apple: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/2025-mlb-draft-prospect-rhp-tyler-bremner-joins-the-show/id1733326436?i=1000668071861

Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/episode/34ZkCIuJ10n5oAUFhi5D0q?si=UPmrTBKzQOmFdg8v_qopTQ

On The Clock: Interview with 2025 MLB Draft Prospect Brendan Summerhill

In this episode of On the Clock, hosts Tyler Jennings and Jared Perkins sit down with Brendan Summerhill, a standout baseball player from the University of Arizona and one of the top prospects for the 2025 MLB Draft, to discuss his journey through amateur and college baseball. Brendan shares how he fell in love with the game during his early years, initially playing competitively in travel ball. He details his recruitment process, which started in Kentucky before he ultimately ended up at Arizona. During his freshman year, he made significant adjustments, particularly in his batting stance, which helped him become one of the top hitters in his class. Brendan talks about the challenges of adapting to the college level of play and how he embraced a simpler approach at the plate that emphasizes consistency over power.

As the conversation progresses, Brendan reflects on some of his most memorable moments on the field, including a key at-bat against Oregon State that helped Arizona clinch the Pac-12 Championship. He describes the intense mindset required to excel in clutch situations and how his brother Colin, a fellow baseball player and current minor leaguer with the Los Angeles Angels, has been a pivotal influence on his development. Brendan explains that having his brother as a mentor and hitting coach has been invaluable, providing a support system that keeps him grounded and focused. They often exchange insights on their swings and mental approaches, which has fostered a unique and supportive relationship between them.

Looking ahead, Brendan expresses his aspirations for the 2025 season, aiming for team success in the College World Series and a possible Big 12 championship. He is excited about the culture and camaraderie within the Wildcats' locker room, which he believes is a critical element in the team’s success. Brendan’s off-field interests include spending time with his teammates, enjoying Tucson’s warm weather, and relaxing by the pool. To wrap up, he shares his love for hockey, his go-to food spots in Tucson, and his favorite baseball walk-up songs, leaving listeners with a sense of his competitive spirit and passion for the game.

Apple: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/2025-mlb-draft-of-brendan-summerhill-arizona/id1733326436?i=1000673286069

Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/episode/7nDtAPciPGBPozwddiVP5g?si=v9vUj76JQBSfCus_VE_P6g

2025 MLB Draft Top 75 Collegiate Prospects: Conference Breakdowns (Big 12/B1G)

Photo Credit: Sun Devil Athletics

Joint article by Jared Perkins and JD Cameron

Tyler Jennings has been crushing it with the 2025 MLB Draft boards and recently released his top 75 college prospects. Over the next few weeks, we will bring you some top prospects within each conference. For this edition, we will dive into some of the top prospects for the Big 12 and B1G Conferences. 

You can dive into our full Top 75 Collegiate Prospects for the 2025 MLB Draft list here: https://www.prospectslive.com/prospects-live/2024/9/21/2025-mlb-draft-top-75-collegiate-prospects

HITTERS - Big 12 (by Jared Perkins)

OF Brendan Summerhill - Arizona

Prospects Live Ranking: #6

Summerhill is a kid who has been rising up draft boards after an incredible year with Arizona last year and a strong performance in the Cape Cod league this summer. Our very own Brian Switzer covered much of his Cape performance in one of his latest article. Summerhill flashes solid tools across the board, starting with the bat. He tore it up with the Wildcats last season, slashing .324/.399/.550, and continued that performance in the Cape this summer, where he slashed .286/.358/.441 with eight extra-base hits in 95 plate appearances. His ability to put up numbers comes from his elite contact rates, 87% in 2024, and his ability to hit the ball hard as he had a max exit velocity of 109.6 MPH in the spring. Defensively, Summerhill has plus speed to help him track down balls in centerfield and he couples that with a solid ability to track and read balls and good route running, which should help him stick there. He’s going to be a fun one to watch as he goes into his junior year and he should play a massive role for a strong Arizona team. 

OF Brendan Summerhill (@ArizonaBaseball): Long & lanky athlete with fun raw tools. Summerhill captured attention in college baseball in the last calendar year, starting with his outstanding summer in 2023 at Rockford (Northwoods League) that translating into Arizona this spring… pic.twitter.com/E3CMTH4Muo

— Brian Switzer II (@BrianSwitzerII) June 24, 2024

1B/OF Nolan Schubart - Oklahoma State

Prospects Live Ranking: #23

Power is the name of the game for the Cowboys left-hander. Coming in at 6’5, 233 pounds, Schubart is an absolute presence in the box, and some projection remains. Schubart possesses some of the best exit velos in the country as his 90th percentile exit velo was 111 MPH, and his max exit velo was 114.7 MPH—just insane juice from the lefty. Most of that pop is to his poolside. On top of that, he was in the 99th percentile in barrel percentage. Contact is where Schubart struggles as he had a 63.3% contact rate last year. He’s struggled with velocity up in the zone, and Whiff’s is much more than desired. He offsets that with a good feel for the strike zone and generates a good amount of walks. Defensively, Schubart played some outfield and has the arm to stick there. Given his size, he lacks the needed route-running ability and might be destined to play first base. Schubart will quickly find himself rising up boards if he can improve the hit tool department. 

