D1 Standouts to Watch in the 2025 MLB Draft

The MLB Draft is less than two weeks away. College stars are ready to prove that they are not only the best of the best in the NCAA but also belong on the biggest stage in the country. On July 13th, many of these athletes will get to check “get drafted by a professional team” off their bucket list. Some of the standout athletes who will likely be drafted include Jamie Arnold of Florida State, Ike Irish of Auburn, and Gage Wood and Zach Root of Arkansas. 

Jamie Arnold

The left-handed pitcher from Florida State, Jamie Arnold, has a lot to offer many of the MLB’s growing farm systems. He’s been a standout D1 pitcher since the 2024 season, where he ended his sophomore season third among every D1 pitcher. His fastball can reach an impressive 97 mph, and his range of pitches can fill the strike zone effectively. Arnold’s performance in the 2024 season, with Team USA last summer, and his success with FSU this past season make him likely to be selected in the middle of the first round. 

Gage Wood

Arkansas pitcher Gage Wood missed a few months of the regular season due to a shoulder injury. However, this did not stop him from coming back in full force during the postseason. Wood’s fastball sits in the mid-90s and may be one of the best in the draft this year. His curveball, which can reach 85 mph, has also served him well. The 21-year-old showed just how competitive he can get on the mound, throwing a historic no-hitter against Murray State in the College World Series. 

Zach Root

Zach Root spent his first two seasons at East Carolina University before entering the transfer portal following ECU’s heartbreaking regional loss to Evansville in 2024. Root has thrived in his new role as the Razorbacks’ ace. Unlike many Division 1 pitchers, Root does not have one overpowering pitch. Instead, his arsenal of four pitches is what makes him stand out. His most effective of the four is his changeup. The 2025 Arkansas pitching rotation has a lot to offer MLB teams this draft season.

Ike Irish

Auburn’s Ike Irish is arguably the best offensive D1 player of 2025. In 28 conference games, he produced 13 total home runs. He has potential to be both a key offensive and catching prospect in this year’s draft. However, a scapula injury in March has slowly taken away the demand for Irish’s talent behind home plate. Despite being unable to show out in the catcher position, Irish's outfield performances and strong offensive ability make him a strong first-round contender.