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Jim Bowden's top 50 MLB prospects include Konnor Griffin, JJ Wetherholt and Kevin McGonigle

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4 months ago

September 3, 2025

Jim Bowden's top 50 MLB prospects include Konnor Griffin, JJ Wetherholt and Kevin McGonigle

With many of the minor league regular seasons coming to a close soon, it’s a good time to look at top prospects who remain in the minors (or were just called up after MLB rosters expanded on Monday) so we can get excited for the potential new wave of MLB talent next season.

My top 50 prospect list often differs from other publications’ rankings. I’ve always just called it the way I see it. I don’t go by industry consensus, nor do I compare my list with those of other outlets. This is simply my evaluation based on what I’ve seen of the prospects in person and/or via video.

Analyzing players and debating about them remain fun parts of our game, whether you’re in a major-league boardroom, like I was for more than a quarter century, or in your living room at home. Disagreements are normal, among both professional evaluators and fans, so I welcome your feedback in the comments section.

Below is my list of who I consider to be the top 50 prospects in baseball at this moment.

(Note: Players promoted to the major leagues before Sept. 1 were not eligible for this list.)

Statistics are updated through Sept. 1 unless otherwise noted. Players’ ages are as of Sept. 3. Players’ current level is listed after their names.

Jim Bowden’s scouting grades are based on the 20-80 scouting scale, in which 20-30 is well below average, 40 is below average, 50 is average, 60 is above average, equivalent to All-Star, Gold Glover and Silver Slugger, and 70-80 is well above average, like an MVP or Hall of Famer. PWR denotes Power; FLD: Fielding; FB: Fastball; CT: Cutter; CB: Curveball; CH: Changeup; SLI: Slider; SF: Split Finger; CTL: Control; CMND: Command.

1. Konnor Griffin, SS/OF, Pittsburgh Pirates (Double A)

Age: 19
Bats: R Throws: R
Height: 6-4 Weight: 227
Scouting Grades: HIT: 55 PWR: 60 RUN: 70 ARM: 65 FLD: 60

Griffin has separated himself as the clear No. 1 prospect in baseball due to a hit tool that took a big leap forward this year, thanks to adjustments that included shortening his swing. He’s now a complete five-tool player with an impressive 6-foot-4 build. He delivers consistent, loud sweet-spot contact and elite bat speed. He has a tantalizing power/speed combination that makes it easy to project him as a future 30 home run/50 stolen base impact player when he’s fully developed. Defensively, he currently can handle shortstop and has center field as a viable fallback if he gets too big for the shortstop position.

2. JJ Wetherholt, 2B/SS, St. Louis Cardinals (Triple A)

Age: 22
Bats: L Throws: R
Height: 5-10 Weight: 191
Scouting Grades: HIT: 70 PWR: 55 RUN: 55 ARM: 50 FLD: 55

Wetherholt can flat-out rake. He is major-league ready now and should have a real opportunity to make the Cardinals’ big-league roster out of spring training. He can play shortstop, but due to the presence of Masyn Winn, Wetherholt’s best position will be second base for St. Louis, where he should develop into an All-Star caliber player. He has the tools to reach base at a 40 percent clip thanks to his ability to spray the ball around the field and draw his share of walks. Combine that with plus power and speed and he should develop into at least a 20 home run/20 stolen base type of offensive talent with the athleticism and soft hands to become an above-average second baseman. He has all the necessary intangibles, as well.

3. Kevin McGonigle, SS, Detroit Tigers (Double A)

Age: 21
Bats: L Throws: R
Height: 5-10 Weight: 190
Scouting Grades: HIT: 75 PWR: 55 RUN: 55 ARM: 50 FLD: 50

McGonigle has arguably the best hit tool among all the top prospects on this list. He has elite bat-to-ball skills, rarely striking out, and has the ability to hit both high velocity and nasty breaking balls. He has posted tremendous exit velocity numbers and should end up with well-above-average power. He also has above-average speed. Although he has the ability to stay at shortstop, he could also be an option for the Tigers at second or third base, wherever their biggest need is at the time of his debut. He’ll be fast to the big leagues and has a strong chance of winning a batting title someday.

4. Max Clark, CF, Detroit Tigers (Double A)

Age: 20
Bat: L Throws: L
Height: 6-0 Weight: 205
Scouting Grades: HIT: 60 PWR: 50 RUN: 70 ARM: 60 FLD: 65

Clark leads all prospects in both swag and style and will be a fan favorite when he arrives in Motown thanks to his positive and energetic personality. Clark is a true center fielder with double-plus range in all directions and the arm strength to match. He is a top-of-the-order table-setter: He knows how to get on base, can steal a bag, and can score from first on a double with his aggressive approach on the bases. He has average power now, but I believe he will eventually have plus power. To think the Tigers will soon have McGonigle and Clark creating traffic for Riley Greene, Spencer Torkelson and Kerry Carpenter. Tigers fans should be excited.

5. Leo De Vries, SS, Athletics (Double A)

Age: 18
Bats: B Throws: R
Height: 6-1 Weight: 184
Scouting Grades: HIT: 60 PWR: 50 RUN: 55 ARM: 55 FLD: 55

The Athletics and Padres made the most shocking deal of this year’s trade deadline when the Padres traded their top prospect, De Vries, to the A’s for closer Mason Miller, he of the 103 mph fastball. However, the deal made sense for both teams, as the Padres have a chance to win a World Series this year while the A’s are building for three years from now when they move to Las Vegas. De Vries is just 18 years old, which is hard to believe when you watch the way he works the count and draws his walks. He’s a switch hitter who hit for more power this season from the left side than the right. However, he has the bat speed and exit velocity from both sides of the plate for that to even out in time (and, in fact, he hit for more power from the right side last season). It’s fun to watch him play shortstop due to his range to both sides and soft hands with plus arm strength.

Travis Bazzana, last year’s No. 1 pick, has spent most of this season in Double A and Triple A. (George Kubas / Diamond Images via Getty Images)

6. Travis Bazzana, 2B, Cleveland Guardians (Triple A)

Age: 23
Bats: L Throws: R
Height: 6-0 Weight: 200
Scouting Grades: HIT: 70 PWR: 55 RUN: 60 ARM: 50 FLD: 50

Bazzana, the No. 1 pick in last year’s draft, has gotten off to a relatively slow start in his professional career based on the pre-draft expectations. However, he is a professional hitter who works the count, makes contact and uses the whole field. He hit 28 home runs his junior year at Oregon State and although he has hit only five this year in 271 at-bats, the power is in there. He has strong baseball instincts and is a smart base runner, with 16 stolen bases in 18 attempts to start his minor-league career. He’s the future second baseman for the Guardians, and I’d estimate he will reach the majors in June 2026.

7. Colt Emerson, SS/3B, Seattle Mariners (Double A)

Age: 20
Bats: L Throws: R
Height: 6-0 Weight: 198
Scouting Grades: HIT: 65 PWR: 50 RUN: 50 ARM: 55 FLD: 50

Every trade discussion the Mariners had at the deadline would start with opposing GMs asking for Emerson, who was immediately taken off the table — and for good reason. He’s clearly the best hitting prospect in the Mariners system thanks to a smooth, straight-to-the-ball swing that results in consistent hard contact. He has the ability to hit the ball all over the field and will draw his share of walks, too. He has average power now, but that should turn into plus power when fully developed. He’s good enough defensively to stay at shortstop but will be a viable option at third and second base for Seattle.