OF Brandon Compton - Arizona State

Prospects Live Ranking: #58

Arizona State is absolutely loaded with MLB draft talent going into the 2025 season and on the offensive side of the ball, that list is led by OF Brandon Compton. He was another Big12 bat that had a breakout on the Cape and our Brian Switzer also covered him in his latest article. Compton tore it up for Cotuit, slashing .331/.414/.489 with nine extra-base hits and 30 RBI in 38 games—some insane numbers. Compton’s biggest weakness was his ability to get on-base via the walk, but he improved on those numbers over the summer and it will be interesting to see if that continues going into 2025. An improvement in his ability to make contact will benefit Compton offensively as well as he sported a 71% contact rate last year. Defensively, Compton played mostly left field in the Cape and held his own due to efficient route running and a solid ability to track the baseball. He’s not super-rangey but makes up for it with a fairly strong arm. The power is real, and if he can make real improvements in the hit tool department, it will be hard to ignore Compton on draft day. 

2B Mason White - Arizona

Prospects Live Ranking: #63

White just hits the ball hard. It is some of the best pop in the entire country. With a max EV of nearly 114 MPH, White is just powerful. He has some legit bat speed and can drive the ball all over the field. The biggest issue with White is his ability to make contact as he sported a contact rate below 70% last year. He tends to chase too much out of the zone. He’s very aggressive and has a lot of movement to his swing, which he could benefit from toning it down just a bit. He really struggled with the strikeout in the Cape this summer as he struck out 39 times in 118 plate appearances. Defensively, White is likely to stick at 2B due to his limited range. He also lacks speed and isn’t a massive threat on the base paths. 

OF Damian Bravo - Texas Tech

Prospects Live Ranking: #68

As Tyler Jennings noted in his Top 75 list, Bravo was originally a two-way player when he arrived at Texas Tech but has shifted to hitter only. The most impressive part about Bravo’s offensive game is his ability to hit the ball all over the field. He covers the field with the best of the best. He pairs that with an excellent ability to get barrel-to-ball and solid exit velocity numbers. His 90th percentile EVs 105 MPH. Bravo does chase and whiff a bit more than you’d want to see, but there is plenty of time to improve in those areas. Defensively, Bravo played all three outfield positions last year and is likely destined for a corner OF spot. His above-average speed and decent route running should help him stick there. If he can polish up his abilities in the hit department, Bravo will become even more intriguing. 

OF Isaiah Jackson - Arizona State

Prospects Live Ranking: #69

Another Sun Devil bat, Jackson has been an intriguing prospect regardless of being so polarizing. Jackson was taken by the Houston Astros in the 18th round of the 2022 MLB Draft out of high school but opted to head to Arizona State. He’s full of athleticism and has a strong, well-built frame already. He has sold out a bit for power and has reached 110 MPH with his exit velos. While his ability to make contact and high chase rates are somewhat concerning, his bat and hand speed are a scout's dream. On the defensive side of the ball, Jackson has the athleticism and abilities to handle center field. It’s an average arm, but he possesses above-average speed that helps him track down the ball. He will need to improve the hit tool quite a bit, but if he makes any solid adjustments to his approach, the sky is the limit for Jackson. 

HITTERS - B1g (by JD Cameron)

OF Devin Taylor - Indiana

Prospects Live Ranking: #4

Taylor followed up an exceptional freshman campaign with an even better sophomore season in Bloomington, flourishing to become one of the standout college bats in the 2025 class. He followed up his 1.109 OPS, 20 home run season with an impressive performance (.907 OPS) on the Cape for Cotuit. An explosive, left-handed bat headlines Taylor’s profile. A thickly built lower half helps deliver plenty of bat speed and his swing is direct to the ball, allowing Taylor to access his plus power to all fields in games. His hit tool and pitch recognition skills have improved too, he posted a contact rate just south of 80% in 2024, although he can be tempted to chase at times (particularly fastballs).

