MLB draft-eligible prospects to watch in College World Series
The 2025 College World Series will have a different look after three of the top eight national seeds were bounced in dramatic upsets during regional and super regional play. However, there are still two remaining top draft-eligible prospects who could cement their cases to be the No. 1 pick come July with big showings over the next week and a half in Omaha, Nebraska.
Kade Anderson, LSU
Projected pick
MLB.com: 1st, Nationals
The Athletic: 3rd, Mariners
ESPN: 3rd, Mariners
Baseball America: 2nd, Angels
| IP | W/L | ERA | K | WHIP |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 103 | 10-1 | 3.58 | 163 | 1.10 |
The Tigers have another star pitcher who could be selected first overall after Paul Skenes was taken with the No. 1 pick in 2023. Anderson doesn't come with the same hype as Skenes but has drawn comparisons to Yankees ace Max Fried because of their similar builds and deliveries. Anderson made a strong case for being the top college hurler available with dominant outings versus Texas A&M and Dallas Baptist prior to a mediocre performance against West Virginia in the super regional.
Aiva Arquette, Oregon State
Projected pick
MLB.com: 3rd, Mariners
The Athletic: 1st, Nationals
ESPN: 4th, Rockies
Baseball America: 3rd, Mariners
| GP | HR | RBI | R | AVG/OBP/SLG |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 62 | 18 | 65 | 70 | .354/.466/.658 |
Arquette is widely considered to be the best NCAA Division I bat in the draft. Scouts rave about his athleticism, which, along with a 6-foot-5, 220-pound frame, could make him an impact shortstop at the major-league level. He also has the potential to consistently hit 20-25 homers, thanks to a smooth right-handed swing that generates good power.
Brendan Summerhill, Arizona
Projected pick
MLB.com: 16th, Twins
The Athletic: N/A
ESPN: 11th, Athletics
Baseball America: 11th, Athletics
| GP | HR | RBI | R | AVG/OBP/SLG |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 42 | 4 | 34 | 35 | .358/.477./585 |
Summerhill's stock could continue to rise if he has a strong CWS performance, starting with a showdown against Coastal Carolina. He's considered to be one of the best pure hitters in college due to his all-around skill set at the plate. Summerhill played in right field this season, but his strong arm may allow him to be a center fielder in the majors.
Wehiwa Aloy, Arkansas
Projected pick
MLB.com: 23rd, Royals
The Athletic: 11th, Athletics
ESPN: 13th, Giants
Baseball America: 16th, Twins
| GP | HR | RBI | R | AVG/OBP/SLG |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 60 | 20 | 64 | 87 | .348./.433/.668 |
Aloy's 2025 breakout has helped him ascend mock drafts. He posted a 1.101 OPS in his sophomore year following an .841 OPS as a freshman. The 21-year-old Hawaiian projects to be a starting shortstop as a pro, thanks to his solid defense. However, he needs to cut down on strikeouts and improve his baserunning to take another leap.
Honorable mentions: Patrick Forbes (Louisville), Caden Bodine (Coastal Carolina), Zach Root (Arkansas), Gage Wood (Arkansas), Charles Davalan (Arkansas), Anthony Eyanson (LSU), Daniel Dickinson (LSU), Gavin Turley (Oregon State)