8. Walker Jenkins, OF, Minnesota Twins (Triple A)

Age: 20
Bats: L Throws: R
Height: 6-3 Weight: 212
Scouting Grades: HIT: 60 PWR: 55 RUN: 55 ARM: 60 FLD: 55

Jenkins is an outstanding hitter with plus power. He is a good defender in center field, although his best position is probably going to be right field. He shows off much more power in BP than in games but that will catch up in time. Jenkins has proven he can hit high velocity and he stays back on breaking balls extremely well. He’s an intelligent base runner who can steal a base. I see Jenkins as a future All-Star-caliber outfielder.

9. Bryce Eldridge, 1B, San Francisco Giants (Triple A)

Age: 20
Bats: L Throws: R
Height: 6-7 Weight: 241
Scouting Grades: HIT: 55 PWR: 75 RUN: 40 ARM: 60 FLD: 45

The Giants refused to part with Eldridge in the Rafael Devers trade, and I don’t blame them. Now that they have both Devers and Eldridge, their plan is for the pair to provide the power in the middle of their lineup for the next several years. Eldridge has a short, quick left-handed swing that shows off his ridiculous strength and leverage. He needs to continue to focus on not swinging at pitches out of the strike zone. If he can tighten up his plate discipline, he profiles to be a high batting average and on-base percentage hitter with 30 home run-type power. Look for him to bash many baseballs into McCovey Cove for years to come.

10. Ethan Holliday, SS, Colorado Rockies (Low A)

Age: 18
Bats: L Throws: R
Height: 6-4 Weight: 212
Scouting Grades: HIT: 50 PWR: 70 RUN: 50 ARM: 55 FLD: 50

The Rockies were fortunate that Holliday fell to them at No. 4 in this year’s draft, as many analysts — including myself — thought he had the most potential of any player in this class. Holliday has tremendous leadership qualities and should in time develop into the face of the Rockies franchise. He’s power-over-hit right now and eventually could end up at third base. Regardless of his spot on the left side of the infield, he has the potential to become a middle-of-the-order impact bat.

11. Eli Willits, SS, Washington Nationals (Low A)

Age: 17
Bats: B Throws: R
Height: 6-1 Weight: 188
Scouting Grades: HIT: 60 PWR: 45 RUN: 65 ARM: 55 FLD: 55

The Nationals took Willits over Holliday with the No. 1 pick this July, mainly because Willits had the best hit tool of anyone in the draft. Combine that with his blazing speed and it’s easy to envision the switch-hitting Willits developing into a player somewhere between Francisco Lindor and Trea Turner. He should also be able to stay at shortstop long-term. Willits was the youngest player ever taken with the No. 1 pick in MLB draft history.

12. Charlie Condon, OF, Colorado Rockies (Double A)

Age: 22
Bats: R Throws: R
Height: 6-6 Weight: 220
Scouting Grades: HIT: 55 PWR: 65 RUN: 40 ARM: 55 FLD: 50

Condon was the third player taken in the 2024 draft after he won the Golden Spikes Award and led all NCAA Division 1 hitters in average, homers and on-base percentage. He struggled in his professional debut last year while dealing with a hand injury. However, he has really picked it up this year, logging an .844 OPS and 30 extra-base hits over 322 at-bats (he missed time early in the season with a left wrist fracture). The Rockies have played him at first, third and left field so far, with first base most likely his long-term landing spot. He’s a future 30-40 home run power bat when fully developed.

13. Thomas White, LHP, Miami Marlins (Triple A)

Age: 20
Bats: L Throws: L
Height: 6-5 Weight: 240
Scouting Grades: FB: 60 SLI: 65 CH: 50 CMND: 40 CTL: 45

White is the best left-handed pitching prospect in baseball. He has a mid-90s fastball with both carry and run to it. His slider is a wipeout pitch with filthy horizontal movement. His changeup is solid. It flashes above average at times and is an important part of his arsenal, especially against right-handed hitters. He’ll be quick to the big leagues once his command and control arrive and match his top-of-the-rotation stuff. After starting the season at High A and spending time at Double A, White was promoted to Triple A on Tuesday.

14. Spencer Jones, OF, New York Yankees (Triple A)

Age: 24
Bats: L Throws: L
Height: 6-7 Weight: 240
Scouting Grades: HIT: 50 PWR: 65 RUN: 55 ARM: 50 FLD: 50

Jones has had a breakout year thanks to mechanical changes he made with his hand position, load and leg kick. The results have been stunning, as he’s belted 32 home runs and slugged .584. He has the ability to play all three outfield positions and has a special speed/power combination for his frame. Strikeouts will always be part of his game, but so will the long ball.

15. Sebastian Walcott, SS/3B, Texas Rangers (Double A)

Age: 19
Bats: R Throws: R
Height: 6-4 Weight: 190
Scouting Grades: HIT: 50 PWR: 65 RUN: 55 ARM: 70 FLD: 50

I love Walcott’s bat speed and the exit velocities he posts, especially to the pull side, where his raw power will give you goosebumps. He has special balance and body control but at times plays too aggressively on both sides of the ball. He made 30 errors last year and has cut that down to 23 so far this year playing both shortstop and third base. In my opinion, he’ll end up at third base when he’s major-league ready. He has an exciting ceiling and is a future All-Star caliber player.

Kade Anderson helped lead LSU to a national title. (Steven Branscombe / Imagn Images)

16. Kade Anderson, LHP, Seattle Mariners (Rookie)

Age: 21
Bats: L Throws: L
Height: 6-2 Weight: 180
Scouting Grades: FB: 60 CB: 55 SLI: 55 CH: 65 CMND: 50 CTL: 55

Anderson was the third player taken in this year’s draft after he went 12-1 for LSU with a 3.18 ERA over 19 starts with 180 strikeouts and 35 walks over 119 innings. His repertoire is not built around a single dominating pitch; rather his best attribute is his versatile and well-rounded arsenal. His curveball is his best secondary pitch and is thrown in the low 80s with bite and elite depth thanks to his 3,000-plus spin rate. Anderson’s fastball sits in the mid-90s with special downhill plane and cut. He challenges hitters at the top of the zone. His slider arrives in the mid-80s with lateral sweep and sometimes with cutting action. His changeup is deceptive with tumble and fastball-like arm speed. Because of his college workload, the Mariners decided to shut him down until spring training, which makes sense following the Tigers’ run to a College World Series title this summer. He profiles as a top-of-the-rotation starter and should be fast to the major leagues.

17. Jesús Made, SS, Milwaukee Brewers (High A)

Age: 18
Bats: B Throws: R
Height: 6-1 Weight: 188
Scouting Grades: HIT: 60 PWR: 60 RUN: 55 ARM: 60 FLD: 50

Made has some of the best plate discipline of any prospect in baseball, rarely chasing outside of the strike zone, drawing walks and doing damage on pitches in all parts of the zone. He’s a table-setter who racks up stolen bases and has doubles power. He has the ability to play second base, shortstop and third base and profiles long-term at the hot corner.

