Sports

5 Under

Published

5 months ago

August 8, 2025

Earlier this week, we reviewed the top pitching prospect breakouts of the 2025 season. Today, we’ll take a closer look at a handful of pitchers who have slid under the radar, but are still experiencing strong seasons.

Each of these prospects has shown traits that could portend future MLB success, particularly in a starting pitcher’s role. We’ll dig into their performances and explain why they’re worth keeping an eye on heading into 2026.

Ty Johnson, RHP, Rays

The Rays acquired Johnson in the Isaac Paredes deal at the 2024 trade deadline. A 2023 13th-round pick out of Ball State, Johnson has made rapid progress during his time as a professional.

After a noteworthy 2024, he has enjoyed an excellent season with Montgomery in 2025. Across 20 appearances spanning 80 innings, Johnson has a 2.59 ERA, 2.54 FIP and 2.83 xFIP. The 23-year-old has shown serious swing-and-miss stuff, as evidenced by a 17.9% swinging-strike rate and 34.7% strikeout rate.

Johnson mixes three pitches: a four-seam fastball, slider and changeup. The four-seamer sits 94-95 mph and plays up due to Johnson’s low release height and deceptive short arm action. The slider, which is plus and misses bats at a high rate, is a low-to-mid-80s pitch with a short slider shape. The fastball/slider combination accounts for a majority of Johnson’s usage, and it gives him a one-two punch that would likely play up in a bullpen role. The changeup is a work in progress but still sees some regular usage.

Due to his unusual arm action and two-pitch-heavy mix, Johnson has plenty of relief risk. He has excelled as a starter, however, and has started to go deeper into starts over the last month.

Josh Trentadue, LHP, Rangers

A true late-round find for the Rangers, Trentadue was selected out of the Southern Idaho JC in the 14th round of the 2023 draft. After spending all of 2024 with Low-A Hickory working intermittently as a starting pitcher, the 23-year-old lefty has gotten even more opportunities to start in 2025, tossing chunks of four innings primarily. He earned the call to Double-A Frisco last week and has made two starts.

Across all levels this season, Trentadue has pitched to a 1.88 ERA, 2.63 FIP and 3.01 xFIP. He’s rarely seen the third time through the order, which has likely limited some of his exposure. Regardless, Trentadue has shown swing-and-miss skills and at least average command. He’s struck out 32.2% of batters he’s faced while walking just 8.2%.

Trentadue mixes a trio of pitches in a four-seam fastball, slider and changeup. His fastball typically sits 92-94 mph but has sat 95-96 in one-inning stints. He generates a good plane on his fastball from a 5-foot-6 release height, which allows the pitch to play above its velocity. His primary secondary is a low-80s slider with around nine inches of sweep. Trentadue doesn’t throw his changeup much, but it shows good velocity and vertical separation off his fastball.

T.J. Nichols, RHP, Rays

Promoted to Double-A earlier this week, Nichols has been one of the better stories in the Rays’ system this season.

Nichols emerged over 19 appearances with High-A Bowling Green, pitching to a 3.63 ERA, 4.56 FIP and 2.87 xFIP. Home runs have been a bit of an issue for Nichols at times this year—a product of being fastball-heavy at the top of the zone. His bat-missing abilities have helped drive his success in 2025, as Nichols has struck out 30.4% of batters faced while running a 14.2% swinging-strike rate and 32.5% CSW rate.

Nichols’ arsenal features a four-seam fastball, slider and changeup. His heater displays a solid combination of velocity, movement and release traits. Nichols also shows excellent command of the pitch, driving high strike rates and zone rates. His primary secondary is the slider, which sits in the mid-to-high 80s with a cutter-like shape. Nichols also uses his changeup regularly, and it shows good velocity and vertical separation off his fastball.

Nichols has unique traits, power and three average-or-better pitches. He remains one of the most underrated pitching prospects in the minors.

Mitch Bratt, LHP, Diamondbacks

Acquired by the D-backs from the Rangers in the Merrill Kelly trade at the deadline, Bratt has enjoyed a breakout season of sorts in 2025. A 2021 fifth-round prep pick out of Georgia Premier Academy, Bratt has spent parts of five seasons climbing the minor league ladder.

This year, Bratt has found success pitching to a 3.21 ERA, 3.46 FIP and 2.92 xFIP. Despite having pedestrian stuff, he has shown the ability to drive swings and misses, striking out 29% of batters faced while generating swinging strikes at a rate of 13.7%. Both numbers bode well for Bratt’s ability to continue missing bats as he moves up to the game’s highest levels.

Bratt has a deep repertoire of pitches, throwing a four-seam fastball, slider, curveball, cutter and changeup. His four-seamer is his best pitch and, despite sitting 91-93 mph, it’s a good bat-missing pitch. The pitcher elicits the highest swinging-strike rate in his arsenal and uses good plane and deception to drive swings and misses. His slider is his primary secondary and is used regularly against both lefthanded hitters and righthanded hitters.

