6/30/25

IN FOCUS: Mack's Top 15 Prospects, Grant Hartwig, MLB Daily Whiff Leaders, Roster Moves, OPS Leaders, HR Leaders, Brandon Sproat, Trevor Bauer

 


Here is my current Top 15 Mets prospects…. Starting with:

      15  -  RP Dylan Ross


Dylan Ross is a right-handed relief pitcher in the New York Mets organization, currently playing for their Triple-A affiliate, the Syracuse Mets. Born on September 1, 2000, in Statesboro, Georgia, Ross stands at 6’5” and weighs 251 pounds. He was drafted by the Mets in the 13th round (389th overall) of the 2022 MLB June Amateur Draft from the University of Georgia, where he played college baseball after attending Eastern Kentucky University and Northwest Florida State College.

Ross has quickly risen through the Mets’ minor league system, earning a promotion to Triple-A Syracuse on June 17, 2025, after strong performances in High-A Brooklyn and Double-A Binghamton. In 2025, he posted a 1.54 ERA with 23 strikeouts in 11.2 innings at High-A, and despite a 4.35 ERA in 11 appearances at Double-A, he maintained an impressive strikeout rate of 16.77 per nine innings across both levels. His fastball, which has reached speeds of 101-102 mph, is his standout pitch, complemented by a mid-to-high-80s slider and an occasional high-80s changeup.

Ross’s journey hasn’t been without challenges. He underwent Tommy John surgery in college and a UCL revision in 2023, limiting him to just one appearance for Low-A St. Lucie in 2024. Despite these setbacks, his high-velocity fastball and strikeout ability have made him a notable prospect, with analysts suggesting he could become a rare homegrown power reliever for the Mets, potentially impacting their major league bullpen in 2025.

He comes from an athletic family, with his grandfather, John Small, having played in the NFL, and uncles and cousins involved in professional baseball. Ross signed with the Mets for $125,000 in 2022 and is considered a prospect with late-game potential due to his “electric stuff” when healthy, though his command has been inconsistent at times


The Syracuse Mets released RP Grant Hartwig.

Grant Hartwig is a right-handed relief pitcher for the New York Mets. He’s 6’5”, 235 lbs, born December 18, 1997, in Detroit, Michigan. He played college baseball at Miami University of Ohio, where he majored in microbiology and premedical studies. After undergoing Tommy John surgery in 2018 and missing the 2019 season, he went undrafted in 2021 but signed with the Mets as a free agent for a $20,000 bonus, choosing baseball over medical school prep.

Hartwig debuted in the MLB in 2023, appearing in 28 games for the Mets with a 5-2 record, 4.84 ERA, and 30 strikeouts over 35.1 innings. In 2024, he played in 4 games, posting a 6.75 ERA with 4 strikeouts in 6.2 innings, but his season was cut short by knee surgery for a torn meniscus. He relies on a sinker, slider, and cutter, with his sweeper generating a 46.2% whiff rate.

This season, for Syracuse, he relieved in 21 games… 2-3, 3.42, 1.56, 23.2-IP, 33-K, 10-BB

Mack – I always was a big fan of Grant, but he did fail when promoted to Queens. Still, had him as a BLUE prospect most of the time. Lots of medical baggage here, but he’ll latch on somewhere.


Thomas Nestico                       @TJStats

MLB Daily Whiff Leaders  -  2025-06-28



New York Mets                         @Mets

We have made the following roster moves

 


Thomas Nestico                       @TJStats

MLB OPS Leaders

 


MLB Home Run Leaders

 


Brandon Sproat, RHP, Syracuse (NYM No. 2/MLB No. 60)

https://www.mlb.com/news/top-prospect-performers-for-june-28-2025?partnerID=web_article-share

Sproat bookended June with scoreless outings to close out his best month of the season. The Florida product equaled a season high with six punchouts and allowed just two hits over six innings in his third scoreless start this year. Sproat topped out at 100.5 mph and generated 15 whiffs on 40 swings during his 78-pitch performance


Codify                                           @CodifyBaseball

Trevor Bauer

 


Mack – Eat shit and die.


Paul Articulates – Mets Fans are like Mets Players


30-4 was the damage in this weekend series against the Pittsburgh Pirates.  It is not reversed – we really took the wrong end of a football score beat-down to a team that started the weekend 18 games under .500.  This is a team that is hurting both mentally and physically.  Earlier today you read what Reese had to say about the physical side, so I will address the mental.

So for those that have read a few of my articles addressing “state of mind” as a key influence on player performance, you can resonate with the fact that when everyone around you is struggling, you feel the weight yourself. (Unless you have Juan Soto’s talent)  This is what is going on with the Mets – talented guys who suddenly fear failure and try so hard not to fail that they lose the focus they need to succeed.

