2025 MLB Mock Draft 1.0: A Test in Futility

The MLB Draft Lottery has come and gone, clarifying how teams will prepare for the draft in July. This means we can finally start throwing our darts at the board and hoping we hit the bullseye. It’s a practice in futility this far out, but it’s a fun activity that will give readers an idea of what we think is happening at this stage.

While the idea of going through to pick 43 is enticing, we’ve opted to stick with the first 27 picks. The reason for this is simple: the Mets, Yankees, and Dodgers will drop ten spots due to luxury tax penalties. Picks 28-32 will consist of compensation picks for qualifying offers and PPI, though those picks aren’t set in stone yet except for the PPI pick to the Royals and the compensation pick to the Brewers for Willy Adames. There will be intriguing draft strategies, as the Rays, Brewers, and Orioles will have three picks in the top 50, though it’s too far out to piece names together for this. We hope you enjoy this mock, which is free to the public!

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1. Washington nationals - OF Jace Laviolette, Texas A&M

2. Los Angeles Angels - LHP Jamie Arnold, Florida State

3. Seattle Mariners - SS Eli Willits, Fort Cobb-Broxton (OK)

4. Colorado Rockies - 3B Ethan Holliday, Stillwater (OK)

5. St. Louis Cardinals - RHP Tyler Bremner, UC Santa Barbara

6. Pittsburgh Pirates - OF Cam Cannarella, Clemson

7. Miami Marlins - SS Billy Carlson, Corona (CA)

8. Toronto Blue Jays - 3B/OF Xavier Neyens, Mount Vernon (WA)

9. Cincinnati Reds - C Ike Irish, Auburn

10. Chicago White Sox - RHP Seth Hernandez, Corona (CA)

11. Sacramento Athletics - SS Kayson Cunningham, Johnson (TX)

12. Texas Rangers - OF Devin Taylor, Indiana

13. San Francisco Giants - OF Ethan Conrad, Wake Forest

14. Tampa Bay Rays - OF Brendan Summerhill, Arizona

15. Boston Red Sox - C Luke Stevenson, North Carolina

16. Minnesota Twins - SS Aiva Arquette, Oregon State

17. Chicago Cubs - LHP/1B Kruz Schoolcraft, Sunset (OR)

18. Arizona Diamondbacks - 3B/OF Tre Phelps, Georgia

19. Baltimore Orioles - SS Brady Ebel, Corona (CA)

20. Milwaukee Brewers - LHP Cameron Appenzeller, Glenwood (IL)

21. Houston Astros - C Caden Bodine, Coastal Carolina

22. Atlanta Braves - RHP Kyson Witherspoon, Oklahoma

23. Kansas City Royals - 3B/OF Andrew Fischer, Tennessee

24. Detroit Tigers - SS Dean Curley, Tennessee

25. San Diego Padres - OF Slater De Brun, Summit (OR)

26. Philadelphia Phillies - OF Dean Moss, IMG Academy (FL)

27. Cleveland Guardians - SS Marek Houston, Wake Forest

On The Clock: 2025 MLB Draft - 3B Murf Gray, Freno State

In this episode of On the Clock, Tyler Jennings and Jared Perkins sit down with Fresno State’s and 2025 MLB Draft prospect Murf Gray, a standout athlete making waves in amateur baseball. Murf opens up about his journey, which began in his hometown, following the footsteps of his older brothers. Driven by a strong work ethic and a commitment to constant improvement, he reflects on the early influences that shaped him, including his decision to stay close to home and play for Fresno State. Highlighting the program’s rich history and his love for the community, Murf shares how his time at Fresno State has helped him grow as both a player and a leader.

The conversation dives into Murf’s breakout performance in the Cape Cod League, where he excelled at the plate and learned invaluable lessons in patience and focus. He reveals how the motto "head down, breath out" became a guiding principle, allowing him to stay calm and trust his abilities in high-pressure situations. Beyond the stats, Murf emphasizes the importance of resilience, describing how he handles ups and downs during the season. He also provides a glimpse into his aspirations for 2025, both personally and for Fresno State, as he aims to lead the team back to the playoffs and continue the Bulldog tradition of hard-nosed, team-first baseball.

Beyond the diamond, Murf showcases his well-rounded personality. He talks about his mentors, including a hitting coach who pushed him to new heights, and his passion for staying grounded through hobbies like video games, swimming, and friendly blackjack games with family. Fans also get to learn about his inspirations in baseball, as he names Matt Chapman, A-Rod, Pablo Sandoval, and Chipper Jones as his Mount Rushmore of third basemen. From his favorite home run moments to potential walk-up songs for next season, Murf’s story is a perfect mix of humility, talent, and ambition, making him a player to watch in the upcoming draft season.

Apple: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/2025-mlb-draft-3b-murf-gray-fresno-state/id1733326436?i=1000678147893

Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/episode/2xUoamh1iqf9hdEKoDwkbE?si=qxTusoQPQOGbwZi1q53SPQ

On The Clock: 2025 MLB Draft - OF Nick Dumesnil, Cal Baptist

In a recent episode of the Prospects Live podcast, hosted by Jared Perkins and Tyler Jennings, Cal Baptist standout Nick Dumesnil opened up about his journey through the ranks of amateur baseball. From his beginnings at Huntington Beach High School, where he competed on a national stage, to his collegiate rise at Cal Baptist, Nick shared how his passion for the game shaped his path. He highlighted the pivotal decision to attend Cal Baptist, driven by a strong connection with the coaching staff and the school’s unique blend of intensity and faith integration. This foundation laid the groundwork for his growth on and off the field, enabling him to thrive in a highly competitive environment.