While Taylor’s other tools are less exciting, it’s still average speed and an average arm. There’s a chance Taylor finds time in center field for the Hoosiers in 2025. If he manages the position effectively, it can be another asset in his already robust draft stock, although he’s likely a left fielder as a professional given the limitation of his supplementary tools and raw route running. The appeal is the bat here, and Taylor has a chance to have a mightily impressive resume by next summer that will likely position him for consideration as one of the first college bats off the board in July.

Got some open-side cuts to post now.

.@IndianaBase OF Devin Taylor looked very solid at the plate in the first game, notching two hard-hit singles. Solid bat speed with thump, didn't chase often, and worked deep at-bats. He's one of the top prospects in the 2025 class. pic.twitter.com/JTwCektVym

— Tyler Jennings (@TylerJennings24) June 27, 2024

2B Jasen Oliver - Indiana

Prospects Live Ranking: #53

Oliver had an outstanding 2024 campaign as a true freshman in a formidable Indiana lineup, hitting .285/.362/.529 (.891) while sneakily launching ten home runs (20 extra-base hits) in a well-rounded offensive profile. Oliver’s production is backed up by his advanced numbers. He posted a 90th percentile exit velocity of 105 mph, paired with a 94% in-zone contact rate, buoying a toolset that marries a rare blend of extra-base impact with excellent bat-to-ball skills.

Oliver sets up in a low, crouched position at the plate, with some bat waggle in his stance. A mid-sized leg kick makes the operation at the plate a little noisy, but Oliver has fast hands and twitchy rotation in his swing, allowing him to be consistently on time and adjust when needed. Defensively, Oliver looks strong at second base. It’s a quick first step, good lateral movement, and enough arm strength to allow him some positional versatility and certainly afford him the luxury of staying on the dirt. Oliver is a draft-eligible sophomore who can climb even higher than his current ranking with another strong campaign in Bloomington.

3B Bryce Molinaro - Penn State

Prospects Live Ranking: #75

Molinaro redshirted at St. Johns before transferring to Penn State ahead of a 2024 season in which he came out hot. He mashed his way to a .329/.409/.560 (.970) with 11 home runs (25 extra-base hits) in 53 games. It’s hard to ignore batted ball events that reach 112 mph as a portent of plus power as a professional. Molinaro has an upright stance in the batter's box with a swing that’s loft-oriented and can handle fastballs in the upper third of the strike zone. Molinaro can look a little stiff at the plate, struggling more against breaking pitches, albeit without chasing at a concerning level.

Defensively, Molinaro looks solid, if not spectacular, at third base. He has the arm and range to stick at the position as a pro. The offensive profile has swing-and-miss and an excess of strikeouts. If Molinaro can refine his approach and adjust more effectively against spin, he could be a top-100 pick in July.

PITCHERS - Big 12 (by Jared Perkins)

RHP Gabe Davis - Oklahoma State

Prospects Live Ranking: #24

Davis is the best arm on this list, and it is apparent that it is because of his stuff and size. Coming in at 6’9, 225lbs, Davis is a massive presence on the mound, giving you a lot to dream about. The pitch mix is highlighted by a mid-90s fastball that gets tons of extension. The pitch has been up to 99 mph and has some cutter action to it. He pairs that with a solid slider which is easily his best pitch. It’s in the upper-80s and has more cutter action when it gets near the 90s. He generates a ton of Whiff and Chase on the pitch. He also has a change-up and a more looping curveball in the low-80s. Command is his most significant issue, but if he makes some improvements there, Davis quickly becomes one of the top arms on the board. The burgeoning stuff will still have many likely thinking about him in the first round. 

LHP Ben Jacobs - Arizona State

Prospects Live Ranking: #36

Jacobs represents the highest-ranked Sun Devil on our Top 75 list, and it is for good reason. He saw limited time at UCLA, which led him to transfer to ASU, where he struck out 102 batters over 66.1 innings pitched—absurd numbers. The fastball is obviously Jacobs’ best pitch, and while the velocity sat in the low 90s, there is tons of carry to the pitch. He’s able to miss bats like crazy with that pitch. It’s a plus pitch, for sure. He’s got a solid slider to go along with his fastball. His curveball is better than his slider and has a ton of sweep. He also has a splitter in the low 80s and misses bats like crazy with that pitch. It’s just a solid four-pitch mix, and he commands all of them fairly well, although there is room for improvement. He’s a really fun arm and will likely be the Friday night guy for the Sun Devils this year. If he continues to improve his command on all his pitches, he could see himself being taken in the first round. 

