Alhambra pitcher Cameron Millar highlights a diverse group of Bay Area baseball players selected in the 2025 MLB draft, including high school, junior college and Division I picks.

Originally Published: July 14, 2025 at 4:59 PM PDT

The 2025 MLB Draft took place across Sunday and Monday in Atlanta. The Athletics added BLANK players to their system, headlined by their first-round selection, Jamie Arnold. ESPN’s Kiley McDaniel had the A’s Day 1 tandem (Arnold and Devin Taylor) as one of his five favorite moves. Of the 19 selections, 11 are pitchers, two outfielders, three infielders, and three catchers. The A’s went with just two high school selections compared to 17 college players.

Round 1, 11th overall: Jamie Arnold, LHP, Florida State

The Athletics came away with one of the most talented arms in the draft, one that most thought would be gone by the time they selected. In three seasons at Florida State, he racked up 327 Ks in 234.1 innings with a 3.61 ERA. In his final collegiate season, he made 15 starts, threw 84.2 innings, and finished with a 2.98 ERA to go with an 8-2 record and 119 Ks.

With his unorthodox arm angle from the left side, the former Seminole star has drawn comparisons to Chris Sale. Arnold’s fastball sits mid-90s and can touch 97 MPH and his slider is devastating from his unique delivery.

Jordan Shusterman of Yahoo Sports compiled a spreadsheet of 14 mock drafts to track the accuracy of the picks. The final tally for Arnold’s predicted landing spot were: 2nd twice, 5th, 6th twice, 8th five times, 9th three times, and 11th (kudos to Eric Longenhagen). For a team that desperately needs high-end pitching, getting to select the 21-year-old at #11 is a huge win for the A’s.

Round 2, 48th overall: Devin Taylor, OF, Indiana

Ranked 30th on MLB Pipeline’s list of draft prospects, the Athletics again were able to get great value with their selection of Taylor. The career leader in home runs for the Hoosiers, Taylor was regarded as one of the most well-rounded college hitters in the draft.

For the 2025 season, he slashed .374/.494/.706 with 18 home runs and 12 steals.

(No 3rd round selection due to signing Luis Severino)

Round 4, 110th overall: Gavin Turley, OF, Oregon State

Drafted by the Arizona Diamondbacks in Round 19 out of high school in 2022, he has now been drafted again after a successful three seasons with the Beavers. This season was his best as he hit 20 HRs, 13 doubles, and slashed .351/.472/.649. He finished his college career with 53 HRs and was ranked the 78th best prospect by MLB Pipeline.

Round 5, 141st overall: Zane Taylor, RHP, UNC Wilmington

Here are Taylor’s 2025 ranks in NCAA Division-1 baseball: 1st in WHIP, 3rd in ERA, and 1st in K/BB ratio. MLB Pipeline’s #174 prospect, he struck out 105 batters (only 11 walks) in 95.2 innings with a 1.98 ERA. He’s already 23 years old, so there might be less upside than other pitchers, but he limited baserunners in college and the Athletics need reliable arms.

6th: Grant Richardson, LHP, Grand Canyon

7th: Logan Sauve, C, West Virginia

8th: Corey Braun, LHP, South Florida

9th: Daniel Bucciero, 3B, Fordham

10th: Samuel Dutton, RHP, Auburn

11th: Bobby Boser, SS, Florida

12th: Alex Barr, LHP, Kankakee Valley (HS)

13th: Bryan Arendt, C, UNC Wilmington

14th: Griffin Kim, LHP, West Virginia

15th: Diego Rosa, C, International Baseball Academy & High School (Puerto Rico)

16th: Jackson Phipps, LHP, Jacksonville State

17th: Jared Davis, SS, Virginia Tech

18th: Jay Dill, RHP, Troy

19th: Itsuki Takemoto, RHP, Hawaii

20th: Kade Brown, RHP, Sacramento State

(Top photo courtesy of Eric Nguyen)

ATLANTA — Southeastern Conference Commissioner Greg Sankey said Monday that despite frequent conversations with Big Ten counterpart Tony Petitti, the two leagues have yet to agree on the College Football Playoff format after this coming season and could leave it at 12 teams.

The disagreement doesn’t stem from a lack of communication. Sankey said he spoke with Petitti four times last week.

“We had a different view coming out of Destin around the notion of allocations,” Sankey said. “The Big Ten has a different view. That’s fine. We have a 12-team playoff, five conference champions. That could stay if we can’t agree.”