Today I want to apply that theory to Mets fans.  We are so exasperated by the team’s inability to win that we find fault with every little thing the players do wrong.  This leads to the illusion that all the players are flawed and the desire to replace them all with free agents (which by the way are mostly just more expensive but not more talented).  We lose confidence in the team, the players, and the manager when really they need just the opposite – they need our support.

Example – Jeff McNeil just can’t glove a ball in the gap on a full dive, and fans are saying, “I told you he should not be playing center field.  He’s too slow, too old, or he’s a corner outfielder”.  But wait, didn’t he just leap over the fence to rob a homerun the day before?  Do you want to replace him with a guy that gets that one ball in the gap but hits at half the batting average?

We all know that baseball is a difficult game to play and we expect players to fail often.  It’s just that when they all fail at the same time we decide that they are all no good.  They are really the same players and for the most part fail at the same rate on average.

So why am I saying this? So you can heal yourself.  Don’t take these losses so hard.  There are 77 more regular season games to play, and when (not if) this turns around, the Mets will win a healthy share of them.  They are not as bad as they look right now.

When is it going to turn around?  When you least expect it, and by a totally unexpected coincidence of events.  Last year it was the McDonald’s mascot “Grimace” showing up for a game – which had nothing to do with baseball.  It usually happens when a couple of players have some success and the lightbulb goes on with the notion, “we can do this”.  

When will the fans turn around?  Usually many games after the players pull it together.  Except in last year’s reverse-psychology experiment by the Phillies fans, who cheered a slumping Trey Turner before he started hitting.  Guess what?  It worked!

Maybe it is time for US to step up.  No better time than Citi Field at 7:10pm on Tuesday.  See you there!


Reese Kaplan -- To Hear the Pitching Party Members Tell It...


Gather a group of Mets fans in a room and if you really want to get the fireworks exploding from the assembled group of disgruntled wannabe GMs ask what the club needs to do first to get the team finally headed in the right direction once again.

On the one side you will have the pitching oriented school of thinking who quite obviously have a strong case to be made.  With the injuries to Kodai Senga, Sean Manaea, Tylor Megill and Griffin Canning among the starting pitching candidates you’re left with the newly returned Frankie Montas, the recently highly ineffective David Peterson and Clay Holmes.  After that it includes batting practice pitcher Paul Blackburn and recently promoted former prospect Blade Tidwell.  In other words it gets pretty ugly.  

Even if somehow Blackburn and Tidwell manage to improve to pitch to under 5.00 ERAs you’re looking at Montas somehow pitching to his career norm of 4.09, Peterson pitching like the 2024 and early 2025 pitcher and Clay Holmes continuing his mostly solid pitching as a starting pitcher for 2025.  It’s an easy group in which to become a member.

This contingent is hoping for rapid recoveries for the first three of the injured starting pitchers to improve things dramatically from who takes the mound every fifth day.  As of now Senga appears to be ready to begin rehab games, Manaea is working through his loose elbow body to return to the rehab pitching and Tylor Megill yet to appear in rehab games but expected to begin within the next two weeks.

The more radical among the pitching plurality would advocate the Mets either promote Nolan McLean in place of Blade Tidwell or Paul Blackburn as he is appearing ultra solid in both AA and AAA work thus far this year.  While he’s not the number one starting pitching prospect it would appear without Canning expected back for the remainder of the year with the confirmed rupture of his left Achilles tendon the need is no longer a short term one.  Having seen Tidwell pitch to a Mets ERA over 10.00 and Paul Blackburn pitching like the NY Mets version of Paul Blackburn, some more credible pitching would be most welcome. McLean’s 2.72 ERA in AAA suggests he has the potential to be a vast improvement.

The ultra fringe version would instead look to see the Mets send number one starting pitcher prospect Jonah Tong straight from AA to the majors for the remainder to the year.  For a quick refresher, Tong has been Tom Seaver level brilliant in the minors in 2025.  The 22 year old right hander has a 6-3 record over 14 Binghamton starts with a 1.73 ERA covering 73 innings pitched.  He has fanned 115 batters averaging 14.2 per 9 innings pitched while maintaining a WHIP of 0.918.  Having allowed us 34 hits in 73 innings about the only black mark on his record is a less than desirable 4.1 walks per 9 innings but it sure looks about as dominant as it gets. A somewhat less radical thought would be to have Tong take over in AAA for the promoted McLean.

The other approach would be looking to acquire front line quality pitching in trade now or by the end of July when the trading deadline hits.  The obvious name on this list would be the TJS recovering Miami Marlin Sandy Alcantara who started off quite badly but who has turned it around lately, pitching to under a 3.00 ERA which is more indicative of the kind of hurler who has already been an All Star twice and a 2022 winner of the Cy Young Award.  His contract pays him $17.3 million this year and next with a 2027 option of $21 million or a $2 million buyout.  He’s still just 29 years old, so this acquisition would be not just to help this year but in the near future as well with Canning gone at year’s end and Tylor Megill likely out of options.