18. Sal Stewart, INF, Cincinnati Reds (MLB — Sept. callup)

Age: 21
Bats: R Throws: R
Height: 6-1 Weight: 225
Scouting Grades: HIT: 60 PWR: 55 RUN: 40 ARM: 55 FLD: 45

Stewart can flat-out hit and has above-average power. He has the ability to play second, third and first base, albeit all at a below-average level. His bat will carry him and playing his home games at Great American Ball Park will help his raw power translate into big-league home runs. He is major-league ready and was given his first MLB opportunity when rosters expanded on Monday.

19. Andrew Painter, RHP, Philadelphia Phillies (Triple A)

Age: 22
Bats: R Throws: R
Height: 6-7 Weight: 215
Scouting Grades: FB: 70 CB: 50 SLI: 60 CH: 55 CMND: 55 CTL: 60

Painter was the best pitching prospect in baseball before he underwent Tommy John surgery in July 2023. He is now healthy but hasn’t returned to his pre-surgery form. In 2022, he went 6-2 with a 1.56 ERA over 22 starts, with 155 strikeouts and 24 walks in 103 2/3 innings. His fastball was a plus pitch and the slider was another reliable weapon. Next season, when he’s another year removed from the surgery, Painter could get back to that dominating form and once again be the best pitching prospect in baseball. Before the injury he profiled as a future Cy Young Award caliber pitcher.

20. Seth Hernandez, RHP, Pittsburgh Pirates (Rookie)

Age: 19
Bats: R Throws: R
Height: 6-4 Weight: 193
Scouting Grades: FB: 70 CB: 60 SLI: 50 CH: 60 CMND: 55 CTL: 60

The Pirates selected Hernandez with the sixth pick in the 2025 draft. He has the most upside of any pitcher taken in this year’s draft, with a sound delivery, dominating fastball and well-above-average curveball and changeup. The only reason he wasn’t selected earlier was the perceived risk that comes with drafting high school pitchers, particularly right-handed high school pitchers.

21. Braden Montgomery, OF, Chicago White Sox (Double A)

Age: 22
Bats: B Throws: R
Height: 6-2 Weight: 220
Scouting Grades: HIT: 55 PWR: 60 RUN: 50 ARM: 65 FLD: 50

Montgomery is a complete player who will contribute with the bat and the glove. In the outfield, Montgomery is a sound defender with a right fielder’s arm. (He was a two-way player early in his college career.) Offensively, he’s going to hit for power and can steal a base, having fully recovered from the broken ankle he suffered during the 2024 NCAA Super Regionals. The switch-hitter has a great work ethic and feel for the game, as well as special leadership qualities. He was one of the headliners along with catcher Kyle Teel in the package the White Sox received for Garrett Crochet in the offseason trade with the Red Sox. He’s on a quick path to the majors and should arrive early next year.

22. Carson Benge, OF, New York Mets (Triple A)

Age: 22
Bats: L Throws: R
Height: 6-1 Weight: 185
Scouting Grades: HIT: 60 PWR: 50 RUN: 55 ARM: 60 FLD: 55

The Mets got a steal with Benge, whom they selected with the No. 19 pick in the 2024 draft. He was a two-way player at Oklahoma State and threw 95-98 mph from the mound. Since turning pro, he’s been a full-time position player. He is a good athlete and capable of playing all three outfield positions, while being a 20 home run/20 stolen base-type hitter. He’s “hit” over “power” and should be major-league ready sometime next year.

23. Bryce Rainer, SS, Detroit Tigers (Low A)

Age: 20
Bats: L Throws: R
Height: 6-3 Weight: 200
Scouting Grades: HIT: 55 PWR: 60 RUN: 55 ARM: 70 FLD: 50

Rainer was the Tigers’ first-round pick in 2024. He got off to a fast start this year before suffering a right shoulder dislocation diving back to first base in June, which resulted in season-ending surgery. He is expected to make a full recovery and be ready for spring training. Rainer reminds me of a young Corey Seager, as he has a big frame for a shortstop but is a plus defender with an impressive arm and at the plate he has average bat speed and surprising raw power.

24. Josue De Paula, OF, Los Angeles Dodgers (High A)

Age: 20
Bats: L Throws: L
Height: 6-3 Weight: 188
Scouting Grades: HIT: 60 PWR: 55 RUN: 45 ARM: 50 FLD: 35

De Paula can really hit and his power has drawn comparisons to Yordan Alvarez at times. However, De Paula is a well-below-average defender in the outfield corners and DH is probably his best spot. He doesn’t have great speed, but he has good instincts on the basepaths. His left-handed stroke is special and so is the loud, consistent sweet-spot contact. I love the bat.

George Lombard Jr. jumped from High A to Double A this season. (Kim Klement Neitzel / Imagn Images)

25. George Lombard Jr., New York Yankees (Double A)

Age: 20
Bats: R Throws: R
Height: 6-2 Weight: 190
Scouting Grades: HIT: 55 PWR: 50 RUN: 55 ARM: 55 FLD: 60

Lombard is an exciting young shortstop prospect. He’s the son of former big leaguer George Lombard Sr., who is the Detroit Tigers’ bench coach. The younger Lombard, like his dad, has a high baseball IQ and seems to always be at the right spot on the field at the right time. He knows how to work a count, get on base and steal bags. He profiles as a future table-setter. His offense has tapered off after a mid-season promotion to Double A, but that is always a big jump for players and I’m not worried about his long-term offensive projection based on this adjustment period. Defensively, he has quick hands and feet with smooth big-league actions and a strong arm.

26. Zyhir Hope, OF, Los Angeles Dodgers (High A)

Age: 20
Bats: L Throws: L
Height: 5-10 Weight: 195
Scouting Grades: HIT: 55 PWR: 60 RUN: 55 ARM: 60 FLD: 55

Hope is an electric outfielder who profiles as a future 20 homer/20 steal player who can also run the ball down in the outfield gaps and throw out runners on the bases. He has above-average exit velocities and bat speed, as well as tremendous quick-twitch muscles and athleticism. He has a high ceiling and might catapult up this list early next year. Hope is a smart player who will overachieve.

27. Luis Peña, INF, Milwaukee Brewers (High A)

Age: 18
Bats: R Throws: R
Height: 5-11 Weight 184
Scouting Grades: HIT: 60 PWR: 50 RUN: 70 ARM: 55 FLD: 50

Peña is a future leadoff hitter who can get on base and steal bags at will. His bat-to-ball skills and hand-eye coordination are special. He can play second base, shortstop and third base, but will probably end up at second. He’s a solid defender with a plus arm, but it’s the “hit” and “run” tools that will carry the day for him.

28. Trey Yesavage, RHP, Toronto Blue Jays (Triple A)

Age: 22
Bats: R Throws: R
Height: 6-4 Weight: 225
Scouting Grades: FB: 60 CB: 50 SLI: 55 SF: 60 CMND: 45 CTL: 50

Yesavage is a beast on the mound with a bulldog mentality. The Jays’ 2024 first-round pick profiles as a mid-rotation starter who misses bats at a high level. He uses a short arm action to challenge hitters with a mid-90s fastball, a wipeout split-finger fastball and a solid, but inconsistent slider.