Ben Jacobs set the tone with the high heat in today's scrimmage. The pitching staff striking out nineteen while only walking three in today's scrimmage. 🔥🔥🔥

MPH: 93.4
Spin Rate: 2481 RPM
IVB: 23.1 In.
HB: -8.25 In. pic.twitter.com/qj9i9qC9iE

— ASU Baseball Analytics (@Devs_Analytics) October 19, 2024

LHP Ben Abeldt - TCU

Prospects Live Ranking: #70

Ben Abeldt is another intriguing lefty in the 2025 MLB Draft class. It’s a very funky delivery that is Chris Sale-esque. It’s a sinker that ranges from 91-94 MPH but has topped out at 95 MPH, which comes from a low release angle. He gets a ton of chase with this pitch. He is a fastball-heavy arsenal, but he has an excellent slider that he pairs with it. It’s a bullet-style slider with a ton of bite and sweep on it. He also has a changeup he uses a lot less and mostly for righties, but rounds out his arsenal reasonably well. Abeldt struggles with his command and control, which has pushed him chiefly to a relief roll. If he can improve there, there could be a higher ceiling, but if not, there is still much to like as a reliever profile. 

On The Clock: Interview with 2025 MLB Draft Prospect Xavier Neyens

In this episode of On the Clock, hosts Jared Perkins and Tyler Jennings sit down with 2025 MLB Draft prep prospect Xavier Neyens from Mount Vernon, Washington, to discuss his journey and experiences in amateur baseball. Xavier shares insights into his baseball beginnings, playing with Cascade Crush, and later joining Trotsky, which marked his entry into the national circuit. He describes how participating in various tournaments, including Perfect Game National and events in Arizona and California, helped him grow as a player. His commitment to the sport is evident as he reflects on the excitement of being invited to the MLB All Star Game High School Home Run Derby and his time spent competing alongside top talent from across the country.

Xavier talks about his summer, packed with tournaments like WWBA in Georgia and the USA Baseball events. He recounts notable moments, such as hitting a home run at USA trials and learning from both his successes and struggles on the field. Emphasizing the importance of mental resilience, Xavier mentions how conversations with mentors like Austin Shenton helped him stay grounded during tough games. He highlights the camaraderie he shares with fellow players and how these experiences not only develop his skills but also allow him to create lasting memories with his teammates.

In addition to baseball, Xavier discusses his off-field interests and how they provide balance in his life. He shares that he enjoys basketball, building Lego sets, and spending time outdoors, which help him reset mentally. Looking ahead to 2025, he aims to continue improving his athleticism and refining his skills, with a particular focus on sticking at shortstop. The episode wraps up with rapid-fire questions, where Xavier reveals his favorite local food spot, his all-time favorite home run, and a playlist of potential walk-up songs for his final high school season. The hosts express excitement for his future and wish him success as he continues his baseball journey.

Apple: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/2025-mlb-draft-3b-of-xavier-neyens/id1733326436?i=1000672492319

Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/episode/3HgZel1eTql4v287U0ACzq?si=3bd2047f323d4628

2025 MLB Draft Top 75 Collegiate Prospects: Conference Breakdowns (Mid-Majors/Independents)

Tyler Jennings has been crushing it with the 2025 MLB Draft boards and recently released his top 75 college prospects. Over the next few weeks, we will bring you some top prospects within each conference. For this edition, we will dive into some of the top mid-major prospects across the NCAA.

You can dive into our full Top 75 Collegiate Prospects for the 2025 MLB Draft list here: https://www.prospectslive.com/prospects-live/2024/9/21/2025-mlb-draft-top-75-collegiate-prospects

HITTERS

SS Aiva Arquette - Oregon State

Prospects Live Ranking: #7

Arquette, a standout from Saint Louis High School and a rising star in college baseball, has captured the attention of scouts for his performance at the University of Washington and in the Cape Cod League. He’s been a massive get for Oregon State in this years transfer portal. He has been one of the biggest risers in the college ranks. Arquette is a huge physical presence at shortstop at 6’4, 220lbs adding another name to the “tall shortstops” category. Given his size and stature, he could move to third base in the future as he gains more physicality.  His offensive game saw major strides in his sophomore season, showcasing a balanced approach, impressive exit velocities, and the ability to hit to all fields. He’s got imense raw power, especially to the opposite field, but his patience at the plate needs some more development as he can get a tad aggressive. Regardless, there are a ton of tools to dream on and a solid season at Oregon State will likely have his name being called super early in the 2025 MLB Draft.

🚀Liftoff on Montlake🚀

INF Aiva Arquette takes Stanford RHP Matt Scott deep to LCF on a chilly night. Reaches for 93 up on the black.