There are other pitchers out there who will be floated around the July trading deadline who have either very large contracts to absorb or who are becoming free agents at year’s end.  The latter would be less expensive to acquire as rentals than would be the former.

On Wednesday we will look at the equally vocal dominion of fans who feel that the hitting is the key to the current losing streak and what the club must do to make scoring runs more than a distant memory.  These days it seems only the long ball is working in that regard.  

John From Albany: 10 Years Ago - Cubs Shut Out Mets, 6/30/2015

 

New York Post Back Page - 7/1/2015


2015, the last year the Mets made the World Series.  This daily post will detail the game by game journey to the Fall Classic.  Click here for More Mets History and Calendar Classics.

Year: 2015Game #78; Tuesday;  Jun 30, NYM 0  Vs. CHC1; boxscore;  WP: Hendricks; LP: Niese Save: Motte; Time: 02:22; NIGHT; Attendance: 27,084; Record: 40-38; Standings: 2; Games up/behind: 3.5; L;

Curtis Granderson RF: 0 for 4; 2 Ks; Rubén Tejada SS: 0 for 4; 3 Ks; Lucas Duda 1B: 1 for 3; 1 walk; Daniel Murphy 3B: 1 for 4; 2B; Michael Cuddyer LF: 0 for 2; 1 K; Darrell Ceciliani LF: 0 for 1; 1 K; Wilmer Flores 2B: 0 for 3; Kevin Plawecki C: 1 for 3; 1 K; Jon Niese P: 0 for 2; 1 K; Johnny Monell PH: 0 for 1; Juan Lagares CF: 0 for 3; Jon Niese, L (3-8): 7 innings; 1 run; 1 ER; 4 hits; 4 walks; 5 Ks; Bobby Parnell: 1 inning; no runs; 1 walk; 1 K; Sean Gilmartin: 1 inning; no runs; 2 Ks; 

NY Post: Anemic Mets waste Jon Niese gem, get blanked by Cubs. “The Mets received all they could have wanted from Jon Niese (3-8), who surrendered one run on four hits and four walks over seven innings in a fifth straight solid performance…Hendricks (3-4) became the latest mediocre pitcher transformed into Cy Young by the Mets. The right-hander allowed three hits over six shutout innings with six strikeouts and one walk. The Mets then went hitless against the Cubs’ bullpen over three innings.”

Mets went 0 for 7 against the Cubs during the regular season before making up for it in the playoffs.



Nationals beat the Braves 6-1 to extend their lead over the Mets to 3.5 games. 

NL East Standings 6/30/15
Tm W L W-L% GB RS RA pythW-L%
WSN4334.558--342308.548
NYM4038.513 3.5276288.481
ATL3641.468 7.0305337.454
MIA3246.41011.5285320.447
PHI2752.34217.0263390.327
Provided by Baseball-Reference.com: View Original Table
Generated 6/30/2015.


6/29/25

2025 Draft Prospect - #9 - LHP/1B - Kruz Schoolcraft - Sunset HS (OR)

 


On 12-5-24, MLB.com posted their top 100 prospects in the upcoming draft. Beginning 2-2-25, we will post it in backward order, ending with the pick for 1.1

https://www.mlb.com/prospects/2025/draft/ -

#9             Kruz Schoolcraft

LHP/1B    Sunset (OR)

17/years old

6' 8"      229

COMMITTED - Tennessee

Scouting grades: Fastball: 60 | Slider: 60 | Changeup: 55 | Control: 50 | Overall: 55

Scouting grades: Hit: 50 | Power: 55 | Run: 40 | Arm: 60 | Field: 55 | Overall: 50

Schoolcraft was originally slated to be part of the Class of 2026, but he reclassified back in December 2023 to join this crop. A legitimate two-way standout as a left-handed pitcher and a first baseman, most teams likely prefer him on the hill after he excelled at events like the Area Code Games over the summer. He has the chance to be the next in the line of Oregon prep arms to go in the first round, following first-rounders Mick Abel in 2020 and Noble Meyer in '23.

The 6-foot-8 Schoolcraft is a towering presence on the mound and in the batter's box. As a pitcher, he’s up to 97 mph with his fastball, with the only knock against it a relative lack of spin and carry, so right now it can play a little straight. He has a tight, traditional two-plane slider, thrown in the low-80s that has carry and teeth, and some believe his feel for spin with that pitch should allow him to add more to his heater. He has a very good feel for his changeup, which he sells with excellent arm speed. Despite his size and long limbs, he does an excellent job of maintaining his delivery and landing all of his offerings for strikes.