29. Justin Crawford, CF, Philadelphia Phillies (Triple A)

Age: 21
Bats: L Throws: R
Height: 6-2 Weight: 190
Scouting Grades: HIT: 55 PWR: 40 RUN: 70 ARM: 55 FLD: 60

Crawford is the son of former major leaguer Carl Crawford. The younger Crawford was the Phillies’ first-round pick in 2022. He’s had a great year in Triple A, hitting .336 with 45 stolen bases, though the power hasn’t emerged yet. Defensively, he’s an asset, catching everything in center field. I’m surprised the Phillies haven’t given him his first major-league opportunity, which now might have to come next year.

30. Liam Doyle, LHP, St. Louis Cardinals (Rookie)

Age: 21
Bats: R Throws: L
Height: 6-2 Weight: 220
Scouting Grades: FB: 70 SLI: 55 CT: 55 SF: 55 CMND: 50 CTL: 50

Doyle was the Cardinals’ first-round selection this year at No. 5. His dominant pitch is an overpowering fastball that hits triple digits and explodes in the strike zone. He also has three plus secondary offerings. He needs to work on his command, and if it improves, he has the potential to lead the Cardinals’ staff for years to come.

31. Lazaro Montes, OF, Seattle Mariners (Double A)

Age: 20
Bats: L Throws: R
Height: 6-5 Weight: 211
Scouting Grades: HIT: 50 PWR: 65 RUN: 35 ARM: 50 FLD: 40

Montes is one of the best left-handed power hitters in the minor leagues. He profiles as a 40-home run hitter with elite bat speed and backspin. He does have swing-and-miss in his game — that will always be an issue for him. He’s also a below-average defender in an outfield corner and can’t run at all. Long term, he profiles as a power-hitting DH.

32. Franklin Arias, SS, Boston Red Sox (Double A)

Age: 19
Bats: R Throws: R
Height: 5-11 Weight: 170
Scouting Grades: HIT: 55 PWR: 45 RUN: 45 ARM: 55 FLD: 60

Arias is one of the best defensive shortstops in the minor leagues. He has a sure glove, smooth actions and a strong, accurate arm. At the plate, he has a short, compact stroke from the right side. He can work a count and get on base, but is a below-average runner with below-average power. The Red Sox promoted him to Double A this week.

33. Josue Briceño, 1B/C, Detroit Tigers (Double A)

Age: 20
Bats: L Throws: R
Height: 6-4 Weight: 201
Scouting Grades: HIT: 60 PWR: 60 RUN: 40 ARM: 55 FLD: 40

Coming off an eye-opening performance in the Arizona Fall League during which he won the league’s Triple Crown, Briceño has continued to impress this year. He’s become yet another top prospect for the Tigers and the fourth one already on this list. Briceño puts together solid at-bats and gets on base. He has plus power and the ability to drive in runs. He’s a below-average defender behind the plate and at first base but has made some progress with the glove this year at first. The bat and power will play.

34. Alfredo Duno, C, Cincinnati Reds (Low A)

Age: 19
Bats: R Throws: R
Height: 6-2 Weight: 210
Scouting Grades: HIT: 55 PWR: 55 RUN: 40 ARM: 65 FLD: 55

Duno is one of the best catching prospects in baseball. He has a plus arm and above-average ability to both block and frame pitches. Offensively, he’s a big, powerful right-handed hitter with legit power and elite bat speed. He’ll draw walks and drive in the big runs.

Jett Williams has been healthy this season after missing much of the 2024 campaign. (Sam Navarro / Imagn Images)

35. Jett Williams, INF/OF, New York Mets (Triple A)

Age: 21
Bats: R Throws: R
Height: 5-7 Weight: 177
Scouting Grades: HIT: 55 PWR: 50 RUN: 60 ARM: 50 FLD: 50

Williams can play second base, shortstop and center field and his best role might be as a super utility player, similar to how the Dodgers have used Tommy Edman. Williams is an on-base machine who racks up stolen bases. He’s had to deal with several injuries over his career, with his right wrist being his biggest setback, but he’s stayed on the field consistently this season.

36. Jamie Arnold, LHP, Athletics (Rookie)

Age: 21
Bats: L Throws: L
Height: 6-1 Weight: 190
Scouting Grades: FB: 60 SLI: 70 CH: 50 CMND: 50 CTL: 55

The Athletics took Arnold at No. 11 in this year’s draft out of Florida State. He will make his official professional debut in spring training. His fastball is 95-97 mph and he combines that with a nasty slider/sweeper, which he varies in shapes and sizes. In college, he struck out over 40 percent of hitters. He has a good feel for a changeup but didn’t need to throw it much at FSU. He’s a strike-thrower with a deceptive, three-quarters delivery that has drawn some comparisons to Chris Sale.

37. Harry Ford, C, Seattle Mariners (MLB — Sept. callup)

Age: 22
Bats: R Throws: R
Height: 5-10 Weight: 200
Scouting Grades: HIT: 55 PWR: 55 RUN: 55 ARM: 50 FLD: 50

Ford works the counts, draws his walks and reaches base at a better than 40 percent clip. He has average-to-slightly-above-average power to all fields and plus speed for a catcher. He’s a solid game caller, but overall is a below-average defender behind the plate, needing to improve his blocking and framing. The Mariners tried Ford a bit in left field in 2024, but the experiment didn’t take and he’s only played catcher this season. Ford was called up when rosters expanded Monday — though, don’t be surprised if he’s traded in the offseason with Cal Raleigh ahead of him on Seattle’s catching depth chart.

38. Aidan Miller, SS/3B, Philadelphia Phillies (Double A)

Age: 21
Bats: R Throws: R
Height: 6-1 Weight: 202
Scouting Grades: HIT: 55 PWR: 60 RUN: 50 ARM: 60 FLD: 50

The Phillies believe that Miller will be able to stay at shortstop as an average fielder with a plus arm; there are others in the industry who believe he’ll end up at third base. Either way, he profiles as an everyday player on the left side of the infield with above-average offensive potential. He’s a hard worker who makes adjustments and although he hasn’t hit for a lot of power yet, it’s certainly in there and will eventually result in the kind of home run power that fits the middle of the lineup.

39. Mike Sirota, OF, Los Angeles Dodgers (High A)

Age: 22
Bats: R Throws: R
Height: 6-2 Weight: 190
Scouting Grades: HIT: 55 PWR: 50 RUN: 60 ARM: 55 FLD: 55

Sirota is the third Dodgers outfield prospect on this list and he might end up the best hitter of the group before it’s all said and done. Prior to a knee injury that landed him on the injured list in early July, he was having a terrific year, getting on base at a .452 clip with 16 doubles and 14 home runs. He has great plate discipline and bat speed and if he learns to improve his launch angle, he could become a 25-home run hitter in time. Defensively, he’s a solid defender in center field, with first-step quickness, good reads, routes and instincts, and a plus arm.

40. Aiva Arquette, SS, Miami Marlins (High A)

Age: 21
Bats: R Throws: R
Height: 6-5 Weight: 221
Scouting Grades: HIT: 50 PWR: 60 RUN: 50 ARM: 60 FLD: 50

Arquette was the Marlins’ first-round pick this year (No. 7 selection) out of Oregon State. He has a huge frame for shortstop but should be able to stay there with a gun for an arm and average range. Power is his best tool as he profiles as a 30-home run hitter. For his size, he has a quick, short right-handed power swing that results in towering long balls that will break outfield seats in the future. I’ve only seen him on video but was impressed enough to already include him on this list.

