9/15/24

2025 Draft - 10 College Players to Know

 

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Jace LaViolette, OF, Texas A&M

LaViolette is a 6-foot-6, 230-pound left-handed hitting outfielder with above-average raw power to all fields. He doesn’t chase a lot out of the strike zone and tallies a lot of walks. He needs to limit his strikeouts and improve his overall bat-to-ball skills. But overall, he’s a tremendous hitter with star potential in the middle of the order. 

Defensively, LaViolette mostly played center field at Texas A&M this spring. He is a respectable athlete for his size and figures to move to a corner outfield spot in pro ball.

 

Jamie Arnold, LHP, Florida State

Arnold is a 6-foot-1, 191-pound lefty who throws a mid-90s fastball and quality slider from a low three-quarters arm slot. He attacks the strike zone and rarely issues walks. He needs to develop more consistency with his changeup, but he has all the ingredients to be a quality top-of-the-rotation starter in pro ball.

 

Devin Taylor, OF, Indiana

Taylor is a 6-foot-1, 215-pound left-handed hitting outfielder known for his skills at the plate. He uses a simple swing to drive the baseball with authority due to his above-average raw power. He also displays outstanding plate recognition and quality strike zone discipline.

Taylor has handled a corner outfield spot in his first two years at Indiana. He has respectable athleticism and average arm strength.

 

Cam Cannarella, OF, Clemson

Cannarella is a 6-foot, 180-pound left-handed hitting outfielder known for his contact skills, approach and ability to use the entire field. He occasionally shows some power, but his game is built around hitting line drives in the gaps and making a difference with his speed on the bases.

Defensively, Cannarella has above-average speed and strong instincts in center field. He has the tools to remain in center field long-term.

 

Caden Bodine, C, Coastal Carolina

Bodine is a really intriguing college-catching prospect. The 5-foot-10, 197-pound switch hitter has an outstanding contact rate and strong plate discipline. He consistently barrels up the baseball and profiles right now as a more hit-over-power profile. He occasionally taps into some power.

Defensively, Bodine will remain behind the plate long-term due to his strong and accurate arm, athleticism and improved blocking skills.

 

Chase Shores, RHP, LSU

Shores dominated college hitters as a freshman in 2023 before suffering an injury and ultimately having Tommy John surgery that cost him the entire 2024 season. When healthy, the 6-foot-8, 245-pound right-hander boasts a high-90s fastball with a quality slider and changeup. He uses a low-effort delivery and throws from a three-quarters arm slot.

In addition to showing he’s fully healthy, Shores must show more consistency with his pitch mix and command and control. He has huge potential.

 

Tyler Bremner, RHP, UC Santa Barbara

Bremner is a premier college baseball pitcher. The 6-foot-2, 190-pound righty took a notable step forward, notching 104 strikeouts and 21 walks in 88 2/3 innings. He relies on a mid-90s fastball, which features late movement, changeup andslider. Both breaking pitches flash above-average potential, with his changeup as his go-to strikeout pitch. 

He uses a low-effort delivery and a three-quarters arm slot. He projects as a quality pro starter and has a realistic chance of being the first pitcher selected in the 2025 MLB draft.

 

Nick Dumesnil, OF, California Baptist

Dumesnil became an everyday player for California Baptist and capitalized on the opportunity, showing an exciting combination of bat-to-ball skills and power potential. The 6-foot-2, 205-pound right-handed hitter also is having success in the Cape Cod League this summer. 

He consistently puts together quality at-bats, rarely swings and misses at pitches, and can drive the baseball to all fields. Defensively, Dumesnil has above-average speed and profiles well in center field long-term. Dumesnil has five-tool potential in pro ball.

 

Ike Irish, C, Auburn

Irish is a bat-first player known for his advanced offensive skill set. The 6-foot-2, 210-pound left-handed hitter has above-average contact skills with quality power potential. He consistently drives the ball to all parts of the field and doesn’t frequently strikeout. Defensively, Irish split time at catcher and in the outfield at Auburn this spring.

 

Nolan Schubart, OF, Oklahoma State

Schubart is an offensive-first outfielder who has played left field for Oklahoma State in his first two years. The 6-foot-5, 230-pound left-handed hitter hits the ball hard and boasts tons of power. 

He has struggled with swings and misses during his first two years and must improve his plate discipline. If he can make strides in that area, Schubart projects as a potential middle-of-the-order hitter.

4 comments:

Tom Brennan said...

Do we have any chance at any of these?

Mack Ade said...

Sure, but it gets more distant the lower the Mets get to pick

I don't see them getting under the luxury tax so consider us picking 29th or 30th

You have pitchers and high school players to throw in the mix plus a whole season for others to develop

Mack Ade said...

You would have to sell off both Marte and McNeil for full contract to accomplish this

Mack Ade said...

Regarding Acuña...

It has been reported by scouts that he has potential Gold Glove ability in CF, regardless of his lack of height

Speed is number one talent needed out there

If September pans out for him... you could see him starting there in 2025 and hitting 2nd behind Lindor