The MLB released the top 100 prospect rankings for the 2025 MLB draft that will take place next summer. Here is a rundown of the five highest-ranked college baseball hitters to watch for next season.
Max Belyeu, OF, Texas Longhorns (Draft Prospect Rank, 14th)
Max Belyeu finds himself in the top 15 of the prospect big board. The Texas outfielder has flourished and has had a great career in Austin after being a highly sought-after high school recruit.
After 20 promising-looking at-bats his freshman season, Belyeu was a major threat in the Longhorns’ lineup during 2024. He finished with a .329 average, 53 RBI, and 18 home runs. He was named the Big 12 Player of the Year.
Max Belyeu puts Aggie rumors aside and cements himself as a Longhorn for life. The 2024 Big 12 player of the year is returning to Austin 🤘🏻pic.twitter.com/Z64tEQeAhn
— Gage Sheets (@SheetsG23) July 2, 2024
This Texas team heading into 2025 is loaded with big-time returners. Belyeu fits the bill as one of those players. His hitting numbers show the talent he has with a bat. He is one of the big names that the MLB teams will be looking at this upcoming college baseball season.
Luke Stevenson, C, North Carolina Tar Heels (Draft Prospect Rank, 13th)
Luke Stevenson is a draft-eligible sophomore for the Tar Heels who was impressive during his first season in Chapel Hill.
The catcher’s power was on display with 14 home runs. He got on base often with an OBP of .420. He was also productive generating runs on offense with 58 RBI and 43 runs scored himself. He also finished the season with 60+ hits.
This great play led to him being named to the 2024 All-ACC Freshman team.
C Luke Stevenson (@DiamondHeels) is one of the premier backstops in this year's Draft class. Burst onto the scene as a true Freshman and hit .284/.420/.535 with 8 2B, 2 3B, 14 HR, and 58 RBIs across 64 games. Earned an invitation to Team USA.
Prototypical catcher's build at 6'1"… pic.twitter.com/VzYsh5dVis
— Peter Flaherty III (@PeterGFlaherty) November 10, 2024
Stevenson is poised for a big year for North Carolina. He has great power and a good approach at the plate, making him one of the best catchers in the country for next season, if not the best.
Brendan Summerhill, OF, Arizona Wildcats (Draft Prospect Rank, 10th)
Brendan Summerhill took a massive leap during his 2024 season with Arizona. He was a part of the Pac-12 all-conference team as his batting average leaped to .324 in 258 at-bats.
He also had 75+ hits, 59 RBI, and nearly 20 doubles last season. He was one of the best hitters in the Pac-12, and his plate discipline was solid, as his on-base percentage was near .400.
Summerhill had a great summer in the Cape Cod League, batting .286, and was named an all-star while playing for the Wareham Gatemen.
Make it 4-3 Arizona as Brendan Summerhill laces a bases-clearing double into the RCF gap. EV of 108! Wildcats looking for a big series win over #23 Northeastern. pic.twitter.com/rWSrCVlVRJ
— Peter Flaherty III (@PeterGFlaherty) February 17, 2024
The 21-year-old outfielder has a chance to shine as one of the best players in the Big 12 (Arizona’s new conference), and MLB scouts feel the buzz around him as he lands in the top ten of the 2025 big board.
Aiva Arquette, 2B, Oregon State Beavers (Draft Prospect Rank, 7th)
The Oregon State Beavers needed to find ways to plug holes that Travis Bazzana left in their lineup after his great season in Corvallis. Aiva Arquette is a portal pickup for head coach Mitch Canham that can help fill that void.
While playing for the Washington Huskies, Arquette was a member of the 2024 Pac-12 all-conference team. He was the team leader in batting average (.325) and slugging percentage (.574). He also hit 12 home runs and stepped up his power.
Leading off, going off!
🚀 Aiva Arquette @AivaArquette takes the first pitch of the game and drives it out of the park to give @UW_Baseball the early lead. 9th of the season for Arquette.
103.7 EV
25° LA
420 FT
(from baseball savant) pic.twitter.com/cj9UGBZv6e— PNW College Baseball Report (@PNW_CBR) April 19, 2024
Arquette is also known for his defense on the infield. He was named to the Pac-12 conference’s all-defensive team a season ago.
The 21-year-old from Hawaii can make a mark for the Beavers in their 2025 lineup. If he can put on impressive performances on both offense and defense like he did a season ago. He may hang around as a possible top-ten pick in 2025.
Jace LaViolette, OF, Texas A&M Aggies (Draft Prospect Rank, 2nd)
Jace LaViolette heads into the 2025 college baseball season as arguably the best player in the country. In their initial 2025 draft big board, the MLB scouts think so as he comes in second. He only ranks behind the well-known Oklahoma State commit Ethan Holliday.
In 2024, LaViolette was an All-American, first-team All-SEC, and a member of the All-SEC defensive team.
He was on watchlists all season for the illustrious Golden Spikes Award given to the best player in college baseball. He will be one of the front runners for the hardware again this upcoming season.
This is a damn 4-iron from Jace LaViolette with the Matt Olson finish. Beautiful swing pic.twitter.com/2G7Bb7ETt0
— 11Point7 College Baseball (@11point7) May 18, 2024
His .300+ batting average and 29 home runs show just how much of a threat LaViolette is at the dish. He was walked over 60 times and posted a .449 on-base percentage. He played a big part in Texas A&M leading the country in walks a season ago.
The six-foot-six-inch outfielder is sure to put on a clinic in College Station again in 2025. He has number-one overall pick potential, and his all-around talent is enough to make him the cream of the crop for MLB scouts everywhere.
Three Other Hitters to Watch in Draft Prospect Rankings
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WBN NCAA: https://worldbaseball.com/league/ncaa/