41. Robby Snelling, LHP, Miami Marlins (Triple A)

Age: 21
Bats: R Throws: L
Height: 6-3 Weight: 210
Scouting Grades: FB: 60 SLI: 55 CH: 50 CMND: 45 CTL: 50

Snelling was the headline prospect in the trade that sent Tanner Scott to the Padres last summer, and it looks like the 21-year-old will pay dividends for the Marlins as early as next season. He’s had a more than respectable season between Double A and Triple A, striking out 139 in 118 innings. His fastball/slider combination has been impressive, and his changeup is improving. Now, he just needs to make his command a little more crisp and he should be in The Show sometime early next year.

Michael Arroyo profiles as a bat-first second baseman. (Tracy Proffitt / Four Seam Images via Associated Press)

42. Michael Arroyo, 2B, Seattle Mariners (Double A)

Age: 20
Bats: R Throws: R
Height: 5-10 Weight: 165
Scouting Grades: HIT: 55 PWR: 55 RUN: 50 ARM: 50 FLD: 50

Arroyo has a compact frame that matches his short, compact swing. He’s quick to the ball with gap power to all fields. He’s an average runner but smart and aggressive on the bases. Defensively, Arroyo has below-average range and is inconsistent with the glove at this point in his development. He makes the most out of his talent and profiles as an everyday bat-over-glove-type second baseman.

43. Carter Jensen, C, Kansas City Royals (MLB — Sept. callup)

Age: 22
Bats: L Throws: R
Height: 6-0 Weight: 210
Scouting Grades: HIT: 55 PWR: 55 RUN: 40 ARM: 55 FLD: 55

Jensen is the Royals’ top catching prospect and one of two on this list (Blake Mitchell is the other). Mitchell is a better defender, but Jensen could end up being the better overall catcher because he’s more of a complete player on both sides of the ball. Offensively, he can really hit for power and drive in runs. Behind the plate, he’s above average in most defensive areas, including game calling and pitch framing. He’s had a head-turning year for the Royals, who are loaded with catching prospects, and he received his first major-league call-up on Sept. 1.

44. Gage Jump, LHP, Athletics (Double A)

Age: 22
Bats: L Throws: L
Height: 6-0 Weight: 200
Scouting Grades: FB: 55 CB: 55 SLI: 65 CH: 50 CMND: 55 CTL: 55

Jump’s fastball sits 95-97 mph with nasty four-seam life at the top of the zone. His curveball has downer late break and his breaking ball (a hybrid between a cutter and a slider) is his best secondary pitch. He also mixes in an occasional changeup. The southpaw’s delivery is deceptive because of his lower arm angle. Jump had Tommy John surgery in 2023 while in college, but he’s made a full recovery. After throwing 83 innings last season at LSU, the 2024 Compensation Round B pick has already eclipsed the 100-inning mark this year and has kept his ERA under 3.00 and struck out 10.7 batters per nine innings while splitting time between High A and Double A. He’s a real sleeper prospect.

45. Blake Mitchell, C, Kansas City Royals (High A)

Age: 21
Bats: L Throws: R
Height: 6-1 Weight: 200
Scouting Grades: HIT: 50 PWR: 60 RUN: 35 ARM: 75 FLD: 55

Mitchell is an above-average defensive catcher with a rifle for an arm that can control the running game. He’s a strong pitch blocker, calls a good game and is solid at framing pitches. He missed time at the start of the season after fracturing his hamate bone in February, which may have impacted his power numbers. When fully healthy, he’s an average hitter with plus power. He draws his walks and spits on pitches out of the strike zone.

46. Arjun Nimmala, SS, Toronto Blue Jays (High A)

Age: 19
Bats: R Throws: R
Height: 6-1 Weight: 172
Scouting Grades: HIT: 45 PWR: 60 RUN: 50 ARM: 60 FLD: 50

Nimmala is a fascinating prospect because he has all the tools except the most important one for a position player: the hit tool. He has legit power and above-average speed and is a solid defensive shortstop with a strong arm. The big question is: Will he hit major-league pitching well enough when he gets there? In two professional seasons, he’s hit .229, though he’s played in a couple of leagues (the Florida State League and the Northwest League) that are tough on hitters and he’s been one of the youngest players at each level. I’m betting on his athleticism, work ethic and the Blue Jays’ hitting coaches to help him hit enough to be a major-league regular.

47. Jonny Farmelo, OF, Seattle Mariners (High A)

Age: 20
Bats: L Throws: R
Height: 6-2 Weight: 204
Scouting Grades: HIT: 55 PWR: 55 RUN: 65 ARM: 50 FLD: 55

I loved Farmelo coming out of the 2023 draft and he was off to a fast start last year in Low A before he tore his ACL in June, ending his season after just 46 games. After he returned from the ACL injury this year, he went down with a rib injury, missing two months before being reinstated on Aug. 9. How he comes back from all these injuries next year will tell us if he can return to the form that made him a first-round pick. When healthy, his “hit” and “run” tools were his two best attributes. In fact, he stole 18 bases in 20 attempts last season before the knee injury. He’s stolen only one base this year but does have six homers in his 98 at-bats.

48. Theo Gillen, OF, Tampa Bay Rays (Low A)

Age: 19
Bats: L Throws: R
Height: 6-2 Weight: 198
Scouting Grades: HIT: 55 PWR: 50 RUN: 60 ARM: 45 FLD: 50

Gillen was the Rays’ first-round pick in 2024 (No. 18 selection). He can play all three outfield positions with plus range and a below-average arm. (Gillen had surgery on the labrum of his throwing shoulder in high school.) Offensively, he’s a prototypical leadoff hitter who understands that his role is to get on base and then use his speed. In 39 stolen base attempts, he has been successful 36 times. The left-handed hitter has above-average bat-to-ball skills with quick hands and the ability to manipulate the barrel. He has a high baseball IQ, is a quick learner and can make adjustments. Injuries were an issue for Gillen in high school (he also had wrist and knee ailments) and he’s missed significant time this season with a calf injury. He’s currently on the injured list.

49. Ryan Sloan, RHP, Seattle Mariners (High A)

Age: 19
Bats: R Throws: R
Height: 6-5 Weight: 220
Scouting Grades: FB: 65 SLI: 55 CH: 60 CMND: 50 CTL: 55

Sloan was the Mariners’ second-round pick in 2024. His mid-90s fastball has riding four-seam life and he’ll also cut it against left-handed hitters. His slider is above average with late break and his changeup sinks and fades with deception. He misses bats and gets groundballs. Sloan profiles as a mid-rotation innings-eater who pounds the strike zone and pitches ahead in the count.