A key chapter in Nick’s development came through his experience in the Cape Cod League, a proving ground for top college talent. Facing elite pitchers daily, Nick honed his skills and refined his mechanics, adjusting his hand load to improve timing and precision at the plate. Beyond technical adjustments, he emphasized the value of learning from his teammates and focusing on quality over quantity in his training. These experiences propelled him from limited freshman playing time to a breakout sophomore season, marked by consistent at-bats and a renewed sense of confidence. Nick's journey is a testament to perseverance, adaptability, and seizing new opportunities on the diamond.

Off the field, Nick spoke about his love for fitness, competition, and spending time at the beach. He credits mentors at Cal Baptist and teammates for fostering a fearless mindset, helping him play with passion and authenticity. The episode wrapped up with light-hearted rapid-fire questions, showcasing Nick’s personality, favorite baseball memories, and aspirations. As he continues his journey in baseball, fans can look forward to seeing his competitive drive and love for the game push him to new heights, both for Cal Baptist and beyond.

Apple: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/2025-mlb-draft-of-nick-dumesnil-cal-baptist/id1733326436?i=1000677309406
Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/episode/0ylLPXKHreXUHQUHRVaSFM?si=7f7f8d1d1975434c

Jared's Fall Jottings: Maryland, UNC-Wilmington, and Virginia (Part 2)

The fall tour is over, and I am sad! Well, I'm not sad, but I'm more ready for the college season to be back in full swing. There were plenty of fun games to go to this fall to see some incredible players and draft talent over the next few years. I covered the Rutgers vs. Georgetown scrimmage in the first part of my fall jottings. In Part 2, we dive into the two Virginia scrimmages I was able to attend.

The first scrimmage Virginia had was on October 20th vs. Maryland. We all know how talented Virginia is. They have one of the best lineups in the country and are absolutely loaded with bats that will hear their name called the 2025 MLB Draft. Maryland is always an underrated squad. Like Virginia, their lineup is constantly loaded with bats. While the pitching isn’t as strong, they were highlighted by a healthy Kyle McCoy on the bump. They also have some intriguing freshmen like Jake Yeager, who stepped onto campus and should position their pitching staff in a better place in the future. 

The second scrimmage was on October 27th vs. UNC-Wilmington. The prized prospect for the Seahawks is first baseman Tanner Thatch, who has started to draw tons of attention after a solid 2024 season and performance in the Cape Cod League this summer. The Seahawks also had plenty of intriguing arms who came in and threw in this game as well. All these teams will be fun to watch in 2025. 

2025 MLB DRAFT

LHP Kyle McCoy - Maryland

Last time I saw McCoy pitch was in 2023 during his freshman year. The 6’6 left-hander was an imposing presence on the mound and featuring some very intriguing stuff. Unfortunately, McCoy tore his ulnar collateral ligament in his left elbow and underwent Tommy John surgery that June. It was great to see him out there healthy in the fall scrimmage against Virginia where he threw two scoreless innings. He was consistently 90-93 MPH with his fastball and had some really good feel for his slider and changeup. Maryland has always been known for their development of bats, but McCoy could be one of the better arms they’ve had since Sean Burke. A healthy season for McCoy could have him rising up draft boards. This was a great start for what will hopefully be a good season for him. 

1B Tanner Thach - UNC-Wilmington 

Tanner Thach made a name for himself after a solid 2025 season and showed off some similar skills in the Cape Cod League this summer. Power has definitely been the name of the game for Thach thus far, although he didn’t show off much of it in the scrimmage against Virginia. He struggled to make hard contact and hit many weak ground balls. Thach’s timing was a bit off, leading to him struggling to find a barrel to play ball. Hitting the ball hard hasn’t been an issue for Thach in the past, so this could have easily been a one-off game. He sported extremely high barrel percentages and EVs last year, so this one game is likely not too concerning. The struggles for Thach usually come with his plate discipline, as he is very aggressive, which often leads to him chasing out of the zone and swinging at bad pitches. He swung through a lot of offspeed pitches during this one as he struggled to pick up spin. Thach is really going to have to hit to have an impact at the next level since he is likely landlocked at first base. Although he did show some good athleticism overall, some think he could make his way to a corner outfield spot. 

RHP Trace Baker - UNC-Wilmington

Baker showed up and was one of the most impressive arms to throw in Virginia’s scrimmage vs. UNC-Wilmington. Fastball was an easy 93-94 MPH and even topped out at 96 MPH. It has heavy, sinking-two-seam action, which helped him induce a lot of groundballs. He paired that with a low-80s slider that had some quality bite with late sweep that flashed a lot of potential. He also threw one change-up. There was a ton to like with Baker’s stuff. Ultimately, he is missing a pitch to put people away with. The slider has that potential, but he could benefit from sharpening it a bit. Either way, there was a ton to like, and I, like many others, I am sure, want to see more—a guy to watch to see if he can build on this outing. 