Bratt utilizes his entire arsenal against righties by changing shapes and eye levels as he looks to make opposing-handed hitters uncomfortable. That said, he will need to find a more cohesive plan if he’s going to continue to get results, as he’s struggled against righthanded hitters overall in his career.

David Shields, LHP, Royals

The Royals landed Shields in the second round of the 2024 draft, and the talented lefty made his debut with a single appearance in the Arizona Complex League this spring before he was assigned to Low-A Columbia.

Over 14 starts this season with the Fireflies, Shields has pitched to a 2.39 ERA, 2.90 FIP and a 2.78 xFIP. Still only 18 years old for another month, he has shown advanced strike-throwing capabilities, walking just 5.3% of batters he’s faced in his full-season debut. He’s shown a variety of ways to get outs, as evidenced by an ability to drive both swings and misses (11% swinging strike rate) and ground balls (45.1% rate).

While Shields lacks power at the moment, he shows a collection of projectable pitch shapes in an arsenal featuring a four-seam fastball, slider, changeup and curveball. His slider has been a good bat-missing pitch this season with a 34% whiff rate. It sits 81-82 mph, and Shields shows the ability to back-door it to righthanded hitters and front-door it to lefties.

In left-on-left matchups, Shields can become somewhat predictable, as he works a slider and fastball almost exclusively. This is likely a prime reason for Shields’ reverse splits. He’s dominated righthanded hitters this season, as they’ve hit just .186/.238/.229 against him. Lefthanded hitters are a different story, as they’ve hit .271/.317/.373 this season.

Expanding his repertoire and adding power will be key components of Shields’ development in the coming years.

Sports

Tomashek named GLIAC Offensive Player of the Week

Published

4 hours ago

December 23, 2025

Your Sports Nation

HOUGHTON, Mich. – Michigan Tech men’s basketball senior Marcus Tomashek has been named the GLIAC Offensive Player of the Week for week six, the league office announced on Monday.

The honor marks the ninth of his career and the first of his senior season.

Tomashek, a standout from Green Bay, Wisconsin, averaged 30.5 points, 5.5 assists and 2.5 rebounds to lead the No. 9 nationally-ranked Huskies to win over Florida Tech (64-52) before blitzing the high-flying offense of the Lynn Fighting Knights (105-67) at the Florida Tech Christmas Classic over the weekend to wrap non-conference play with a 11-1 record overall.

In the largest scoring game against a Division II opponent in over 15 years, Tomashek netted a season-high 39 points in the 105-67 win on 14-21 from the field and 11-17 from 3-point land, breaking the school record for single-game 3-point field goals made, surpassing fellow Husky All-Americans Kyle Monroe and Ben Stelzer. He also added four assists that helped the Huskies break the team record for most 3-point field goals made with 23.

Tomashek finished the weekend shooting 54.1 percent from the field (20-37), 50 percent from long range (14-28) and a perfect 7-7 from the charity stripe.

The Huskies resume GLIAC play next weekend, hosting Grand Valley State Thursday and Davenport on Saturday.

Link

Sports

SCAC Announces 2025 Fall All-Sportsmanship Teams

Published

4 hours ago

December 23, 2025

Your Sports Nation

SUWANEE, Ga. — The Southern Collegiate Athletic Conference (SCAC) today announced its 18th annual fall All-Sportsmanship teams. A total of 63 student-athletes – the most since 2011-12 – were selected to the 2025 squad in the sports of men’s cross country, women’s cross country, football, men’s soccer, women’s soccer and volleyball.

Since the inaugural All-Sportsmanship teams were honored in the fall of 2008, the SCAC has recognized over 2,500 student-athletes who each, in his or her own way, has displayed the league’s core belief in the value of honorable conduct.

For this year’s selections, each conference head coach was asked to elect one member from his or her team who displayed good sportsmanship throughout the season.

The 2025 SCAC All-Sportsmanship honorees for the fall sports season are listed below:

2025 All-Sportsmanship Men’s Cross Country Team
Centenary College – Zack Wroten, Fy., Benton, Louisiana
Colorado College – Luc Santos, Sr., Exeter, New Hampshire
Concordia University (Texas) – Gerardo Leal, Fy., Dallas, Texas
University of Dallas – Martin Lane, So., Hot Springs, South Dakota
Hendrix College – Davin Barragan, Fy., Hot Springs, Arkansas
LeTourneau University – Austin Jett, Jr., Magnolia, Texas
McMurry University – Roman Perez, Sr., Big Spring, Texas
University of the Ozarks – Daniel Sanderson, Sr., Clarksville, Arkansas
Schreiner University – Sean Dansby, Jr., Pasadena, Texas
University of St. Thomas – Mason McFeeters, Jr., Lake Jackson, Texas
Texas Lutheran University – Peyton Bristow, Fy., Round Rock, Texas