At the plate, Schoolcraft has the chance to perhaps be an above-average hitter with better than average power in the future. The Tennessee recruit obviously offers a big target at first base, but he’s athletic around the bag and is a dynamic defender. The bat might be a bit behind the arm, but there are attributes to consider on both sides of the ball.

 

2-26-25 –

MLB mock draft 2025: Projecting first round for 2025 MLB Draft

https://sportsnaut.com/mlb/mlb-analysis/lists/mlb-mock-draft-2025/  

16. Minnesota Twins: Kruz Schoolcraft, LHP/1B, Sunset High School (Oregon)

Kruz Schoolcraft is a 6-foot-8 lefty pitcher and first baseman who is drawing comparisons to San Francisco Giants prospect Bryce Eldridge. Schoolcraft has a high-90s fastball and is known as the best prep pitcher in the draft. Despite being a two-way star in high school, his future appears to be on the mound. He could be a potential top-of-the-rotation starter for the Minnesota Twins for years to come.

 

2-25-25 - 2025 MLB Draft: A closer look at the top 20 high school prospects entering the spring

https://www.usatodayhss.com/story/sports/high-school/2025/02/25/2025-mlb-draft-top-20-high-school-prospects/80279242007/  

5. Kruz Schoolcraft, LHP/1B, Portland (Oregon)

Schoolcraft could challenge Hernandez as the first pitcher selected, if you consider him a pitcher. A recent trend has been for MLB teams to select good two-way players and then give them some time in the minors to make an impact one way of the other – ala Bryce Eldridge. Schoolcraft could fit this mold as a power left-handed pitcher and power-hitting first baseman. Betting odds have him ending up as a hitter – but it’s close.

 

2-10-25

FLO Baseball - 2025 MLB Mock Draft 1.0-

https://www.flobaseball.tv/articles/13555752-2025-mlb-mock-draft-10-nats-stunner-with-the-no-1-pick  

No. 7 Miami Marlins: Kruz Schoolcraft, LHP/ 1B, Portland, Oregon

The Pirates and Marlins being back-to-back in the draft could be a gift for the Blue Jays and Reds, who own the No. 8 and No. 9 picks and clearly are trying to win now.

The Pirates could take a college prospect who could move through the system quickly. But the Marlins are in a full rebuild, hence why they moved on from a talented manager, Skip Schumaker, and traded Jesus Luzardo.

 

1-28-25 –

MLB 2025 Mock Draft 2.0: Predictions for Every 1st-Round Pick

https://syndication.bleacherreport.com/amp/10152297-mlb-2025-mock-draft-20-predictions-for-every-1st-round-pick.amp.html  

10. Chicago White Sox: LHP/1B Kruz Schoolcraft, Sunset HS (OR)

The White Sox hit on a lanky prep left-hander a few years ago when they selected Noah Schultz in the first round, and Schoolcraft has a similar profile. The 6'8" southpaw is one of the better two-way prospects in the 2025 class and has some similarities to Giants top prospect Bryce Eldridge, though he has a higher ceiling on the mound than he does in the batter's box.

 

1-27-25  -  Just Baseball –

2025 MLB Draft - Top 80 High School Prospects

https://www.justbaseball.com/college/mlb-draft-top-high-school-prep-prospects  

9. Kruz Schoolcraft – LHP

HT/WT: 6’8/230 | Bat/Throw: L/L | School: Sunset (OR) | Commitment: Tennessee | Age: 18.2

A gangly, uber-projectable southpaw from Oregon, Schoolcraft reclassed from the 2026 class and now projects as one of the best two-way players in the class.

There’s more upside on the mound right now, as the 6’8, 230-pound lefty has exquisite body control and projects to throw much harder as he grows into his frame. He’s primarily sat in the low-90s, though he’s maxed out at 97 MPH, with tons of extension (upwards of seven feet or more) down the hill and a heater that jumps on hitters quickly.

He’ll miss a bevy of bats during outings with it thanks to a lower release and hop at the top of the zone. He had a grip change with his slider that now sits in the mid-80s with cutter-esque firmness and an ability to command it glove-side, though he’s experienced some growing pains with landing it for strikes.

The change-up has high upside, too, as it tumbles heavily from right-handed bats and features great feel and velocity separation. As he learns to sync up his frame more, expect more strikes. He’s also a power-hitting first baseman with legit feel for the barrel and loud power potential given the projection. Schoolcraft announced his commitment to Tennessee just before Christmas.

 

1-17-25 –

Introduction to the 2025 MLB Draft: Top prep hitters available

https://bucsondeck.substack.com/p/introduction-to-the-2025-mlb-draft-1c4  

Kruz Schoolcraft, 1B

Despite being a prep player, Kruz Schoolcraft is one of the most physically imposing prospects in the draft. At 6’8”, Schoolcraft easily draws comparisons to Bryce Eldridge due to his size and two-way ability.