RHP Aubrey Smith - UNC-Wilmington

Like his teammate Trace Baker, Smith was another intriguing arm who caught my attention for UNC-Wilmington. Smith didn’t pitch last year during his Sophomore year, but I'm unsure why. He did throw 20.2 innings his freshman year, but the numbers weren’t great. Things seemed much better in this one. He went one inning and the stuff was quite impressive. His fastball was consistently 94 MPH and he paired that with a slider that was mid-to-high-80s with some decent life to it. It was definitely his go-to pitch to generate swing and miss. He also rounded out his pitch mix with a good mid-80s changeup that had some depth and even flashed a curveball once. Despite his freshman numbers, things looked to have improved for the junior, and if the stuff holds, he could be very intriguing for the 2025 MLB Draft. 

1B/OF Henry Ford - Virginia

Ford, nicknamed “Model-T”, made a name for himself as one of the best college bats in the 2025 MLB Draft after an extremely impressive 2024. He found himself in the heart of the lineup of a stacked Virginia lineup as a true freshman where he slashed .336/.409/.597 with 17 HRs and 69 RBI. Ford is a physical presence in the box and has tons of strength which he showed off in both scrimmages against Maryland and UNC-Wilmington. The ball was loud off his bats and even his outs were hit extremely hard just at defenders. His pop is backed up by the data as he had some of the best EVs in the country last year. The only knock on Ford last year was he was a tad aggressive in his approach and would expand the zone from time to time. He showed a bit of a better approach in the scrimmages and laid off a good amount of spin out of the zone. Defensively, Ford is expected to play right field for the Cavaliers which could help him shed the “first base only” narrative. He’s athletic enough to play out there. Ford only DH’d in the two scrimmages and only saw some time on the field during warmups where he took grounders at first base. 

2B Henry Godbout - Virginia

Godbout just flat-out hits. There might not be a more polished bat in the country, especially on fastballs. As Tyler mentioned in our top 75 prospects list, Godbout established himself as one of the best fastball hitters in the entire country, only whiffing 5% on heaters in 2024. He showed off these skills more in the second game than the first. Against Maryland, his timing just seemed off and he had trouble picking up spin, but it seemed more related to just having a bad game than any major issue in his skillset. He was a complete 180 in game two, as he made tons of hard contact and even hit a pullside homerun. Godbout’s bat is the real deal, but defensively, he is likely stuck at second base. He has decent range and acceptable arm strength that plays well at the position. He doesn’t have a ton a speed, but he also won’t be a clog on the base paths. Despite that, his bat will carry him on draft day, and given his elite contact rates there is a good shot he gets taken pretty high with a strong 2025. 

OF Harrison Didawick - Virginia

Harrison Didawick is a powerful left-handed outfielder known for his impressive ability to leverage his lower half and generate torque in his swing. With strong bat speed from the left side and the capability to drive the ball to all fields, Didawick showcases big pull-side power and a well-rounded offensive profile. While he can be prone to strikeouts due to susceptibility to spin, he has kept his chase rate in check and remains a consistent force in a potent lineup. Defensively, he has solid range and strong instincts, likely projecting as a left fielder due to his good first step, efficient routes, and highlight-reel catches. Didawick decided to return to Virginia after not being draft and will likely be a guy teams are in on in the 2025 MLB Draft. 

RHP Alex Markus - Virginia

Markus flashed some very intriguing stuff against Maryland. While he his a bit older being a grad transfer from William & Mary there was at least some aspects that caught my eye. His fastball was 90-94 MPH and topped out at 95 MPH. He paired that with a low-80s slider with some decent bite and a change up in the mid-80s. The biggest knock on Markus is that the command and control of all his pitches waivers quite a bit and there is a lot of effort on the mound. He could use some polishing of his delivery to get some more consistency which would help significantly with some of the command issues. Regardless, the stuff and the data behind it make him at the very least an intriguing arm for later in the draft in 2025. 

OF Aidan Teel - Virginia

If this last name sounds familiar, that’s because Aidan is the younger brother of former Cavalier and Boston Red Sox top prospect Kyle Teel. Aidan is going into his sophomore year after not playing a ton for Virginia last year since they were so stacked. He mostly pitched for them and flashed a low-90s fastball with some intriguing offspeed stuff. It seems like this year, Teel will be manning centerfield for them, which is very interesting. People started to take notice of the bat after he had a strong summer in the Northwoods League, where he slashed .387/.455/.671 with 11 2B, 11 HR, 42 RBI, and 18 SBs. Although the league is pretty hitter-friendly, that is still impressive. In the two scrimmages I saw Teel, he showcased a fairly aggressive approach where he was first pitch swinging a lot. Although, he did temper that a lot in game two. What was most impressive was that regardless of his aggressive approach, he made a ton of contact and still worked a lot walks. It’s a small, compact frame, so he is unsure how much power he will tap into, but the makeup is intriguing nonetheless. In centerfield, Teel utilized his plus speed to track down balls, and he had a cannon of an arm. He kept a lot of potential doubles into singles because of it. He misread one ball in the air but could utilize his athleticism to correct himself and make a diving catch. The bat will be the question mark for Teel going into 2025, but with what seems to be a starting role, if he catches fire, he could make some noise.