Arquette ranks as the No. 107 prospect in the 2025 Draft at @FSS_PLUS. pic.twitter.com/QPGNm6n6N6

— Joe Doyle (@JoeDoyleMiLB) March 9, 2024

C Caden Bodine - Coastal Carolina

Prospects Live Ranking: #12

Bodine is one of the most impressive bats at the plate due to his ability to get barrels easily, and he does it at an excellent level from both sides. He ran up some absurd contact rates and had a good feel for the strikezone. He can get overly aggressive sometimes, but he does a good job keeping that mostly in check. Bodine has started to tap into more power but has maxed out at 11 home runs in his freshman year. He struggled in a small sample size in the Cape Cod League this summer, but he was limited to six games, given he also spent some time with the USA Collegiate National Teams. Defensively, Bodine has all the tools to stick behind the plate. He’s a force behind the plate as he does a good job keeping the ball in front of him and has a decent arm to throw guys out. There is a lot to like here for teams looking at him in the 2025 MLB Draft, and another strong season should keep him high on draft boards. 

3B Trent Caraway - Oregon State

Prospects Live Ranking: #18

As you can see, Oregon State is chock-full of offensive studs in their lineup in 2025, just like they were in 2024. Trent Caraway is an athletic and versatile infielder who stands out for his strong defensive instincts and reliable glove work, particularly at shortstop and third base. He has solid arm stroength and thinks he should be able to handle the hot corner long-term in the future. Offensively, power is the name of the game for Caraway. He hits the ball HARD! He’s already maxed out at 113.1 mph with his exit velos. He has shown developing power potential but can be quite aggressive at times and is working on making more consistent contact. He’s shown some swing-and-miss and hits the ground on the ball too much, but he has improved his approach some recently. He has a decent amount of speed on the base paths and is far from a clog out there. His maturity and baseball IQ set him apart as a player with high upside and a promising future.

OF Nick Dumesnil - Cal Baptist

Prospects Live Ranking: #20

Dumesnil really popped off as one of the best mid-major bat prospects in the entire nations after his sophomore season at Cal Baptist. The outfielder slashed an absurd .362/.440/.702 with a 1.142 OPS, including 19 2B, 19 HR, and 45 RBI. While he had some solid production he can be pretty aggressive at the plate. Dumesnil excels at punishing fastballs but can struggle with spin, leading to higher ground ball rates on breaking pitches. His speed and strong defensive instincts make him a versatile outfielder, with center field being his most likely position. After impressing in the WAC and continuing his success on the Cape, he’s now a legitimate Day 1 prospect with first-round potential. His power, speed, and defensive ability give him a robust toolset, though cutting down on his aggressiveness at the plate will be key as he faces tougher pitching.

OF Gavin Turley - Oregon State

Prospects Live Ranking: #22

ATHLETE! That sums up the skillset Turley brings to the table. There is a lot to like with his toolset across the board. He’s got a ton of bat speed that generates a massive amount of raw power. Turley’s weakness has always been his ability to make contact, but he showed a new approach in the Cape Cod League over the summer that led to much success. He cut down on his whiff and did a good job of laying off struff out of the zone. It was pretty impressive to see how quickly the new approach worked, and I’ll be curious to know if he can carry that success into the 2025 season. Defensively, Turley’s athleticism plays well in the outfield. Thanks to his speed, he gets good jumps and reads and can track almost anything down. He has a plus arm, and his throws have a ton of carry and accuracy. The key for Turley is going to be to continue refining his approach and cutting back on the swing-and-miss. If he can do that, there is a good chance he could see his name called early on day one. 

3B Triston “Murf” Gray - Fresno State

Prospects Live Ranking: #34

Triston 'Murf' Gray gets your attention right away.

The 6-foot-4 3B has plus bat speed, above-average power and advanced in-zone contact skills.

The @FresnoStateBSB star was one of the top prospects on the Cape this summer. https://t.co/Prvk3posXR pic.twitter.com/drsOeyq4Ce

— Baseball America (@BaseballAmerica) August 19, 2024

Coming in at 6’4, 220lbs, Murf Gray is a DUDE physically as he is built like a horse. The 2023 Mountain West Player of the Year earned this accolade because of his performance at the plate where he slashed .296/.358/.504 with 12 2B, 10 HR, and 52 RBI. He continued to produce at the plate this summer in the Cape Cod League against some of the better competition in the US. The power and contact skills combine make him an absolute threat at the plate. He couples excellent contact rates with solid exit velos thanks to his above-average bat speed, strength, and feel for the strike zone. Gray will eat up any fastball that comes his way, but can struggle with spin from time-to-time. He handles the hot corner pretty well and has a strong arm that helps him stick there. As of now, he will likely stick at third base, but there could be a possibility that he moves to the outfield in the future. Gray has day-one draft potential with his offensive upside if he refines his hit tool and maintains his value in other areas of the game.