At the plate, he’s another physically gifted, left-handed sluggers at the top of the draft. There’s some talk of him potentially being able to play the outfield, but he could be a plus defender at first, where the hitting profile fits perfectly.

It will be interesting to see which way he falls, as there is talk that he could legitimately settle in as a hitter or pitcher.

 

1-16-25 -

An Early Look at the Top 30 Prospects for the 2025 MLB Draft

https://lastwordonsports.com/baseball/2025/01/15/top-30-prospects-2025-mlb-draft/#google_vignette  

16. Kruz Schoolcraft, LHP/1B, Sunset HS, Beaverton, Ore.

Another two-way who will likely be more coveted as an arm. The 6’8″ prep product generates a fastball that has been up to 97 with a promising low 80s slider. There is big power in his bat as well, but needs to show the ability to hit consistently this spring to be a first-round bat.

 

1-3-25 –

2025 MLB Draft: Top 75 Prep Prospects — Prospects Live

https://www.prospectslive.com/prospects-live/2024/12/26/2025-mlb-draft-top-75-prep-prospects  -

10. LHP/1B Kruz Schoolcraft, Sunset (OR)

 

Height: 6’8

Weight: 215

b/t: L/L

Draft Day Age: 18 yr 2 mo

Commitment: N/A

Hometown: Beaverton, OR

A gangly, uber-projectable southpaw from Oregon, Schoolcraft reclassed from the 2026 class and now projects as one of the best two-way players in the class. There's more upside on the mound right now, as the 6'8, 215 pound lefty has exquisite body control and projects to throw much harder as he grows into his frame. He's primarily sat in the low-90s, though he's maxed out at 97 MPH, with tons of extension down the hill and a heater that jumps on hitters quickly. He'll miss a bevy of bats during outings with it thanks to a lower release and hop at the top of the zone. He had a grip change with his slider that now sits in the mid-80s with cutter-esque firmness and an ability to command it gloveside, though he's experienced some growing pains with landing it for strikes. The change-up has high upside, too, as it tumbles heavily from right-handed bats and features great feel and velocity separation. As he learns to sync up his frame more, expect more strikes. He's also a power-hitting first baseman with legit feel for the barrel and loud power potential given the projection. Schoolcraft is a recent commit to Tennessee and if he doesn’t see his named called on draft day; Rocky Top can expect a day one Superstar-level talent in their weekend rotation and everyday lineup.

 

12-23-24 

White Sox 2025 MLB Draft Notebook 1.0

https://www.futuresox.net/2024/12/23/white-sox-2025-mlb-draft-notebook-1-0/

7. Miami Marlins: Kruz Schoolcraft, LHP/1B, Sunset HS (OR)

The Marlins new braintrust loves very young players and they’re also years away from contention at the moment. The 6-8, 230 pounder is a legitimate two-way talent and he reclassified into the 2025 class so he’s only 17-years-old.

 

12-10-24 –

Here's Pipeline's first full 2025 mock draft

https://www.mlb.com/news/first-full-2025-mlb-mock-draft?partnerID=web_article-share  –

10. White Sox: Kruz Schoolcraft, LHP/1B, Sunset HS, Beaverton, Ore. (No. 9)

The White Sox landed the best lefty pitching prospect in baseball (Noah Schultz) when they took a towering prep southpaw in the first round in 2022, and Schoolcraft has a lot of similarities -- as well as an intriguing bat.

 

12-20-2024  -  Joe Doyle       @JoeDoyleMiLB

It remains to be seen whether Kruz Schoolcraft will ever set foot in Knoxville, but this is an enormous get for the Vols. It gives Tony Vitello the top two prep lefties in the 2025 class. Schoolcraft is a first round talent.

 

https://www.baseballamerica.com/stories/kruz-schoolcraft-top-2025-mlb-draft-prospect-commits-to-tennessee/ -

The top uncommitted player in the 2025 class is no longer on the market. Lefthander and first baseman Kruz Schoolcraft announced his commitment to Tennessee Friday afternoon on social media:

Schoolcraft currently ranks as the No. 9 overall player in the 2025 draft class and the fourth-best high schooler behind only shortstop Ethan Holliday, righthander Seth Hernandez and third baseman Xavier Neyens.

While Schoolcraft—like Hernandez and Neyens—boasts impressive two-way ability and could play on both sides of the ball at the next level, major league scouts this summer drooled over his upside as a 6-foot-8 lefthander on the mound. Schoolcraft made Baseball America’s 2024 high school showcase all star team after striking out four of the seven batters he faced at the Area Code Games, while sitting 94 mph and touching 96. Schoolcraft pairs a low-80s changeup and a low-80s slider with his fastball.