2026 MLB DRAFT 

INF Chris Hacopian - Maryland

The younger of the Hacopian brothers, Chris has really put himself on the map after an incredible freshman year where we slashed .323/.431/.579 with 10 2Bs, 15 HRs, 42 RBIs while walking more than he struck out. This game was no exception. Hacopian was finding barrel with ease and hitting the ball to all parts of the park. All the kids do is make contact as well. He can pair that with good plate discipline, as he didn’t chase out of the zone a ton and can easily draw a walk. He played third base last year for the Terrapins but was manning shortstop in this one after Maryland senior Kevin Keister graduated and is no longer with the team. He showed good range at the position and seemed comfortable. It will be interesting to see how he grows there and if he can stick there full-time. If so, that will also do wonders for his draft stock. Keep this name on your radar as he should make a ton of noise for the 2026 MLB Draft if he can have another strong season. 

RHP Bryson Moore - Virginia

Bryson Moore was your prototypical large-framed pitcher with a strong lower half. He had a fairly easy delivery but sometimes struggled to repeat it. His arm would fall a bit behind, and he wouldn’t finish. He still filled up the zone regardless, but when he lost his confidence on the mound a bit, his command waivered, and he’d catch too much of the plate, hanging his secondary pitches. His fastball was 89-92 and it had some cutterish action to it. He also threw a low-to-mid-80s changeup with some late depth to it which seemed to be his go-to secondary. He also flashed a couple of curveballs, which had some good downward action but were a work in progress. He’s athletic, and there it is a lot to dream of with his frame. If he can tap into some more velocity with his ability to throw strikes and polish up his secondaries a bit, there could reach another level. 

2027 MLB Draft 

RHP Jake Yeager - Maryland

Yeager was a guy we thought might go in the 2024 MLB Draft because of his physicialty and loud summer outings, but he ended up heading to campus. It’s a very strong frame and he is also very athletic. He faced the heart of the Virginia order (Chris Arroyo, Henry Ford, Harrison Didawick) and threw a clean inning. There was some effort to his delivery, but he threw a lot of strikes in this one. The fastball had a ton of riding action up in the zone. He paired that with a high-70s slider that had some late, sweeping life, which was his go-to secondary. He also had a mid-80s changeup that was pretty firm but played well off his heater. He will need to iron out some of his secondaries to stick as a starter, but he will have plenty of time to try and develop them at Maryland. A great get for Maryland, and some more development could increase his stock for the 2027 MLB Draft. 

OF James Nunnallee - Virginia

Nunnallee might have been the most impressive kid I saw in both scrimmages. The name might sound familiar since he was taken in the 14th round of the 2024 MLB Draft by the Milwaukee Brewers but opted to head to Virginia. I’m sure Brian O’Connor is stocked about that. He’s an extremely twitchy athlete and is likely hit over power, but boy, can he hit. It’s a barrel party for this kid. His ability to make contact and hard contact at that was quite impressive.On top of that, Nunnallee looked good in the outfield. He ran down the ball well and used his speed to do so. He also looked great on the basepaths. He led off in the second scrimmage against UNC-Wilmington and looked far from overmatched in the leadoff spot in a stacked Cavaliers lineup. He’s the definition of a table-setter and if he grows into some more pop over the years, he will definitely be having his name called much earlier in the draft. 

2025 MLB Draft: INF Steele Hall Joins 2025 Ranks, Highly Touted Tennessee Class

Earlier in the week, a rather interesting development occurred in the MLB Draft world. Steele Hall, one of the top middle infield prospects in the 2026 draft class, completed a reclassification to the 2025 ranks and signed his National Letter of Intent to Tennessee on Wednesday. Hall’s decision is a big win for Tony Vitello’s group, as there’s a chance he can get to campus a year earlier, though there’s plenty of draft intrigue with Hall. Hall was slated among the top fifty prospects in the 2026 class by many pundits before the reclass and will be featured in our updated Top 75 Prep list at a later date.

Hall is a defense-over-offense profile with excellent actions on the dirt. He’s a bouncy defender with plenty of athleticism and makes everything look smooth at shortstop, where he projects to stick professionally. He flashes stout lateral motion and range with a quick first step and defensive instincts, including a great internal clock. His arm strength grades out as average to above-average, as well. Offensively, there’s a bit of swing-and-miss to his game, but it’s a twitchy profile with solid bat speed and a clean bat path. He’s short to the ball and has a swing that’s aiming to do damage in the air. Hall’s projectable traits, especially in his lower half, point to decent power potential as he matures physically, though this is a profile that will likely be a hit-over-power bat. Hall was expected to be on the older side of the 2026 draft, as his birthday falls a week before the August 1st cutoff date for college sophomore eligibility. He will be 17.11 on draft day in 2025 and would be eligible as a junior in 2028 if he makes it to Knoxville.

The Hewitt-Trussville product will join a packed Tennessee recruiting class that has added plenty of firepower over the past month. Billy Carlson flipped from Vanderbilt in mid-October and Cameron Appenzeller, the top left-hander in the class, made his commitment to Rocky Top not long after. Ethan Baiotto, Evan Hankins, Taylor Tracey, and Ethan Moore are other top names in the class that has earned a top-five ranking from Baseball America and Perfect Game. Hall will be the first prominent reclassification since Eli Willits joined the 2025 ranks over the summer, though North Carolina commit Caden Glauber from South Carolina is another name that recently reclassified in August.