The Big Ten, which has won the last two national championships, favors a 4-4-2-2-1 format, giving four automatic bids to the SEC and Big Ten and awarding the ACC and Big 12 two bids apiece. The SEC, originally thought to be on the same page, switched gears at its spring meetings in Destin, Florida. The SEC favors five conference champions and 11 at-large bids, which would presumably favor the top conferences most seasons.

The CFP announced in May that teams in the upcoming playoff will be seeded strictly on where they are ranked instead of moving pieces around to reward conference champions. Last season’s jumbled bracket, the first with 12 teams, gave byes to Big 12 champion Arizona State and Mountain West champion Boise State, even though they were ranked 12th and ninth, respectively, by the playoff selection committee.

That system made the rankings and the seedings in the tournament two different things. The five highest-ranked conference champions will still be guaranteed spots in the playoff.

While the CFP contract from 2026 through the 2031 season requires the SEC and Big Ten to consult other leagues about prospective changes to the playoff system, it also provides them with the ability to impose changes they both want.

Now it’s a matter of getting on the same page.

“I think there’s this notion that there has to be this magic moment and something has to happen with expansion and it has to be forced — no,” Sankey said. “When you’re given authority, you want to be responsible in using that authority. I think both of us are prepared to do so. The upfront responsibility in this, maybe where some of the confusion lies, is we have the ability to present a format or format ideas, gather information, see if we can all agree within that room. We don’t need unanimity.”

Carson Boyd is quickly making a name for himself as a standout quarterback.

What sets him apart? It’s not just his talent; rather, it’s his calm under pressure and smart playmaking.

From leading his high school team to college stardom, Boyd has consistently stepped up when it counts.

He’s the kind of player teammates trust and opponents fear.

In this post, we will take a quick look at his journey, growth, and what makes him a rising star in the football world.

Early Life and Background of Carson Boyd

Carson Boyd grew up in a family where sports were a big part of life. From a young age, he was drawn to football, often playing with friends and family.

His natural athletic talent became clear as he joined local teams.

As he got older, Boyd’s skills as a quarterback started to shine. His quick reads and confident play helped him stand out early.

Football soon became his primary focus, laying the foundation for his future in the sport.

High School to College

• Carson Boyd made his mark in high school by leading his team to a regional championship. With a strong arm, fast reads, and natural leadership, he quickly became one of the top-ranked quarterbacks in the state between 2021 and 2024.
• His transition to college football was seamless. Earning the starting quarterback position early on, he has delivered multiple 300+ yard passing games and consistently impressed with his control, accuracy, and game awareness.
• Week after week, Boyd has built a track record of reliable performance, proving himself as a trusted leader on the field and a rising star to watch in the college football world.

Athletic Skills and Playing Style of Carson Boyd

Carson Boyd is known for his strong arm and ability to think on his feet, delivering precise passes under pressure.

He reads defenses with precision and picks smart routes that benefit the team.

And, his calm demeanor during critical moments enables him to execute intelligent plays when they matter most.

By commanding the offense with poise, he helps maintain team focus and drive.

Involvement in Sports Teams Beyond Football

Aside from football, Carson Boyd has been involved in other athletic ventures, showcasing his versatility as an athlete. He played basketball in high school, using his speed and agility to contribute to his team’s success on the court.

Boyd’s athleticism isn’t limited to just these sports; he’s also participated in track events, excelling in sprints.

His success across multiple sports highlights his all-around athletic ability and competitive nature.

Current Status and Future Prospects

Conclusion

Carson Boyd’s journey from a promising young athlete to a trusted quarterback has been shaped by hard work, talent, and discipline.

His achievements in high school and college reflect steady growth, and he continues to raise the bar for himself and those around him.

Whether his path leads to the NFL or into coaching, his dedication and skill make his future in sports bright.

One thing is clear, Carson Boyd is just getting started.

The Phillies made their first three selections of the 2025 MLB Draft Sunday evening, highlighted by Arkansas righty Gage Wood in the first round. 

Beginning at 11:30 ET Monday, the remainder of the MLB Draft will take place with Rounds 4-20. 

Throughout the day, this story will be updated with stats, highlights and analysis regarding each selection that the Phillies make. 

Round 1, Pick 26 Overall: Gage Wood — RHP, Arkansas

2025 Stats: 4-1, 3.82 ERA, 69 strikeouts, seven walks, 0.903 WHIP over 37 2/3 innings pitched

The Phillies used their first-round pick on a collegiate righty that has 70-grade fastball on the 20-80 scale, per MLB Pipeline. 