C Brooks Bryan - Troy

Prospects Live Ranking: #47

Bryan is an absolute force at the plate. Bryan broke the RBI record at Troy with 85, which ranked fifth in the entire NCAA. He is one of the most powerful bats in the 2025 class as he combines explosive bat speed with plus raw power, especially from the left side. He posted significantly good exit velos his entire sophomore season as well. Bryan has some swing-and-miss to his game, but he does offset with a solid, disciplined approach at the plate. Behind the plate, he's a strong athlete with solid blocking skills and average arm strength, though he still needs to refine his framing and throwing out baserunners. Despite these areas for improvement, Bryan’s mix of power and athleticism make him a solid long-term catcher prospect.

OF Dallas Macias - Oregon State

Prospects Live Ranking: #55

Macias has transformed his profile since arriving at Oregon State, adding significant strength and bat speed to go along with his already impressive hit tool. Initially seen as more of a table-setter, he now boasts solid average raw power, especially from the left side, though his swing is more adjustable from the right. While Macias excels at making contact, his quality of contact against off-speed pitches, particularly from the left side, remains inconsistent, though he handles fastballs with ease. As a switch-hitter, he showcases versatility at the plate with an 86% contact rate and a chase rate below 25% during his time on the Cape. Defensively, Macias has experience across all outfield spots and has even played second and third base in spurts, but his average speed and arm strength suggest a future in left field. With his improved power and consistent contact ability, Macias is shaping up as a potential day-one pick in the 2025 draft.

1B/3B Michael Dattalo - Dallas Baptist

Prospects Live Ranking: #67

After a standout freshman season at Northwestern State, Dattalo transferred to Dallas Baptist and continued to showcase his offensive prowess, slashing .345/.395/.517 with eight home runs. His power and bat speed are undeniable, with aggressive swings producing high exit velocities, sometimes reaching 110 MPH. Though Dattalo occasionally expands the zone on breaking balls, his mature approach and ability to consistently make contact—evident in his 84% contact rate on the Cape—set him apart as one of the more promising hitters in his class. While primarily a third baseman, his defense can be inconsistent at times, and he’s also seen time at first base, where his athleticism and footwork face less of a challenge. Despite the defensive polish needed at the hot corner, Dattalo’s bat-first profile, with a mix of raw power and excellent barrel control, has firmly placed him on the radar as a prospect with considerable upside.

PITCHERS

RHP Tyler Bremner - UC Santa Barbara

Prospects Live Ranking: #3

After a solid sophomore year and an impressive showing at USA Collegiate National Taem, Bremner has skyrocketed to the top of list for pitching prospects in the 2025 MLB Draft. It’s been a contest between him and Jamie Arnold, but Bremner has set himself apart thus far. The stuff is electric. He’s got a mid-90s fastball that has topped 98 mph, which our Tyler Jennings caught at USA Collegiate this summer. The pitch has a ton of carry up in the zone and gets on batters quick. The changeup is his best pitch. It is a double-plus pitch with high spin rates and plays exceptionally well off his fastball. He’s also got a slider that has made many improvements since his freshman year and now has become a filthy third offering. Bremner has the makings of a solid three-pitch mix that are all above-average to plus offerings. It’s clear to most everyone why he might be the first arm off the board in the 2025 MLB Draft, especially if he has a solid junior season. 

RHP Justin Ellwanger - Dallas Baptist

Prospects Live Ranking: #29

Dallas Baptist always seems to be loaded with talent on the mound. Ellwanger was draft-eligible in 2023 and was selected by the Washington Nationals in the 19th round. He didn’t sign and made his way back to Dallas Baptist. Ellwanger followed his draft selection by absolutely dominating hitters in the box in the Cape Cod League where he struck out 22 batters in 13 innings to the tune of a 2.77 ERA. He’s got some electric stuff on the mound, led by his fastball, which touched 99 mph and sits in the mid-90s. He’s constantly missing bats with it. He pairs it with a mid-80s slider and low-80s curveball. He does better at throwing his slider for a strike than his fastball. He lacks chase with his curveball, but the pitch has some good depth to it. 