On The Clock: Coach's Corner with Kentucky Baseball Head Coach Nick Mingione

In this episode of "On The Clock," Jared Perkins and Monty Taylor host Kentucky Baseball's head coach and 2024 SEC Coach of the Year Nick Mingione, who takes listeners on a journey through his evolution as a coach. Mingione recalls a pivotal moment from his youth baseball days when a Little League assistant coach recognized his leadership potential and encouraged him to guide his teammates with enthusiasm. This experience shaped Mingione’s lifelong passion for coaching and helped him understand the power of uplifting others. He reflects on this transformative moment as the catalyst that led him to pursue a coaching career, eventually culminating in his leadership role at Kentucky. Throughout the episode, Mingione emphasizes how personal values and impactful mentors, such as his college coaches and colleagues, have influenced his approach to leadership.

Central to Mingione’s coaching philosophy is his commitment to developing well-rounded individuals, not just skilled athletes. He explains how his experiences at Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University, which focused on fostering growth academically, personally, and athletically, became the foundation of his coaching methods. This holistic philosophy drives Mingione’s work with the Kentucky baseball program, where players are nurtured not only as athletes but as students and individuals. He describes the importance of cultivating a culture rooted in teamwork, accountability, and mutual support, highlighting how the family atmosphere extends beyond the field. Mingione’s wife and child are actively involved in the team environment, embodying the program’s emphasis on building meaningful relationships.

The conversation also delves into challenges facing modern college athletics, such as increased roster turnover and evolving NCAA regulations. Mingione speaks candidly about adapting to these changes while maintaining a strong team culture. He outlines how he and his staff navigate shifts in roster limits, scholarship rules, and the integration of analytics, balancing data-driven decisions with a human-centered approach to coaching. Mingione’s dedication to creating a positive, cohesive environment for players stands out as he discusses the delicate balance of embracing change while remaining true to the core values that drive his program’s success. Throughout the interview, Mingione’s passion for mentoring and genuine care for player development is evident, offering listeners a glimpse into the heart and soul of Kentucky’s baseball program.

Apple: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/2025-coachs-corner-kentucky-baseball-head-coach-nick/id1733326436?i=1000676481458

Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/episode/4dFrbElhbnUkD54mBOGG5n?si=2FoTnNzDQDiavAVCEfru1g

2025 MLB Draft Top 75 Collegiate Prospects: Conference Breakdowns (SEC - Part 2)

We recently released the top SEC college prospects within our Top 75 and throughout the fall we have been bringing you the top prospects within each conference. For this edition, we continue to dive into some top prospects with part two of our SEC breakdown.

35 players from 11 different schools hail from the nation’s premier college baseball conference with our Top 75 prospects list. Defending national champions Tennessee lead the way with six players while Arkansas is just behind the Vols with five. LSU and Texas A&M each had four. 

Full Top 75: https://www.prospectslive.com/prospects-live/2024/9/21/2025-mlb-draft-top-75-collegiate-prospects

HITTERS

C Easton Carmichael - Oklahoma

Prospects Live Ranking: #43

Easton Carmichael has been a mainstay behind the dish for the Sooners since he arrived on campus as a freshman in 2023, appearing in 112 games over two seasons. The talented backstop enjoyed a breakout campaign in 2024, slashing .366/.406/.563 with an impressive 31 extra base hits as Oklahoma earned an NCAA Regional hosting bid. The power seems to have improved over the last year, but Carmichael appears to be more of a gap-to-gap hitter than home run slugger. His 10 doubles in 127 at-bats up in the Cape this past summer was good for second in the league as his contact rate and gap power continued to be on display even with wood bats. Despite the contact rate, he’s an aggressive hitter that’s seen his chase rate rise over the last year. Defensively, he needs to improve his arm strength behind the plate if he hopes to remain a catcher at the next level.   

Returning All-American, Easton Carmichael 🫡@3aston_11 // #CHAOUS pic.twitter.com/UvgkW7fdh5

— Oklahoma Baseball (@OU_Baseball) June 14, 2024

2B/SS Jayden Davis - Vanderbilt

Prospects Live Ranking: #48

A former freshman All-American at Samford, Jayden Davis struggled with an injury throughout 2024 but still impressed over 46 games for the Commodores during his sophomore campaign as he hit .315 with 15 extra-base hits. Despite the drop in power numbers from 2023, Davis posted an 82% contact rate at Vanderbilt and features an above-average hit tool. His high ground ball rate both in the SEC and up in the Cape indicates that he’s unlikely to produce much more in terms of power, but if he can make an adjustment that results in lifting the ball more, we could see his draft stock rise. He displayed prowess for extra-base hits on the Cape this summer, mashing eight doubles and two home runs in just 125 at-bats for Chatham. He appeared to be a bit more aggressive as he struck out 25 times over the summer vs just 21 times at Vanderbilt last spring. Defensively, Davis does not project as a shortstop at the next level, but more as an average second base prospect with decent range.