Brian Barber — the Phillies’ assistant general manager, amateur scouting — seemed very pleased with the selection. 

“It’s quality stuff. It’s a quality pitcher. It’s a guy that can just dominate hitters in the lineup with two pitches,” Barber said. “And we also think the slider that he has and the little split change that he can throw … [he] ends up with a four-pitch mix and a really quality starter.” 

It should be pointed out that Wood dealt with a shoulder injury during what proved to be his final collegiate season, the exact nature of which Barber wouldn’t reveal. But he did say “we knew about the shoulder and we have all the information on it and it wasn’t anything that we were concerned about for the long term.”

Wood seemed perfectly healthy when he fired a 119-pitch no-hitter against Murray State in the College World Series after returning from the injury, for what it’s worth: 

You can read On Pattison‘s full profile on Wood here. — Tim Kelly

Round 2, Pick 63 Overall: Cade Obermueller — LHP, Iowa

2025 Stats: 5-3, 3.02 ERA, 117 strikeouts, 32 walks, 1.128 WHIP over 83 1/3 innings pitched 

With their second pick, the Phillies landed Obermueller, a lefty that Baseball America believes could ultimately wind up pitching out of the bullpen in the majors. 

“A small and skinny lefthander with a 5-foot-11, 160-pound frame and sidearm slot, Obermueller primarily works off a two-pitch fastball/slider combo. He sits in the low 90s and gets up to 95 with a fastball that has sinking shape and has traditionally been a heavy groundball offering for him—though his groundball rate fell significantly from 2023 to 2024—and pairs the fastball with a 78-82 mph sweeping slider.

“Obermueller’s below-average control might ultimately push him back to the bullpen in pro ball.”

Obermueller is listed at 6-foot, 170 pounds. He was originally a 19th-round pick by the Texas Rangers a year ago, but instead of signing elected to return for another collegiate season. — Tim Kelly

Round 3, Pick 100 Overall: Cody Bowker — RHP, Vanderbilt 

2025 Stats: 3-5, 4.38 ERA, 99 strikeouts, 28 walks, 1.236 WHIP over 72 innings pitched 

Bowker spent his first two collegiate seasons at Georgetown before transferring to Vanderbilt — one of the most prestigious baseball programs in the country — this past season. His numbers don’t stand out, but that’s not uncommon for pitchers drafted today. 

MLB Pipeline‘s scouting report paints a picture of someone whose bread and butter is his deceptive fastball: 

“A two-way player as a Georgetown freshman in 2023, Bowker became a full-time pitcher last spring and earned Cape Cod League all-star honors during the summer. After transferring to Vanderbilt, he has become a solid No. 2 starter for the Commodores thanks to one of the more unhittable fastballs in the Draft. It’s his lone better than average offering but could propel him into the top four or five rounds.”

Perhaps the Phillies feel better about Bowker’s slider, cutter and changeup than others, but he would seem to be a reliever candidate. — Tim Kelly

Round 4, Pick 131 Overall: Sean Youngerman – RHP, Oklahoma State

2025 Stats: 3-1, 2.08 ERA, 59 strikeouts, eight walks, 0.865 WHIP over 52 innings pitched

The Phillies drafted their fourth college pitcher in Sean Youngerman. Youngerman began his collegiate career at Westmont (Calif.) and became a major contributor at the Oklahoma State bullpen this year, even despite bouncing back and forth between the rotation and the bullpen.

MLB Pipeline’s scouting report says that Youngerman sits at 92-94 mph with a rising fastball that touches 96 as a starter, and as a reliever, he gains a few ticks of velocity:

“While Youngerman’s pitches have just ordinary shapes, they work because he commands them well. He has a strong 6-foot-3 frame and scouts have no concerns about his ability to start at the next level. His ability to enhance his secondary pitches will determine his long-term success.

Youngerman, MLB.com’s 116th-ranked draft prospect, fell three innings short of qualifying, but he would have ranked in the NCAA Division I top five in ERA (2.08), K/BB ratio (7.4), and WHIP (0.87). His command and his walk control are excellent, and he has the potential to start going forward. – Grace Del Pizzo

Round 5, Pick 161 Overall: Gabe Craig – RHP, Baylor

2025 Stats: 3-0, 0.56 ERA, 51 strikeouts, three walks, 0.50 WHIP in 32 innings pitched

Gabe Craig’s numbers certainly jump off the page. 2025 was his sixth year in college baseball; the 24-year-old began his college career at Tyler (Texas) JC in 2020, redshirted at Texas A&M in 2021, returned to Tyler in 2022, and then played at Baylor for the last three years.