LHP Grant Richardson - Grand Canyon

Prospects Live Ranking: #73

As a fellow Arizonan, I always love seeing Grand Canyon guys on this last. GCU has been a sneaky good baseball program for years now. Richardson provides them with another intriguing prospect for the MLB Draft to continue the guys they’ve been able to produce in the past. Richardson underwent elbow surgery in July after transitioning into the rotation for the Lopes. The lefty is a physical presence on the mound coming in at 6’3, 220lbs. He’s got a solid fastball that sits in the mid-90s (92-95), but has been up to 97 mph. He isn’t afraid to work the pitch up in the zone on batters. He’s got a sharp slider with plenty of bite that he pairs with his fastball as it averages 85-87 mph and has been up to 89 mph. He’s flashed a changeup from time-to-time but the pitch is very inconsistent and still a work in progress. Command has always been a struggle for Richardson, but there is enough there for him to become a potential reliever. If he can polish his secondaries and hone some of his command issues, there could be a potential starter. 

Another masterclass on the mound from @grant_rich22 with 8 K's in a one-run effort. 🔥 pic.twitter.com/MecalyBbWZ

— Grand Canyon Baseball (@GCU_Baseball) May 4, 2024

Who's Hot and Who's Not? Digging Into Initial Data for 2024 First Round Hitters, Part 3

With the MiLB season in the books, we’re concluding our look at initial data from 2024 first rounds bats. While prospects are at the end of what is likely their most grueling season of baseball to date, their first handful of games give us an idea of what kind of hitters these prospects may be as professionals.

All of these reports and write ups continue to draw on relatively small sample sizes, many of them for prospects playing by far their most grueling year of baseball to date, so temper any significant conclusions drawn.

Kaelen Culpepper, 21st Overall, Twins, A+

Slash Line: .242/.330/.394 (.724)

13.4 K%, 9.8 BB%

82.1% Contact%

0% InZoneWhiff% (A only)

33% Chase% (A only)

102.6 mph 90thExitVel (A only)

34.3% Hit95+% (A only)

.312 xWOBA

While Culpepper’s end-of-season slash line is middling, he got off to a scorching start to his professional career. After making swing changes that led to a big college postseason (punctuated by hitting for the cycle and nuking a three-run home run off Hagen Smith), Culpepper made short work of Low A Fort Myers. Culpepper hit the ball hard with consistency and moved up quickly to Cedar Rapids after not swinging and missing in the zone once in the FSL. He wore down significantly at the end of the season, despite his defense at shortstop receiving glowing reviews from Twins personnel. Despite a high chase rate, encouragement can be found in Culpepper’s bat-to-ball skills during a strong pro debut. He’ll start at A+ 2025.

Kaelen Culpepper, our first pick in this years 2024 draft, reached base three times yesterday in his pro debut…including a ground-rule double in his first professional plate appearance🌟

2-for-4
2B
BB
R

The @KStateBSB alum had three balls in play hit 94+ mph 🚀#MNTwins pic.twitter.com/imqSBEIDWm

— Twins Player Development (@TwinsPlayerDev) August 10, 2024

Vance Honeycutt, 23rd Overall, Orioles, A+

Slash Line: .176/.250/.196 (.446)

42.9 K%, 7.1 BB%

57.3% Contact%

.211 xWOBA

Honeycutt was the catalyst behind some incredible adrenaline producing moments in the 2024 college baseball postseason. Entering the draft, his hit tool was the biggest question weighing down his offensive profile. He’s done little to diminish them in a brief debut at A and A+, striking out 42.9% of the time and sporting a contact rate that starts with a five. Honeycutt’s incredible defense and athleticism will buoy his value, but he’ll need to make strides offensively in 2025.

Dante Nori, 27th Overall, Phillies, A

Slash Line: .240/.424/.280 (.704)

21.2 K%, 22 BB%

73.6% Contact%

22.5% Chase%

94.5 mph 90thExitVel

5.6% Hit95+%

.324 xWOBA

Nori, the son of the Minnesota Timberwolves Assistant Coach Micah Nori, was one of the few prep bats to get meaningful playing time after the 2024 draft, starting his pro career in A ball. Nori’s robust approach jumps out from his debut, racking up an impressive .424 OBP in no small part due to a fantastic 22% walk rate. There are also solid bat-to-ball skills, and Nori doesn’t chase too much, either. If you want to raise an orange flag, it’s how little he impacted the ball. Just 5.6% of Nori’s batted ball events were hit 95 mph or greater (the average for the level is 34.3%). Still, there’s a solid platform to build for 2025 and beyond.

Walker Janek, 28th Overall, Astros, A+

Slash Line: .175/.214/.289 (.502)

29.1 K%, 3.1 BB%

66.7% Contact%

.218 xWOBA

Janek steadily rose throughout the pre-draft process and was dubbed the best defensive catcher in the class, with solid hit and power tools to boot. The Astros threw him straight into A+, and it’s been a slow start in a 25 game debut. What has been notable is how much Janek has struggled against right-handed pitching. He’s sported just a .440 OPS against righties versus a healthy .896 versus lefties, something to keep an eye on in 2025.