C Lucas Steele - Auburn

Prospects Live Ranking: #49

Like Jayden Davis, Lucas Steele is another former All-American freshman from Samford who transferred into the SEC. Playing primarily as an outfielder during his freshman season, the Hoover, Alabama native hit .315 with 15 doubles and 16 home runs en route to winning the 2023 SoCon Freshman of the Year award. His transition to catcher as a sophomore may have led to a regression in his offensive numbers, but the bat also suffered from some significant bad BABIP luck and slashed just .245/.364/.520 in 2024. Expect Steele to have a bounce-back season offensively in 2025 as he transfers into the SEC. The switch-hitting backstop features explosive hips and good bat speed that should play well in his new conference. Defensively, Steele will compete for playing time behind the plate with fellow catcher Ike Irish, though both are expected to be in the lineup every day as valuable hitting prospects. Steele has seen a little bit of time in the outfield this fall, though he’s been primarily employed at catcher and first base.       

2B/SS Blake Cyr - Florida

Prospects Live Ranking: #61

Middle infielder Blake Cyr arrives in Gainesville as a transfer following an injury-plagued 2024 in which he only played 25 games for the Miami Hurricanes. As a true freshman in 2023, he hit .305 with 17 home runs and 63 RBIs in 60 games as Miami hosted an NCAA Regional. The highly touted second baseman appeared poised to stamp his name as a household draft prospect in 2024 when various injuries ended his season in early April. He still managed to slash .284/.397/.537 in 95 at-bats. Cyr earned ACC Player of the Week honors in early March following an 8-16 stretch that included 3 home runs and 11 RBIs highlighted by a go-ahead grand slam against Virginia that capped off a nine-run comeback for the Canes. At 5 '11, the smaller-framed slugger features impressive pull-side power and elite bat speed. Defensively, he doesn’t have physicality or the arm strength to play shortstop at the next level, but he’s got a solid first step and displays good range to play second. With Cade Kurland deployed at second base for the Gators, it’ll be interesting to see where Florida coach Kevin O’Sullivan decides to play Cyr.  

Your future ACC Freshman of the Year Blake Cyr with a MOONSHOT. 🔥👀

Canes blowing out Florida. pic.twitter.com/MBENNaokYT

— 11Point7 College Baseball (@11point7) March 5, 2023

2B Cade Kurland - Florida

Prospects Live Ranking: #64

Speaking of second base for the Florida Gators, Cade Kurland checks in as the last SEC position player on our Top 75. Another former Freshman All-American, Kurland saw his offensive numbers regress as a sophomore following his fantastic 2023 campaign. In 62 games in 2024, Kurland slashed .245/.457/.346 with 22 extra-base hits while striking out 73 times. His aggressive approach seems to have toned down in the Cape this summer, as he struck out just 20 times while reaching base on balls 15 times. He’ll need to continue to reign in that aggression and cut down on the chase rate to climb up the rankings. Despite the regression in 2024, his impressive power to all fields remained as he slugged 14 home runs while displaying quick hands and elite bat speed. Defensively, he’ll likely remain at 2B in 2025, even with the addition of Blake Cyr and projects to stay at the keystone at the next level.   

PITCHERS

RHP Chase Shores - LSU

Prospects Live Ranking: #41

Chase Shores was one of the most highly-touted prospects to reach campus in 2023, and he looked the part early as a freshman in Baton Rouge. The 6’8” righty appeared in just seven games for the Tigers during their National Championship season before being injured and required Tommy John surgery, impressing with a 1.96 ERA with 15 strikeouts in 18.1 innings pitched. Shores missed all of 2024 and hasn’t thrown in a live game since his injury, but he features all of the tools and physical attributes to become a star at the next level. His fastball routinely hit triple digits and even reached 102 MPH at times. As a freshman, he had some command issues with his pitches but had the least problems with the fastball. The Texas native employs a high 80s changeup and a low 80s breaking ball, but neither were particularly sharp during his freshman campaign. If he gets the chance to start and has a healthy 2025, Chase Shores could rocket up the rankings and into the first round with improved command and secondary pitches.

LHP Shane Sdao - Texas A&M

Prospects Live Ranking: #42

Shane Sdao underwent elbow surgery this past September and will miss the entire 2025 season, so his draft stock may plummet a bit. The 6 '2 lefty enjoyed a breakout campaign for Texas A&M in 2024, going 5-1 with a 2.96 ERA over 48.2 innings pitched while striking out 55 and only walking 9. Sdao features a low 90s fastball that is capable of reaching the mid-90s while a low 80s slider keeps hitters off balance and generates a ton of swing and miss. The Texas native also works in a good mid-80s changeup that he commands well. With three good pitches in his repertoire and his projectable attributes, a number of MLB organizations should be eager to draft him. 

LHP Cade Fisher - Auburn

Prospects Live Ranking: #44

After two up-and-down seasons at Florida, Cade Fisher arrives at Auburn with heightened expectations. After going 6-0 with a 3.10 ERA in 49.1 innings as a freshman in Gainesville, Fisher saw his numbers plummet as a sophomore, going 4-3 with a 7.13 ERA in 59.1 innings. He struggled with command and control and an inconsistent release height that must be addressed to succeed in 2025. He threw 5.2 innings for the Cotuit Kettleers on the Cape this past summer, and only gave up one earned run while striking out six. The low-slot southpaw features a low 90s fastball with slight carry and a devastating low-80s sweeping slider that has the potential to be his best pitch. He also has a changeup that he hides well and should see his draft stock rise with a bounceback season at Auburn in 2025.  

