Introduction to the 2025 MLB Draft: Top college hitters available
Best college hitters available heding into the new year
The College Baseball season is right around the corner, and with the new year kicking in, now is a good time to start our 2025 MLB Draft coverage.
To start, we will have a four-part series that will break down the top players available as we head into the draft season, broken into college hitters, college pitchers, prep pitchers, and prep hitters.
Today, we will start with some of the top college hitters going into the season.
Jace LaViolette
Easily one of the better players in the nation last year, LaViolette hit .305/.449/.726 with 29 home runs and 78 RBI for Texas A&M in 2024. Standing at 6’6”, it’s no surprise that he has near double-plus power. The size may force a move to the corners, but he does move well for someone his size, so he could still get a shot in center after being drafted.
He’s shown great patience at the plate, walking 64 times in 68 games last season. After stealing 18 bases as a freshman, he swiped just seven as a sophomore.
Regardless of the position or how aggressive he is on the bases, the power will make him one of the first players selected in the draft.
Cam Cannarella
Where as Laviolette is more on the power side of things, Cannarella is one of the best bat-to-ball hitters available in the draft. As a sophomore, he hit .337/.417/.561 with 11 home runs and 60 RBI.
He had a lingering shoulder injury during the season, and it prevented him from running the bases. He had 24 stolen bases during his freshman year while going 0-2 in 2024.
Cannarella is a solid fielder with the speed to stick in center field, although MLB Pipeline gives him a ‘40’ arm grade.
Devin Taylor
This draft is strong at the top with college-hitting outfielders, at least heading into the season. Devin Taylor is a player that I wrote down while watching Indiana play last year during the college season.
He finished the season with 20 home runs and a slash line of .357/.449/.660. He has easy plus power and has shown some solid hitting skills. He’s probably the less of the three outfielders when it comes to defense, but the offense is enough to carry him, while still being capable in left field.
Taylor did well in the Cape Cod League last year, hitting five home runs (10 XBH) in 29 games played.
Caden Bodine
The catcher for Coastal Carolina, Bodine hit .328/.411/.523 with 20 doubles (nine home runs) and showed a strong arm behind the plate. He struggled in a brief Cape Cod League appearance and may not hit for much power at the next level.
He’s a serviceable defender and makes solid contact, which is pretty much the only thing you can ask for from your catcher.
Aiva Arquette
After spending his first two years on campus at Washington, Arquette transferred to Oregon State for the 2025 season. He hit .325/.384/.574 with 12 home runs with Washington in 2024 and then posted a .793 OPS in the Cape.
Pipeline believes he may have a shot at short after his performance in the Cape, which would help his draft stock if he gets playing time there. He has a big frame for a middle infielder (6’4”, 220), so it will be interesting to see how he handles the position in 2025.
Ike Irish
Another highly ranked catcher going into the season, Irish split time behind the plate and in the outfield in 2024. He hit well, slashing .319/.403/.627 with 14 home runs and 11 doubles. He also posted a .871 OPS in the Cape Cod League. There are a few more questions about him sticking behind the plate than Bodine, but he’s a capable hitter who’s going to move because of the bat.
Nick Dumesnil
Dumesnil had a really strong season for California Baptist, belting 19 home runs, but he shined in the Cape Cod League using wood bats.
In 36 games, he hit .311/.378/.489 with four home runs and 12 doubles. He struck out 21.7% of his 152 plate appearances while walking another 8.5%.
He’s posted great contact rates, especially against fastballs, and has the potential to play all three outfield positions.
Others to watch in 2025:
Wehiwa Aloy, SS
.270/.355/.485, 14 HR, 56 RBI, 7/7 SB
Nolan Schubart, OF
.370/.513/.858, 23 HR, 68 RBI
Trent Caraway, 3B
.339/.431/.516, 2 HR, 10 RBI, 4/4 SB (18 GP)
Ethan Petry, OF
.306/.471/.639, 21 HR, 53 RBI, 51 BB
Brandon Compton, OF
.355/.427/.661, 14 HR, 57 RBI, 16 2B
Marek Houston, SS
.326/.434/.576, 8 HR, 39 RBI, 38:33 BB:K
Brendan Summerhill, OF
.324/.399/.550, 8 HR, 59 RBI, 18 2B
Murf Gray, 3B
.296/.358/.504, 10 HR, 52 RBI, 18 2B
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How do you pass over a guy named Bodine?
Pirates have the #6 pick (first round), #50 (second round), #75 (Comp Balance B), and #83 (round 3) to start. Wouldn't mind seeing them trade into the Competitive Balance Round A if they can swing it. Waiting 44 spots between picks lets a lot of talent go elsewhere.