As a hitter, Schoolcraft has massive power upside with a long-limbed swing that one day could generate 70-grade juice as well as standout defensive actions around the first base bag and a frame that will present infielders an easy target.

While he could garner some Bryce Eldridge and Spencer Jones comparisons for his size, two-way ability and power upside, there are some scouts who view him more in the Cam Caminiti two-way mold where his lefthanded talent on the mound is simply too much to entertain hitting for much longer.

While it’s uncommon for recruits of Schoolcraft’s caliber to make it to campus, it does still happen from time to time, and his decision to commit to the Vols and potentially head across the country from Oregon to Tennessee makes it clear Tony Vitello’s championship program isn’t going anywhere.

High school pitchers of first-round caliber seem more likely to slide out of the draft and reach campus than hitters of a similar talent, with names like William Schmidt (2024 No. 22), Jack Leiter (2019 No. 21) and Kumar Rocker (2018 No. 13) being a few notable examples. If Schoolcraft were to maintain his current No. 9 ranking through the draft and reach campus at Tennessee, he would top Rocker as the highest-ranked high schooler to reach campus since BA started college recruiting rankings.

 

https://www.on3.com/pro/news/2025-mlb-draft-pipeline-releases-top-100-prospects-rankings-ethan-holliday-jace-laviolette/   -

9. Kruz Schoolcraft, LHP/1B, Sunset (OR) HS (Uncommitted)

Schoolcraft has yet to commit to a college program, and he reclassified last year to join the 2025 class. The 6’8 lefty has immense potential, hitting upper 90s with his fastball and a strong slider from the left side as well.

Pitching isn’t Schoolcraft’s only area of expertise, as he also has a strong bat with power potential at first base. With two-way potential, and standalone potential on the mound, Schoolcraft could becomea favorite during the 2025 MLB Draft process.


2025 Draft Prospect - #10 - OF - Brendan Summerhill - Arizona

 


On 12-5-24, MLB.com posted their top 100 prospects in the upcoming draft. Beginning 2-2-25, we will post it in backward order, ending with the pick for 1.1

https://www.mlb.com/prospects/2025/draft/  -

#10      Brendan Summerhill

OF        Arizona

21/years old

6' 3"      205

Scouting grades: Hit: 55 | Power: 50 | Run: 55 | Arm: 55 | Field: 55 | Overall: 55

The University of Arizona has had a hitter taken in the first round in three of the last five Drafts, with Chase Davis repped the school in the 2023 first round, Daniel Susac in 2022 and Austin Wells in 2020, but the Wildcats were shut out in 2024. Summerhill has the chance to get the program back into the opening round after he earned all Pac-12 honors and led the team in average, on-base percentage and extra base hits as a sophomore in 2024, then turned in an All-Star performance in the Cape Cod League.

Considered by many to be the best player in the four corners region, Summerhill is a strong and athletic left-handed hitter who has the chance to be a dynamic player on both sides of the ball. He’s shown a very good approach at the plate, walking nearly as often as he struck out in 2024 and limiting the swing-and-miss that some area scouts saw from him during his time in the Chicago high school ranks. Still, he’ll have to work on his tendency to chase at the next level. He’s just starting to tap into his raw power and it’s showing up right now mostly to his pull side.

Summerhill spent the fall playing right field for the Wildcats. He has the arm and run production potential to profile there, but while he’s seen time at all three outfield spots, he might have more value in center field, where he played exclusively on the Cape. That would put a little less pressure on the power to come, but regardless of where he is on the grass, he has the chance to be an every day outfielder at the next level with a Jake McCarthy-like profile.

 

2-26-25 –

MLB mock draft 2025: Projecting first round for 2025 MLB Draft

https://sportsnaut.com/mlb/mlb-analysis/lists/mlb-mock-draft-2025/  

12. Texas Rangers: Brendan Summerhill, CF, Arizona

Brendan Summerhill is already showing the instincts and athleticism to stick at center field, which makes his hit tool even more impressive. You won’t see much power from him, which is a bit disappointing from his 6-foot-3 frame, but an OBP threat who can get double-digit steals with 20-plus extra-abse hits and deliver strong defense in center field would be plenty valuable to the Texas Rangers in the years to come.

Brendan Summerhill stats (2024): .324/.399/.550, .950 OPS, 18 doubles, 8 home runs, 6 triples

 

2-10-25

FLO Baseball - 2025 MLB Mock Draft 1.0-

https://www.flobaseball.tv/articles/13555752-2025-mlb-mock-draft-10-nats-stunner-with-the-no-1-pick  

No. 21 Houston Astros: Brendan Summerhill, OF, Arizona Baseball

The Astros traded Kyler Tucker and Ryan Pressly to the Cubs in two different deals, but they also tried to trade for Nolan Arenado, and they signed Christian Walker, so a rebuild doesn’t look like it’s quite happening.

