The Golden Spikes Award is given to the best player in college baseball. Here is a look at some top candidates to bring home the award in 2025 before all the action begins.
The power-hitting outfielder out of Texas A&M is primed to stake his claim as the best player in the country.
During his All-American season a year ago, Jace LaViolette batted .305 and had an on-base percentage of .449. His power grew immensely as he hit 29 long balls in 2024.
His 64 walks were a big contributor to his success. They also helped the Aggies become the most-walked team in college baseball last season.
LaViolette was also great in the field a year ago, as he committed zero errors for a 1.000 fielding percentage. This led to All-SEC defensive team honors.
Basically, Texas A&M’s prized outfielder is the complete package as a baseball player. His combination of excellent hitting and fielding makes him arguably the top candidate for the Golden Spikes Award.
His name is Jace LaViolette and he hits bombs. pic.twitter.com/NFcZIjIW3Z
— Texas A&M Athletics (@12thMan) May 20, 2023
Cam Cannarella’s career at Clemson has been nothing short of spectacular. It has been back-to-back seasons hitting .335+, with 107 RBI in his first two seasons.
His on-base percentage has also been great in both seasons, sitting above .400 in 2023 and 2024.
In 2024, his power improved as he reached double figures and hit 11 home runs.
The part of Cannarella’s game that stands out the most is his ability to make big plays happen.
His heroics during Clemson’s battle against Florida in last season’s super regional included a game-tying three-run home run and a “Willie Mays-type” catch to keep the Tigers right in the game.
CAM CANNARELLA 3-RUN HOMER TO TIE IT IN THE 9TH 🔥
THE CLEMSON SUPER REGIONAL 🍿 pic.twitter.com/nBIcBuEqJX
— ESPN (@espn) June 9, 2024
THE GREATEST CATCH IN BASEBALL HISTORY NO ARGUMENT ‼️
Oh yeah, and he hit a game tying 3 run homer in the 9th inning.
Cam Cannarella is built for the moment 🔥🔥🔥 pic.twitter.com/TKli4nST5I
— 11Point7 College Baseball (@11point7) June 9, 2024
Heading into the 2025 college baseball season, it seems like Jamie Arnold will be the ace everybody has their eyes on.
It was an excellent 2024 season for the Florida State southpaw. In 105.2 innings, he finished with a 2.98 ERA and had 159 strikeouts.
His low walk-rate of 5.8% and the sub-.225 opposing batting average he allowed gave him a headache for opposing lineups throughout last season.
With an 11-3 record a season ago, the Seminoles are in good shape to win most of their games when he gets the start.
It would not be shocking to see them win every game Arnold is on the mound.
The upside for the Tampa native is huge. He can stroll through 2025 with some Golden Spikes hardware as possibly the best pitcher in college baseball.
Thinking about Jamie Arnold’s immaculate inning from last season. Totally unconscious. 9 pitches, 3 strikeouts 😮💨🍢#FSUTwitter pic.twitter.com/4489YzY96r
— Link Jarrett’s Burner 🍢 (@bgoodrich210) November 7, 2024
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WBN NCAA: https://worldbaseball.com/league/ncaa/