50. Cam Caminiti, LHP, Atlanta Braves (Low A)

Age: 19
Bats: L Throws: L
Height: 6-2 Weight: 199
Scouting Grades: FB: 60 CB: 50 SLI: 55 CH: 60 CMND: 45 Ctl: 45

Caminiti, a cousin of former MLB third baseman Ken Caminiti, was the Braves’ first-round pick (No. 24 selection) in the 2024 draft. He started this year in Rookie ball, where he made four starts before being promoted to Low-A Augusta in the Carolina League. Since his promotion, he’s made 12 more starts, posting a 2.32 ERA over 50 1/3 innings, with a whopping 68 strikeouts but also 23 walks. He has the full repertoire to be a successful big leaguer once he figures out how to improve the command and control of his pitches. He has the composure, maturity and poise to move quickly through the Braves system once that happens.

(Illustration: Demetrius Robinson / The Athletic; Top photos: Kim Klement Neitzel / Imagn Images, Joe Robbins / Icon Sportswire via Getty Images, George Kubas / Diamond Images via Getty Images)

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Volleyball: Harrison County athletes named to All-East Texas volleyball team

Published

2 hours ago

December 24, 2025

Your Sports Nation

MOST VALUABLE PLAYER

Triniti Jackson

School: Longview

By the numbers: Jackson finished the season with 702 assists, 401 kills, 313 digs, 45 blocks and 60 aces to earn District 10-6A Setter of the Year honors. She was also named MVP of the Big School match at the second annual East Texas Volleyball All-Star Games held at Spring Hill. In her career, the Lady Lobo standout recorded 2,505 assists, 1,479 digs, 1,342 kills, 266 aces and 151 blocks

CO-NEWCOMER OF THE YEAR

Blair Schroeder

School: Pine Tree

By the numbers: Schroeder recorded 166 kills, 329 digs, 41 assists, 51 aces and eight blocks for the Lady Pirates

CO-NEWCOMER OF THE YEAR

Landry Tubb

School: Longview

By the numbers: Tubb recorded 628 digs, 28 aces and 42 assists for the Lady Lobos

COACH OF THE YEAR

Andrew Harbison

School: Spring Hill

By the numbers: Harbison led Spring Hill to the Class 4A Division II state semifinals and a 40-7 record overall. It marked the third straight season the Lady Panthers have won at least 40 matches (121-18 during that span). The Lady Panthers went 14-0 in District 16-4A, and then defeated Brownsboro (3-1), Pleasant Grove (3-0), Panther Creek (3-2) and Aubrey (3-1) before falling 3-2 to eventual state champion Eagle Mountain. Harbison is 403-203 in his coaching career, including a 216-82 worksheet at Spring Hill

FIRST TEAM

Kellen Weaver

School: Beckville

By the numbers: 375 kills, 18 assists, 56 blocks, 132 digs, 62 aces, 91.4 percent server. District MVP

Jaharia Hunter

School: Longview

By the numbers: 331 kills, 222 digs, 32 blocks

Kaycin Farrell

School: Hallsville

By the numbers: 402 kills, .371 hitting percentage, 302 digs, 68 aces, 50 blocks, 29 assists, 2.26 SR rating, 373 receptions with 29 SR errors. District MVP

Elizabeth Corbitt

School: Spring Hill

By the numbers: 559 kills (school record), 46 blocks, 300 digs, 35 aces. District Hitter of the Year

Savannah Irwin

School: Spring Hill

By the numbers: 342 kills, 529 digs, 68 aces, 95.8 percent server. District Co-MVP

Kaysen Foster

School: Tatum

By the numbers: 454 kills, 352 digs, 44 aces, 37 blocks. Co-District MVP and MVP for Small Schools at the annual East Texas Volleyball All-Star Games

Kamdyn Scott

School: Tatum

By the numbers: 611 kills, 279 digs, 47 aces, 43 blocks. District Co-MVP. Signed with Metropolitan State University/Denver

Carly Chadwick

School: Pine Tree

By the numbers: 793 assists, 140 kills, 301 digs, 104 aces, 18 blocks. District Co-MVP

Taydem Barker

School: Tatum

By the numbers: 1,014 assists, 63 kills, 207 digs, 45 aces. District Setter of the Year

Danika Cantu

School: Marshall

By the numbers: 591 digs, 25 aces, 1.90 SR rating, 36 errors in 941 SR attempts, 65 assists

SECOND TEAM

Kylee Fernandez

School: Hallsville

By the numbers: 231 kills, .268 hitting percentage, 78 blocks, 58 digs. District Co-Blocker of the Year

Bryleigh Mayhan

School: Pine Tree

By the numbers: 336 kills, 139 digs, 35 aces, 30 blocks

Andee Bridges

School: White Oak

By the numbers: 517 kills, 370 digs, 50 aces, 1.86 SR rating

Chesney Jeter

School: Spring Hill

By the numbers: 694 assists, 175 digs, 48 kills, 56 aces

Caroline Cockerham

School: Carthage

By the numbers: 718 assists, 187 digs, 71 aces

Elle Litchenburg

School: Kilgore

By the numbers: 741 assists, 71 aces, 136 kills, 344 digs, 31 blocks

Keeley McCann

School: Sabine

By the numbers: 955 assists, 361 digs, 5 blocks, 158 kills, 61 aces

Kimora Pryor

School: West Rusk

By the numbers: 993 assists, 392 digs, 133 kills, 37 aces, 251 service points

Kaylee Londeau

School: Spring Hill

By the numbers: 606 digs (school record), 41 assists, 38 aces

Kyndal Greenwood

School: Tatum

By the numbers: 479 digs, 48 aces. District’s Libero of the Year

THIRD TEAM

Calleigh Secord

School: Spring Hill

By the numbers: 258 kills, 62 blocks, 104 digs, 21 assists, 27 aces

Giselle Webster

School: Kilgore

By the numbers: 133 blocks, 230 kills

Hannah Haffner

School: West Rusk

By the numbers: 354 kills, 128 blocks, 4 errors in 146 serves, 73 service points

Londyn Baker

School: White Oak

By the numbers: 319 kills, 383 digs, 66 aces

Chloe Green

School: New Diana

By the numbers: 364 kills, 484 digs, 70 aces. District MVP

Sarah Roberts

School: Sabine

By the numbers: 491 kills, 30 aces, 16 assists, 16 blocks, 371 digs

Lilly Fry

School: Hallsville

By the numbers: 632 assists, 217 digs, 4 blocks, 25 aces, 45 kills. District’s Setter of the Year

Taryn Reece

School: New Diana

By the numbers: 462 assists, 160 kills, 481 digs, 70 aces, 28 blocks

Carli Tuttle

School: Beckville

By the numbers: 222 kills, 441 assists, 47 blocks, 249 digs, 74 aces. District’s Top Setter