But with the No. 30-ranked farm system in baseball, according to MLB Pipeline, and No. 29, according to Baseball America, ace Framber Valdez was in trade rumors, too.

 

1-28-25 –

MLB 2025 Mock Draft 2.0: Predictions for Every 1st-Round Pick

https://syndication.bleacherreport.com/amp/10152297-mlb-2025-mock-draft-20-predictions-for-every-1st-round-pick.amp.html

9. Cincinnati Reds: OF Brendan Summerhill, Arizona

Summerhill has only scratched the surface of the raw power potential in his 6'3", 200-pound frame after he hit .324/.399/.550 with 18 doubles, six triples, eight home runs and 59 RBI in 58 games last season. He played center field in the Cape Cod League last summer where he logged a .790 OPS with eight extra-base hits and 12 steals in 24 games, and more in-game power production would send his stock soaring this spring.

 

1-22-25 –

Just Baseball: 2025 MLB Draft – Top 80 College Prospects

https://www.justbaseball.com/college/mlb-draft-top-college-prospects/?s=03  

6. Brendan Summerhill – OF

HT/WT: 6’3/195 | Bat/Throw: L/R | School: Arizona | Age: 21.8

If you’re looking for an outfielder that flat-out hits, look no further than Arizona’s Brendan Summerhill. A long-levered, projectable athlete, Summerhill broke out in a big way in 2024, slashing .324/.399/.550 with 32 extra-base hits in 58 games for the Wildcats.

It’s a beautiful left-handed stroke with easy motions, lightning-quick bat speed, and an uncanny ability to backspin the baseball. There are very few holes in Summerhill’s swing, as he has posted elite whiff rates (87% contact rate in 2024) and possesses great barrel feel.

Summerhill likes to utilize the gaps often and there’s legitimate pull-side juice in the stick, getting up to the 110 MPH barrier this past spring and given the projection, there may be more in the tank.

Summerhill has posted above-average to plus run times and his defensive instincts give him a solid chance of playing center field, though he may get moved off to a corner spot in due time. He has the arm strength to handle right field if such a move occurs. All in all, Summerhill is in line for a massive junior campaign and has put himself into legitimate first-round conversation.

 

1-22-25 –

MLB Pipeline names Brendan Summerhill #10 prospect in 2025 MLB Draft | Cape Cod Baseball League

https://www.capecodleague.com/news/mlb-pipeline-names-brendan-summerhill-10-prospect-in-2025-mlb-draft

The Chicago native had a stellar summer with the Gatemen in 2024. In twenty-four games he posted a .286 batting average with 24 hits, 5 doubles, 1 triple, 2 home runs, and 14 RBIs. His first season in the Cape named him Cape Cod League All-Star, recognizing his tenacity both at the plate and in the outfield.

 

1-16-25 -

An Early Look at the Top 30 Prospects for the 2025 MLB Draft

https://lastwordonsports.com/baseball/2025/01/15/top-30-prospects-2025-mlb-draft/#google_vignette  

9.  Brendan Summerhill, OF, Arizona

Solid contact rate with the chance to stick in CF. There is not current big power in the swing but he has shown a feel to hit with speed that translates to the field.

 

1-8-25 –

2025 MLB Draft: Preseason Top 75 Collegiate Prospects — Prospects Live

https://www.prospectslive.com/prospects-live/2025/1/8/2025-mlb-draft-top-75-collegiate-prospects-7gmhn   -

6. OF Brendan Summerhill, Arizona

Height: 6’3

Weight: 195

B/T: L/R

Draft Day Age: 21 YR 8 MO

Hometown: Chicago, IL

If you're looking for an outfielder that flat-out hits, look no further than Arizona's Brendan Summerhill. A long-levered, projectable athlete, Summerhill broke out in a big way in 2024, slashing .324/.399/.550 with 32 extra-base hits in 58 games for the Wildcats. It's a beautiful left-handed stroke with easy motions, lightning-quick bat speed, and an uncanny ability to backspin the baseball. There are very little holes in Summerhill's swing, as he has posted elite whiff rates (87% contact rate in 2024) and possesses great barrel feel. Summerhill likes to utilize the gaps often and there's legitimate pull-side juice in the stick, getting up to the 110 MPH barrier this past spring and given the projection, there may be more in the tank. Summerhill has posted above-average to plus run times and his defensive instincts give him a solid chance of playing center field, though he may get moved off to a corner spot in due time. He has the arm strength to handle right field if such a move occurs. All in all, Summerhill is in line for a massive junior campaign and has put himself into legitimate first-round conversation.