RHP Nate Snead - Tennessee

Prospects Live Ranking: #45

Nate Snead was a key piece of the Tennessee bullpen in 2024, going 10-2 with a 3.11 ERA in 75.1 innings pitched while striking out 61 hitters en route to the Vols’ National Championship win. He displayed a bit more swing-and-miss as a freshman at Wichita State in 2023 when he struck out 53 batters over 42.2 innings pitched but otherwise saw no regression from the jump in competition after transferring into the SEC. The Wisconsin native features a mid-90s fastball that reaches into the triple digits on shorter outings. He also employs a low 90s cutter and mid-80s breaking ball that needs some improvement to be more consistent. He supposedly has a changeup as well, though it's rarely utilized. Snead will likely be a starter for the defending champs in 2025, so he can improve his draft stock with improved command and consistency in his secondary pitches.   

LHP Zach Root - Arkansas

Prospects Live Ranking: #46

Zach Root enjoyed a breakout campaign as a sophomore for the ECU Pirates in 2024, teaming up with Trey Yesavage to create a lethal 1-2 punch atop Coach Cliff Godwin’s weekend rotation. In 11 starts last season for ECU, Root went 5-2 with a 3.82 ERA with 69 strikeouts over 63.2 innings pitched. He’ll make the jump in competition to the SEC, where he’ll join an Arkansas program known for developing top-class pitching. The stocky southpaw has a bit of a funky delivery, but has elite off-speed stuff. His fastball sits in the low 90s and can get up to 97, but the changeup is elite with good command. He also has a mid-80s cutter/slider combo and an upper 70s curveball. If Arkansas can continue to help Root develop those potential plus secondaries and improve his command, Root could find himself flirting with the first round next July. 

LHP Liam Doyle - Tennessee

Prospects Live Ranking: #50

Much like teammate Andrew Fischer, Liam Doyle spent one year in Oxford playing for Ole Miss before transferring to Tennessee. As a sophomore, he didn’t post the best numbers as he went 3-4 with a 5.73 ERA over 14 appearances, but he did strike out 84 hitters over 55 innings pitched. The New Hampshire native features an electric fastball that sits in the low-90s, but frequently touches 96-97 MPH with a lot of armside tail and vertical carry. He commands the heater well and generates a ton of whiffs with it. He needs to improve his secondaries, but the potential is there as he employs a low-80s sweeper and a mid-80s cutter that pairs well with the elite fastball. A fourth pitch, an upper-70s splitter, is developing and adds another dangerous weapon to Doyle’s arsenal. Improvement on those secondaries and a big season in Knoxville for the Volunteers should see Doyle shoot up draft boards ahead of July.

RHP Gage Wood - Arkansas

Prospects Live Ranking: #51

Gage Wood has yet to have standout numbers in Arkansas. However, he’s been a pretty reliable reliever over his first two seasons in Fayetteville, going 5-2 with a 4.61 ERA over 70.1 innings pitched. His command showed massive improvement between his freshman and sophomore years, reflected by the 56/8 strikeouts-to-walks ratio in 2024. He may get a chance to start at Arkansas in 2025 and his standout performance up in the Cape indicates he could be in for a breakout junior season. In five of his six outings for Falmouth this summer, Wood threw over 50 pitches and dominated with his fastball/slider combination. He throws his fastball almost 70% of the time. It sits in the mid-90s and generates a lot of swing and misses. He often complements the heater with a mid-80s slider and also boasts a splitter and a changeup. Gage Wood could fly up the draft rankings with command of the secondary pitches and consistency as a starter.

Gage Wood has begun pic.twitter.com/VDGQ2mAVzC

— Arkansas Baseball (@RazorbackBSB) April 16, 2023

RHP Christian Foutch - Arkansas

Prospects Live Ranking: #54

Christian Foutch is another Arkansas relief arm who enjoyed a breakout season as a sophomore in 2024. The Colorado native went 1-0 with a 0.81 ERA over 22.1 innings pitched while striking out twenty batters and only walking seven. He’s appeared in 34 games for the Razorbacks over two seasons but has yet to earn a start. He’s a 6’3 right-handed pitcher with a great frame and delivery, and he should see his draft stock improve if he gets a starting role. He displays a smooth delivery and hides the ball well. His arsenal features an upper-90s fastball with sinking action that can sometimes reach triple digits. While he’s primarily a fastball pitcher, Foutch mixes in a slider and splitter to complement the heater, but the command of those pitches is still being developed. Even without a starting role in 2025, the development of those secondary pitches could see Foutch rising into the late first/early second-round area.