Laney Alexander

School: Carthage

By the numbers: 647 digs, 36 assists, 25 aces

HONORABLE MENTION

Longview: Alyssa Grissom, N’Kheyli Johnson, Aubrey Orban; Pine Tree: Allison Vasquez; Hallsville: Madi Farrell, Miller Goswick, Elizabeth Hale, Tailor Benson, Lyla Evans; Marshall: Alex Stevens, Nia Newhouse, D’Aubrena Stoker, Maggie Pringle, Kinlee Smith, Ella Kate Runnels, Addi Watkins; Carthage: Alli Bitter; Kilgore: Malea White, Kylie Herrin, Cheyenne Jones, Brittany Yzaguirre, Zoey Johnson; Gilmer: Jayna Rucker; West Rusk: Kamyah Lacy, Ireland Hunt, Kara King, Mackenzie Ressler, Paisley Smith; Arp: Kaitlynn Raymond, Kinley Schminkey, Landry Langley; New Diana: Gaby Martinez, Ava Smith; White Oak: Carrington Watson, Addy Young, Taylor Morgan, Peyton Thompson; Sabine: Ella Phillips; Harleton: Reagan McCarty, AnnaBelle Bunger, Holly Roberts; Beckville: Maci Morris, Adyson Davis; Elysian Fields: Madison Owens, Kaleigh Presley, Taylor Youngblood; Paul Pewitt: Darriyah Thomas, McKensi Jackson, Gloria Pureco; Leverett’s Chapel: Alyvia Page, Itzel Mata; Mount Pleasant Chapel Hill: Ella Waldon; Linden-Kildare: Lynlee LeJeune, Jamah Birmingham, Carley Hays, Jakiah Birmingham, Kalysa Roberts, Olivia Stewart, Hannah Snow; Christian Heritage: Kennedi Laney, Margo Risner; Troup: Shiloh Sluder, Qhenja Jordan, Chayne Graves; Hawkins: Jentri Evans, Jaci Smith, Haylee Skipworth, Ava Ellison

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Watertown High School Announces Resignation of Head Volleyball Coach | Local News

Published

2 hours ago

December 24, 2025

Your Sports Nation

{KXLG – Watertown, SD} After being a part of the program for 28 years, including nine seasons as the head coach, Coach Bellum is stepping down from her role at Watertown High School pending School Board approval.

During her nine seasons as a head coach, Coach Bellum compiled an impressive 193-81 record, including three ESD titles and a state championship.

Coach Bellum emphasized fundamentals, discipline and preparation. She not only had high expectations for her athletes but also for herself. Her dedication extended far beyond the matches as she spent countless hours in the gym developing the program and players within it. She poured herself into this program with her amazing work ethic, attention to details, and a commitment of doing things the right way.

We wish Coach Bellum all the best and thank her for the positive way in which she led the Arrow Volleyball program!

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Evans, Jones and Casale Sign with Houston Volleyball

Published

2 hours ago

December 24, 2025

Your Sports Nation

HOUSTON – Senior middle blocker Kaitlyn Evans, junior outside hitter Sydney Jones and redshirt freshman defensive specialist Mattie Casale have signed to play for Houston Volleyball in 2026, Head Coach David Rehr announced Wednesday.

Evans (Loyola Marymount), Jones (Tennessee) and Casale (Purdue) bring Houston’s transfer signing class to five after Kalei Edson and Kamille Gibson joined the Cougars last week. Thus far, Houston has signed a setter, middle blocker, two outside hitters and a defensive specialist as part of their transfer group.

“Our volleyball staff has been working to rebuild Houston Volleyball and with the two transfers we announced last week, we have improved our team for the 2026 season,” Rehr said. “The additions of Casale, Evans and Jones continue to make us a better volleyball team.”

MATTIE CASALE | DEFENSIVE SPECIALIST | REDSHIRT FRESHMAN | PURDUE
Casale arrives in H-Town after spending her true freshman season with Purdue. While not appearing in a match for the Boilermakers, she spent time with the team as it played most of its season within the Top 15 of the AVCA Coaches Poll and reached the Regional Finals of this year’s NCAA Tournament after earning a three-seed in the bracket.

Casale was the No. 1 defensive specialist out of the state of Florida in the class of 2025. She prepped at Carrollwood Day School in Tampa, Fla., and is a native of Wesley Chapel, Fla. A finalist for Volleyball Recruiter’s 2023 Libero of the Year award, she was a four-time district champion with Carrollwood Day while helping them clinch the FHSAA Class 3A Championship in her junior season. A four-year captain for the team, she posted 345 digs in her junior season to help her school win the state crown and was among the Top 120 players in the country according to PrepDig.com in 2023.

KAITLYN EVANS | MIDDLE BLOCKER | SENIOR | LOYOLA MARYMOUNT
Evans signs with Houston following two seasons at LMU and a year at American. She’s tallied 111 kills along with 122 blocks across 42 career matches. She posted a multiple career-bests in the 2024 season, collecting 57 kills and 56 blocks, averaging 1.08 and 1.06 per set, respectively. Evans also boasts a .201 career hitting percentage with a nearly .400 kill percentage.

The Dallas native attended David Butler High School, playing volleyball, basketball and track & field all four years. In track, she placed second in regionals and fourth in the state for high jump while also playing club volleyball with the Carolina Union Volleyball Club. Coming from an athletic family, her mother, Karen, ran track at Texas A&M and father, Patrick, played football for South Carolina State before going on to play professionally for Pittsburgh and Carolina.

SYDNEY JONES | OUTSIDE HITTER | JUNIOR | TENNESSEE
Jones, a Havertown, Pa., native, joins the Cougars after a year each at Tennessee and Temple. The rising junior has tallied 390 kills across two seasons, highlighted by 324 in her freshman year with the Owls. The 2024 American Conference Freshman of the Year compiled 369.5 points, 209 digs, 35 aces and 17 blocks at Temple, being named an All-Conference Second Team honoree.

Jones saw limited playing time in her year at Tennessee but capitalized on opportunities with the Volunteers, hitting .273 with a .440 kill percentage, 66 kills and 16 blocks across 13 matches and two starts.

The Pennsylvanian attended Haverford Senior High School, where she eclipsed 1,000 kills during her prep career while also playing club ball with Synergy VB. A two-sport athlete, she was also a track & field star at her high school, breaking the Haverford outdoor high-jump record while tying the indoor record with both jumps at 5-foot-6. She ultimately placed second in the high jump event at State Championship in 2023.

SUPPORT YOUR COOGS
Fans can make a direct impact on the success of Houston Volleyball by providing NIL opportunities or by joining the Point Houston Club which provides financial support directly to Houston Volleyball for needs beyond its operating budget.

STAY CONNECTED
Fans can receive updates by following @UHCougarVB on X, formerly known as Twitter, and catch up with the latest news and notes on the team by clicking LIKE on the team’s Facebook page at UHCougarVB. Fans also can follow the team on Instagram at @UHCougarVB.

– UHCougars.com –

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Georgia Tech Student-Athletes Shatter Records in the Classroom – Athletics — Georgia Tech Yellow Jackets

Published

2 hours ago

December 24, 2025

Your Sports Nation

THE FLATS – Georgia Tech student-athletes collectively had an astonishing Fall 2025 semester academically, highlighted by all 13 of the Yellow Jackets’ programs earning team grade point averages of 3.0 or higher for the first time in history.

In addition to all 13 teams achieving a 3.0 team GPA, Georgia Tech’s 328 student-athletes had a mean GPA of 3.30, which matched Tech athletics’ all-time high for the third-straight semester.

“As the landscape of college athletics changes, one thing that remains constant here on The Flats is the value of a Georgia Tech education and degree,” vice president and director of athletics Ryan Alpert said. “The young people that choose to come to Georgia Tech are truly making a 40-year decision. Therefore, I couldn’t be more proud of how our student-athletes embrace and take advantage of the opportunity through their hard work in the classroom. I’m also incredibly grateful for our academic support staff, our coaches and our partners on campus for all that they do to support our student-athletes’ academic endeavors.”