2025 All-Sportsmanship Women’s Cross Country
Centenary College – Grayson Shugart, So., McKinney, Texas
Colorado College – Brooktie Frogge, Sr., Nashville, Tennessee
Concordia University (Texas) – Camille McWhorter, Jr., Humble, Texas
University of Dallas – Teresa Chshen, Jr., River Ridge, Louisiana
Hendrix College – Pippy Newell, Fy., Owasso, Oklahoma
LeTourneau University – Alayna Galloway, Sr., Montgomery, Texas
McMurry University – Madison Soultanova, Sr., Jacksonville, Texas
University of the Ozarks – Chloe Weathers, Sr., Clarksville, Arkansas
Schreiner University – Piper Hoeke, So., Boerne, Texas
University of St. Thomas – Alejandra Ramon, Jr., Klein, Texas
Texas Lutheran University – Audrey Malbrough, So., Selma, Texas

2025 All-Sportsmanship Football
Austin College – Evan Dennis, Sr., McKinney, Texas
Centenary College – Gideon Bowman, So., Destrehan, Louisiana
Hendrix College – Auvic White, Sr., Munford, Tennessee
Lyon College – Grayson Johnson, Jr., Anniston, Alabama
McMurry University – Kimani Smith, Sr., Austin, Texas
Texas Lutheran University – Anthony Ortegon, Jr., Houston, Texas

2025 All-Sportsmanship Men’s Soccer
Austin College – Justin Ajdukovich, Sr., Frisco, Texas
Centenary College – Joshua Mensah, So., Baton Rouge, Louisiana
Colorado College – Will Jones, So., Colorado Springs, Colorado
Concordia University (Texas) – Steven Dolan, Jr., Bellevue, Washington
University of Dallas – Josh Longlois, So., Houston, Texas
Hendrix College – Charlie Mata, Sr., Houston, Texas
LeTourneau University – Nate Bransford, Sr., Kijabe, Kenya
McMurry University – Abel Gonzalez, Fy., Dallas, Texas
University of the Ozarks – Hunter Robert, Sr., Montgomery, Texas
Schreiner University – Derek Toney, Fy., San Antonio, Texas
University of St. Thomas – Elijah Flores, Sr., Missouri City, Texas
Texas Lutheran University – Preston Huff, Sr., Houston, Texas

2025 All-Sportsmanship Women’s Soccer
Austin College – Lynna Martin, Fy., Paris, Texas
Centenary College – Anna Hobart, Fy., Natchitoches, Louisiana
Concordia University (Texas) – Lilianna Cherry, Jr., Kingwood, Texas
University of Dallas – Kit Gibbons, Sr., Tomball, Texas
Hendrix College – Ella Kelly, Sr., Webster Groves, Missouri
LeTourneau University – Clarissa Martinez, Sr., Richwood, Texas
McMurry University – Alexandria Flores, Jr., San Angelo, Texas
University of the Ozarks – Jayden Vazquez, So., Dardanelle, Arkansas
Schreiner University – Aspen Ulibarri, So., Clovis, New Mexico
University of St. Thomas – Bre Medina, Fy., Pearland, Texas
Texas Lutheran University – Alysa Marquez, Jr., Miami, Florida

2025 All-Sportsmanship Volleyball
Austin College – Selah Coleman, Sr., Houston, Texas
Centenary College – Hannah Dimmel, Jr., Navasota, Texas
Colorado College – Meghan Gannon, Jr., Cleveland, Ohio
Concordia University (Texas) – Camryn Parker, Sr., Garland, Texas
University of Dallas – Breana Timms, Fy., Mansfield, Texas
Hendrix College – Lily Meyer, Sr., Omaha, Nebraska
LeTourneau University – Emma Smith, Sr., San Antonio, Texas
McMurry University – Jalie Miller, So., Rockwall, Texas
University of the Ozarks – Claire Zeiler, Fy., Paris, Arkansas
Schreiner University – Emma Frye, Jr., Tigard, Oregon
University of St. Thomas – Madi Baker, Jr., Rancho Cucamonga, California
Texas Lutheran University – Ryann Ely, Sr., Montgomery, Texas

To view an archive of past All-Sportsmanship teams, click here.

Link

Sports

RICHARDSON NAMED TO ACADEMIC ALL-LEAGUE TEAM

Published

4 hours ago

December 23, 2025

Your Sports Nation

SIOUX FALLS, S.D. – South Dakota State junior Joslyn Richardson was one of four repeat honorees on the 2025 Summit League Volleyball Academic All-League Team released by conference officials Monday. A total of seven volleyball athletes league-wide were named to the team that was voted on by the membership’s faculty athletic representatives and sports information directors.