Walker Janek CRUSHES his first pro homer -- a projected 461 feet, nearly clearing the scoreboard.

The @astros selected the slugging catcher out of @BearkatsBSB with the 28th overall pick in this year's Draft. pic.twitter.com/QCgI9f7yHf

— MLB Pipeline (@MLBPipeline) August 18, 2024

Malcolm Moore, 30th Overall, Rangers, A

Slash Line: .209/.298/.374 (.672)

27.9 K%, 7.7 BB%

70.3% Contact%

.296 xWOBA

There’s not much to note about Moore’s pro debut. It’s all just sort of fine. Nothing spectacular, nothing too alarming either. Much was made of Moore’s poor batted-ball luck in his final season at Stanford before turning pro. We’ll need a more significant sample of playing time to mine some of the trends for Moore as a prospect.

On The Clock: Interview with 2025 MLB Draft Prospect Devin Taylor

Photo Credit: Indiana Athletics

In this episode of the On the Clock podcast, Devin Taylor, an outfielder from Indiana and one of the top 2025 MLB Draft picks, shares his journey in baseball and the steps he's taken to become a standout player. From a young age, Devin and his brother practiced hitting daily with their father, instilling a work ethic that shaped his career. Devin also played basketball in high school but eventually focused on baseball. Off the field, he enjoys spending time with his teammates, playing video games, and exploring the beautiful Indiana campus, emphasizing the importance of balance between work and relaxation.

Devin discusses his experience playing for Team USA and his performance in summer leagues like the Cape Cod League. He highlights how playing with top-tier athletes helped him improve his game, especially as he focused on refining his outfield skills and maintaining consistency at the plate. Devin also mentions how his mentors, particularly his father and hitting coach Lance Durham, have been crucial in his development. Even during rough patches, such as struggling at the Cape Cod playoffs, he credits Durham for helping him regain his confidence and swing.

Looking ahead, Devin is excited for the upcoming college baseball season with Indiana University. With back-to-back regional appearances, the team is focused on advancing further, with hopes of reaching the Super Regionals or even Omaha. Devin also shares some personal insights through rapid-fire questions, from his favorite home run memory to his dream of facing MLB pitcher Zack Wheeler. The episode wraps up with Devin expressing his gratitude for his mentors and teammates, emphasizing the importance of teamwork and continual growth.

Apple: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/2025-mlb-draft-of-devin-taylor-indiana/id1733326436?i=1000671537786

Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/episode/7alpOxYzAyu12RhXPKsISq?si=861605ea18634b53

On The Clock: Top 75 College Board and 2025 MLB Draft Prospect Miguel Sime, Jr. Joins the Show

In this episode of On the Clock, the hosts, Jared Perkins and Tyler Jennings, dive into college and MLB draft news, starting with Georgia Bulldogs' recent transfer acquisition, Devin Obee. Obee, a standout outfielder from Duke, turned down a significant offer during the MLB Draft to complete his education and transferred to Georgia. His defensive skills, power, and ability to fill a key center field position make him a crucial addition to Georgia's lineup. The hosts also discuss how Obee’s arrival, along with returning talent, positions the Bulldogs for a strong run in the upcoming season. They then discuss Shane Sdao of Texas A&M, who will miss the season due to Tommy John surgery, and how the Aggies' strong bullpen will need to compensate for the loss.

Lastly, they dive into a discussion of Florida State's top draft prospect, Cam Leiter, whose status remains unclear due to injury. They wrap up with a sneak peek of their top 75 college prospects for the 2025 MLB draft, showcasing standout players from across the country and offering insight into how fall ball will shape the spring season.

Finally, the Jared and Tyler are joined by Miguel Sime Jr., a highly touted right-handed pitcher from Queens Village, New York. Miguel shares his journey, starting from tee-ball at age three to becoming a top MLB draft prospect. He highlights a turning point in his career at 14 when he hit 92 mph at a tournament, which opened doors for him in college and professional baseball. Now throwing up to 100 mph, Miguel talks about his training regimen and goals, including refining his pitch arsenal and improving his command to go deeper into games. Committed to LSU, Miguel expresses his excitement about the coaching staff and the welcoming environment at the school, as well as the influence of his father and trainer in shaping his work ethic. The interview provides a personal glimpse into the life of an elite pitching prospect as he prepares for the next stage of his career.

Apple: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/break-down-of-the-top-75-college-prospects-and/id1733326436?i=1000671274399

Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/episode/1F1bXI4uPM0pfUD4AvMW8r?si=b88db01297804675