 

Top 50 college baseball prospects for 2025 MLB draft, per D1Baseball

https://www.ncaa.com/news/baseball/article/2024-12-23/top-50-college-baseball-prospects-2025-mlb-draft-d1baseball     -                

13    Brendan Summerhill    OF    Arizona

 

12-23-24 

White Sox 2025 MLB Draft Notebook 1.0

https://www.futuresox.net/2024/12/23/white-sox-2025-mlb-draft-notebook-1-0/  

9. Cincinnati Reds: Brendan Summerhill, OF, Arizona

The 6-3, 205 pounder might play center field for Arizona this year but he likely profiles in an outfield corner. Summerhill was great in the Cape Cod League and he’s the type of college hitter that flies up draft boards in July.

 

12-10-24 - FSS PLUS:  2025 MLB Mock Draft: So it begins…

https://futurestarsseries.com/2025-mlb-mock-draft/    

16. Minnesota Twins

Brendan Summerhill, OF — Arizona

HOMETOWN: Chicago, Illinois

HEIGHT: 6-3

WEIGHT: 205

BAT/THROW: L-R

Summerhill is a long-levered, angular outfielder with a sweet, lofty left-handed swing and some present game power largely due to his feel for backspinning the baseball. He’s peaked at 110 mph in terms of exit velocities, but proponents of the profile point toward his leaner frame with strength projection on the horizon as a reason to believe there’s louder contact in the tank. It’s a quiet swing with pull-side authority with almost zero holes in his stroke.

Summerhill posts elite whiff rates and is among the best in the country in terms of in-zone swing-outcome production. There’s a whole lot of polish here and there may be more impact on the way.

Summerhill enjoyed a .324/.399/.550 sophomore campaign with the Wildcats and is doing a ton of damage on the Cape right now all while playing a steady centerfield.

 

12-10-24 –

Here's Pipeline's first full 2025 mock draft

https://www.mlb.com/news/first-full-2025-mlb-mock-draft?partnerID=web_article-share  –

5. Cardinals: Brendan Summerhill, OF, Arizona (No. 10)

Summerhill sports one of the sweetest left-handed strokes in this Draft and could develop into a center fielder with five solid or better tools.

 

https://www.on3.com/pro/news/2025-mlb-draft-pipeline-releases-top-100-prospects-rankings-ethan-holliday-jace-laviolette/   -

10. Brendan Summerhill, OF, Arizona

As a freshman in 2023, Summerhill hit .259 with two home runs at Arizona. He was limited to just 75 plate appearances in 22 games, with 20 strikeouts compared to 15 walks.

He took a big step forward in 2024, hitting .325 and slugging .550 with eight home runs and 59 RBI. He again drew a considerable amount of walks, and has shown a great approach at the plate through his collegiate career. One of the most consistent all-around prospects in this class, Summerhill doesn’t really have a weakness

 

9/29/24 - Prospect Live: 2025 MLB Draft: Top 75 Collegiate Prospects

6. OF Brendan Summerhill, Arizona

Height: 6’3

Weight: 195

B/T: L/R

Draft Day Age: 21 YR 8 MO

Hometown: Chicago, IL

If you're looking for an outfielder that flat-out hits, look no further than Arizona's Brendan Summerhill. A long-levered, projectable athlete, Summerhill broke out in a big way in 2024, slashing .324/.399/.550 with 32 extra-base hits in 58 games for the Wildcats. It's a beautiful left-handed stroke with easy motions, lightning-quick bat speed, and an uncanny ability to backspin the baseball.

There are very little holes in Summerhill's swing, as he has posted elite whiff rates (87% contact rate in 2024) and possesses great barrel feel. Summerhill likes to utilize the gaps often and there's legitimate pull-side juice in the stick, getting up to the 110 MPH barrier this past spring and given the projection, there may be more in the tank.

Summerhill has posted above-average to plus run times and his defensive instincts give him a solid chance of playing center field, though he may get moved off to a corner spot in due time. He has the arm strength to handle right field if such a move occurs. All in all, Summerhill is in line for a massive junior campaign and has put himself into legitimate first-round conversation.

 

9/29/24 - 20 college prospects for the '25 Draft

7. Brendan Summerhill, OF, Arizona

Summerhill has one of the sweetest lefty swings in the Draft, not to mention advanced bat-to-ball skills that translated into a .324/.399/.550 line with eight homers in the spring and an all-star summer in the Cape Cod League. If he can add some strength and maintain his solid-to-plus speed, he could be a 20/20 center fielder.

 

8/11/24 - Sports Gambling Podcast - 2025 Mock Draft                          

Brendan Summerhill is a pro prospect with a high floor. He has a super low whiff rate and impacts the baseball with high exit velocity. At a lean 6-3, 195 pounds, there is still a projection for power in Summerhill’s game. He posted a .324 batting average and a .950 OPS season in 2024. The potential for five tools should get Summerhill into 2025’s first round.