Richardson, a two-time Summit League Scholar of the Championship presented by JLG Architects, collected the second all-academic honor of her career.

Richardson played every match as the Jackrabbits’ libero in 2025 and led the team in digs per set with 3.31. She also set a new program record with 41 ace serves this year.

To be eligible for the Academic All-League team, a student-athlete must have a cumulative grade point average of at least 3.30 (on a 4.0 scale), completed at least one full academic year at the current institution and participated in 50 percent of their team’s competitions.

Nominations are brought forth by sports information directors from the league’s ten institutions and voting is conducted by both the SIDs and facility athletic representatives (FARs). The team is made up of the seven student-athletes receiving the most votes with all ties standing.

2025 Summit League Volleyball Academic All-League Team

Name	School	Yr.	Pos.	GPA	Major
Ally Barth	NDSU	Sr.	MB	3.94	Management Communication
Kamryn Farris	South Dakota	Sr.	DS	3.75	Business
Avery Van Hook**	South Dakota	Jr.	S	3.87	Kinesiology & Sport Management
Kali Jurgensmeier**	Omaha	Sr.	OH	3.82	Biology
Amanda Loschen	South Dakota	Jr.	MB	3.86	Medical Biology
Lauren Perugini**	North Dakota	Jr.	OH	4.00	Dietetics
Joslyn Richardson**	SDSU	Jr.	DS	4.00	Construction Management

*Career Academic All-League honors

-GoJacks.com-

Link

Sports

Una Vajagic becomes first Badger Volleyball starter to transfer after national semifinal run | Sports

Published

4 hours ago

December 23, 2025

Your Sports Nation

MADISON, Wis. — In a surprising move on the volleyball court, Una Vajagic has announced that she is entering the transfer portal. This news is a stunner for Badger fans, as the sophomore ranked second on the team in kills and becomes the first Badger starter to leave since their national semifinal run.

Vajagic was expected to take on a larger role next season with the graduation of Mimi Colyer and Carter Booth. However, head coach Kelly Sheffield is already taking steps to replenish the roster, bringing in Florida’s Jaela Auguste, a Middle Blocker, and Eva Travis, an Outside Hitter from UC-Santa Barbara.

Looking ahead, there is promising news for Wisconsin volleyball. According to PrepDig, Wisconsin boasts the #1 recruiting class in the nation, incoming in 2026. This signals a bright future for the program despite the unexpected departure of Vajagic.

Link

Sports

Tigers Picked Fourth in EIVA Preseason Poll

Published

5 hours ago

December 23, 2025

Your Sports Nation

PRINCETON, N.J. – The Tigers were picked to finish fourth in the EIVA preseason poll, announced Monday. Mason Rice and Ryan Vena were named EIVA preseason players to watch.

With 26 points, Princeton is fourth in the rankings behind Penn State, which was unanimously selected first, NJIT, and George Mason.

Vena and Rice were named players to watch by the EIVA coaches. Vena, a senior middle blocker, was a First Team All-EIVA honoree in 2025. Rice, a sophomore pin, was named to the Second Team All-EIVA after a breakout freshman season.

In 2025, the Tigers went 15-11 overall and 10-2 in the EIVA, winning the EIVA regular season championship before falling to Penn State in the EIVA tournament finals.

The Tigers will kick off the 2026 season on January 3rd as they take on Toronto Metropolitan on the road in Canada. First serve is set for 8 p.m.

2026 EIVA Preseason Coaches’ Poll

Rank

Team (First-place votes)

Points

2025 Record

Penn State (7)

15-16, 8-4

NJIT

14-13, 8-4

George Mason

16-13, 6-6

Princeton

15-11, 10-2

T-5

Charleston

12-17, 5-7

T-5

Harvard

9-15, 5-7

Sacred Heart

6-17, 0-12

Link

Sports

Barth Named to Summit League Volleyball All-Academic Team

Published

5 hours ago

December 23, 2025

Your Sports Nation

SIOUX FALLS, S.D. – Senior middle blocker Ally Barth has been named to the Summit League Volleyball All-Academic Team for the first time in her career, the league office announced on Monday afternoon.

Barth boasts a 3.94 GPA in Management Communication and was one of seven players in the Summit League to earn a spot on the Academic All-League Team. The Verona, Wis., native was also named to the CSC Academic All-District Team for the third time in her career earlier this month.

To be eligible for the Academic All-League team, a student-athlete must have a cumulative grade point average (GPA) of at least 3.30 (on a 4.0 scale), completed at least one full academic year at the current institution and participated in 50 percent of their team’s competitions, except pitchers who must have participated in 20 percent of their team’s total contests.

Nominations are brought forth by sports information directors from the league’s participating members, and voting is conducted by both SIDs and FARs.

The full Summit League release can be viewed here.

Link