RHP Anthony Eyanson - LSU

Prospects Live Ranking: #56

Anthony Eyanson, a transfer from UC-San Diego, is one of the biggest transfer names making noise this fall as he settles into his surroundings in Baton Rouge at LSU. Eyanson enjoyed a breakout sophomore campaign in the Big West, going 6-2 with a 3.07 ERA over 82 innings pitched for the Tritons while striking out 85 batters. Most impressive is that he held opposing hitters to just a .190 batting average over his 14 appearances on the mound. The California native’s arsenal features a low-90s fastball that can reach 97 MPH, but the breaking balls are his bread-and-butter. He commands a low-80s slider with bite and a mid-70s curveball well. Reports indicate he’s been very impressive during fall ball with LSU and should be in line for a rotation spot. If he continues his success against top competition in the SEC and adds velocity to the slider, Eyanson’s stock will only rise.

UC San Diego RHP Anthony Eyanson has entered the transfer portal, per source.

The 6’2 righty pitched last week at Collegiate Team USA Trials and is 2025 draft eligible with top three round buzz.

4-seam fastball 95-97, slider 83, curveball 77-79 pic.twitter.com/y3MwsNPR7d

— Kiley McDaniel (@kileymcd) July 2, 2024

LHP Myles Patton - Texas A&M

Prospects Live Ranking: #57

Like Eyanson, Myles Patton is another California arm who has found his way to the SEC after transferring to Texas A&M this past summer. His season ended in late April due to injury, but the southpaw was enjoying a fantastic season for Long Beach State before he went down. In 66.1 innings pitched, Patton went 4-3 with a 3.26 ERA while striking out 85 batters. He pitched into the 6th inning or later in 9 of 11 starts and amassed double-digit strikeout totals three times. He arrives in College Station with two years of starting experience and should slot into the Aggies’ weekend rotation. He boasts an effective fastball/slider combination that misses a lot of bats, even though his average fastball velocity hovers just on the wrong side of 90 MPH. Patton also features a changeup and curveball, but both pitches must be developed further to be as effective.    

LHP Landon Beidelschies - Arkansas

Prospects Live Ranking: #60

After an impressive freshman season as a reliever at Ohio State, Landon Beidelschies excelled for the Buckeyes in a starting role in 2024. In 15 starts on the mound, the lefty went 6-7 with a 4.15 ERA over 84.2 innings pitched while striking out 91 hitters. Beidelschies heavily relies on his fastball/slider combination, throwing them almost 90% of the time. The fastball sits in the low-to-mid 90s and has occasionally reached upwards of 98 MPH. The mid-80s slider is firm with good bite. Both pitches generate a ton of whiffs. He also has a mid-80s change-up that’s rarely utilized. He’ll need to develop that third pitch and improve overall command to improve his draft stock. A successful year transferring into the SEC will also help, however. 

LHP Ryan Prager - Texas A&M

Prospects Live Ranking: #62

Ryan Prager is the third Aggie arm in our rankings, but the only one that was drafted in 2024. After a monster season leading the Aggies pitching staff as they played for a National Championship, Prager was drafted in the third round of the 2024 MLB Draft for the Los Angeles Angels. The lefty ace went 9-1 with a 2.95 ERA over 97.2 innings pitched while striking out 124 and only walking 20 batters. Prager’s fastball isn’t particularly impressive, as it averages around 90 MPH with slight cutting action. And yet, it still finds ways to miss bats at a 30% rate. He also has a low-80s slider and a vulcan change-up in the upper-70s that generate whiffs. With the exceptional command ability he’s showcased in past years, Prager should continue to dominate at the college level. Whether or not he’ll be able to improve his draft stock, given his age and injury history, is a different question. 

On The Clock: Interview with 2025 MLB Draft Prospect Cam Cannarella

In this episode of On The Clock, hosted by Prospects Live's Jared Perkins and Monty Taylor, Clemson baseball player and top 2025 MLB Draft prospect Cam Cannarella shares his journey through the world of amateur baseball. Growing up in Hartfield, South Carolina, Cam describes his early love for the game, his dedication through high school, and how his hard work paid off with an opportunity to play at Clemson University. He recalls his recruitment experience with former Clemson coach Monty Lee and why the campus community and team culture at Clemson felt like the right fit. Known for his impressive athletic tools, Cam reflects on his favorite aspects of the game, from making web gem catches to big hits, like his memorable home run against Florida.

Cam also delves into the challenges he faced in 2024 due to an injury that required surgery, sidelining him for a season and preventing him from joining Team USA. The setback taught him resilience as he worked through physical therapy, leaned on friends and teammates for support, and stayed connected to the game mentally and emotionally. His friends, who kept him busy and motivated through recovery, were essential in helping him stay positive. With recovery progressing, Cam looks forward to returning to the field, resuming his training, and focusing on new goals for the upcoming season.

Looking ahead, Cam shares his aspirations for the 2025 season, setting sights on taking the Tigers to Omaha and building a stronger team connection. He’s also aiming for a top spot in the MLB draft and hopes to lead his team by example, influenced by former teammates who were dedicated on and off the field. Outside of baseball, Cam enjoys basketball, hanging out with friends, and spending time outdoors, especially at the lake. His passion for the game is clear, and his lighthearted, driven personality shines through as he looks forward to bringing his best to the field for Clemson and his future baseball career.

Apple: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/2025-mlb-draft-of-cam-cannarella-clemson/id1733326436?i=1000675891881

Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/episode/2sXQ7lojyEyBMc5Cd0HXk3?si=3017fc2640bb48c4