Other highlights from the fall semester include:

77% of student-athletes (252) posting a 3.0 GPA or higher;
68% (222) earning Faculty Honors or Dean’s Lost recognition;
first-year student-athletes achieving a 3.22 mean GPA;
nationally ranked golf leading all teams with a 3.68 GPA;
NCAA qualifier women’s tennis leading women’s teams with a 3.65 GPA;
football shattering its team record with a 3.17 team GPA – prior to this semester, its highest all-time GPA was 3.03 (spring 2025) and its highest in-season GPA was 3.00 (fall 2024);
men’s basketball also obliterating its team record with a 3.16 team GPA, surpassing 3.0 for the first time in program history.

Making Georgia Tech athletics’ academic achievements even more impressive is that 84% of its student-athletes major in business (53%), engineering (20%), sciences (7%), design (2.5%) and computing (1.5%).

GEORGIA TECH TEAM GRADE POINT AVERAGES (Fall 2025)
Baseball: 3.35
Men’s Basketball: 3.16
Women’s Basketball: 3.20
Men’s Cross Country/Track and Field: 3.29
Women’s Cross Country/Track and Field: 3.29
Football: 3.17
Golf: 3.68
Softball: 3.28
Men’s Swimming and Diving: 3.24
Women’s Swimming and Diving: 3.46
Men’s Tennis: 3.34
Women’s Tennis: 3.65
Volleyball: 3.44

Fans can celebrate and support the academic success of Georgia Tech student-athletes by participating Alexander-Tharpe Fund’s Fourth Quarter Initiative, which gives supporters the opportunity to receive four A-T Fund priority points for every $100 donated to the Athletic Scholarship Fund through Dec. 31. For more information, visit atfund.org/4th-quarter.

Full Steam Ahead

Full Steam Ahead is a $500 million fundraising initiative to achieve Georgia Tech athletics’ goal of competing for championships at the highest level in the next era of intercollegiate athletics. The initiative will fund transformative projects for Tech athletics, including renovations of Bobby Dodd Stadium at Hyundai Field (the historic home of Georgia Tech football), the Zelnak Basketball Center (the practice and training facility for Tech basketball) and O’Keefe Gymnasium (the venerable home of Yellow Jackets volleyball), as well as additional projects and initiatives to further advance Georgia Tech athletics through program wide-operational support. All members of the Georgia Tech community are invited to visit atfund.org/FullSteamAhead for full details and renderings of the renovation projects, as well as to learn about opportunities to contribute online.

For the latest information on the Georgia Tech Yellow Jackets, follow us on X, Facebook, Instagram and at www.ramblinwreck.com.

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Julia Skari ‘can’t imagine’ not being with Northern State – Jamestown Sun

Published

4 hours ago

December 24, 2025

Your Sports Nation

JAMESTOWN — Julia Skari has a history with excellence when it comes to athletics.

Northern State University is hoping history keeps repeating itself.

Skari, a Jamestown High School Class of 2025 graduate, is currently training and competing for the Northern State University track and field team.

“I was so excited to go to college and have a little bit of change,” Skari said. “I knew going into college I wouldn’t know anyone since no one from Jamestown went to NSU (Northern State University), so I was a bit scared for that, but I was excited to meet new people. … Within the first week at Northern State it was clear that I made the best academic and athletic decision, I can’t imagine not being there.”

Skari began running track in 2021 as an eighth grader. She is a five-time state placer in the 300 hurdles and a two-time state placer in the 100 hurdles. Skari also competed in triple jump and the sprint relays when she was with the Blue Jays.

In her senior year, Skari was crowned the WDA champion in the 100 hurdles and 300 hurdles at the West Region Track and Field Meet. Skari clocked times of 15.59 and 45.62 seconds, respectively, in her races. The senior sprinter also placed eighth in the 100-meter dash and fifth in the 200.

At State, Skari placed third in the 300 hurdles, posting a season-best time of 45.35 seconds. In the 100 hurdles, the Blue Jay senior finished second 0.38 seconds behind Fargo Davies’ Kate Laqua who crossed the finish line at 14.38 seconds.

Her resume made her a natural recruit target for Northern State’s track coaches. The Wolves announced Skari’s signing via social media in May. Skari is planning to compete in both the 100- and 400-meter hurdles. The freshman said she is also hoping to compete in some relays but is open to wherever her coaches put her.

“It is both nervewracking and exciting to be a freshman,” Skari said. “I have a lot to learn, improve and build on throughout this year and the following years. Being a freshman is nervewracking because I know I have to prove myself to not only coaches but my teammates. It’s exciting because it’s a fresh new start with whole new experiences with a new team, coaches and level of competition. The upperclassmen are so willing to take time, critique my form and give advice.”

Northern State opened the indoor track and field season on Nov. 24 with the school’s Maroon vs. Gold Meet. Skari and the Wolves competed again on Dec. 5 at South Dakota State University’s Holiday Meet.

“Coming into my first collegiate meet I was very nervous,” Skari said. “The thought of competing against not only (Division) two athletes but also (Division) one made the nervous go up more. After I competed in my first event … I had a huge sign of relief realizing it’s not much different then high school, just more teams and more competitive.”

Julia Skari, second from left, is enjoying her first season with the Northern State University track and field team.

In her first meet, Skari competed in the 60-meter hurdles and the 4-by-400 meter relay.

“For my first meet I knew I just had to get my nervousness out of the way so my standards weren’t very high besides I just wanted to get my first meet done and get the feeling of how the meets feel,” Skari said. “My time in the 60-meter hurdles was almost my PR (personal record) in high school which means I only plan on getting faster.”

Skari’s continual progression is a testament to how hard she trains with her team.

Skari said as a team, the Wolves train Monday through Saturday with days switching either from a hurdles to sprinting to cross-training on her own time. The team lifts on Mondays, Tuesdays and Thursdays.

“I train hurdles on Monday and Thursday,” Skari said. “Tuesday is normally a sprinting workout which is our hard workout. On Wednesday and Saturday we train on our own and on Fridays we switch from sprinting or either hurdle work again. We normally practice around three or three and a half hours a day when we lift and practice.

“Workouts became more intense than high school, so it definitely was a good change,” she said. “College track differs from high school track because practices started back in the beginning of September and it lasts til May. It takes more time than any of my other sports did because it is a bigger commitment.”

The Wolves’ next indoor meet is scheduled for Jan. 15 against the University of Jamestown.

Northern State’s conference indoor track and field season will conclude at the end of February. The NCAA Division 2 Indoor Championships will be held March 13-14. The outdoor season will begin with a three-day invite in Myrtle Beach, South Carolina.

“No matter how I do (this season), I know I can always get better but I think my main goal is to just train hard, believe in myself and give it my best effort,” Skari said. “I think that’s would make me have a successful first year of colligate track and field athlete. In order for me to be at my best I need to have a positive mindset and be willing to do the hard stuff.”

Katie Ringer is a sports reporter for the Jamestown Sun. Katie joined the Sun staff in the summer of 2019 after graduating from the University of Wisconsin Eau Claire with a degree in journalism. She can be reached by email at kringer@jamestownsun.com or by phone at 701-952-8460.

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