Craig, who didn’t allow an extra-base hit all season, dominates with his slider. MLB Pipeline graded his slider 70 on of the 20-80 scale; it sits in the mid-80s and can reach up to 88 mph, with huge sweep and a good amount of depth. Opponents went 8-for-72 (.111) with 43 strikeouts against Craig’s slider.

MLB Pipeline describes him as one of the best sixth-year college prospects in the 2025 draft:

“Craig works exclusively out of the stretch with a high release point and pounds the zone with both of his offerings. He’s a two-pitch reliever who turns 24 ten days before the Draft, but he also could move quickly to the Majors.”

Clearly the Phillies are prioritizing college pitchers this draft, and Craig is an intriguing arm with a lot of upside. Take a look at that lethal slider below. – Grace Del Pizzo

One more time for the Sliderman #SicEm | #Together pic.twitter.com/k6bpis8MWu

— Baylor Baseball (@BaylorBaseball) July 13, 2025

Round 6, Pick 191 Overall: James Tallon – LHP, Duke

2025 Stats: 1-2, 3.96 ERA, 50 strikeouts, 19 walks, 1.266 WHIP over 36 1/3 innings pitched

Again, clearly there’s a theme of selecting college pitchers in this draft. James Tallon appeared in 21 games this year for the Blue Devils, making three starts and posting a .208 batting average against. He ranks second all-time at Duke with 14 saves; 12 of those came in 2023, and two came this year. His strikeout rate in 2025 was 31.3%, his fastball sits at 90-93 mph and has touched 95 mph, and his off-speed slider is notable as well. Given that he’s 6’5″, Tallon pitches from a low slot. 

Tallon wasn’t ranked in MLB Pipeline’s Top 250 draft prospects, but Just Baseball ranked him the 305th overall prospect in the 2025 MLB draft. – Grace Del Pizzo

#12 Duke gets a much-needed win as it takes down #9 Miami 5-3. Alex Mooney and Andrew Fischer each hit solo HRs, while Giovanni DiGiacomo delivered the game-winning RBI single in the 8th. Fran Oschell (1.1 IP) and James Tallon (1.2 IP) combined for 3 shutout IP to seal the win. pic.twitter.com/noQv2WwhvS

— Peter Flaherty III (@PeterGFlaherty) May 19, 2023

Round 7, Pick 221 Overall: Matthew Fisher – RHP, Evansville Memorial HS (Indiana)

2025 Stats: 6-0, 0.76 ERA, 61 strikeouts, 11 walks over 36 2/3 innings pitched

The Phillies may have gotten a steal by drafting Matthew Fisher, MLB Pipeline’s No. 46-ranked draft prospect, at pick no. 221. Fisher, also a star quarterback at Evansville Memorial, was named Indiana’s Gatorade High School Baseball Player of the Year this year. He sits at 92-93 mph, and his high-spin fastball can touch 95 mph. 

MLB Pipeline describes him as one of the more athletic and projectable pitchers in the 2025 class:

“Fisher’s athleticism helps him move down the mound well and repeat his solid delivery, producing extension and consistent strikes. With added strength, the Indiana recruit could become a mid-rotation starter with a plus fastball and slider.”

Fisher is only 19 years old and is still filling out his 6-foot-3 frame. He’s currently committed to play at Indiana University, so it remains to be seen if he’ll sign with the Phillies, but there’s a lot of potential. – Grace Del Pizzo

Round 8, Pick 251 Overall: Brian Walters – RHP, Miami (Fla.)

2025 Stats: 2-3, 4.94 ERA, 56 strikeouts, 19 walks, 1.51 WHIP over 51 innings pitched

Brian Walters is the eighth pitcher selected by the Phillies in the 2025 MLB Draft. He is the younger brother of Andrew Walters, who was selected by the Cleveland Guardians in the 2023 MLB Draft and made his MLB debut in September 2024. Andrew actually deferred the MLB draft for a year so he and Brian could play at Miami together. 

Brian had Tommy John surgery after tearing his UCL in 2023. In 2024, he was drafted by the Seattle Mariners in the 19th round, but didn’t sign with them. His best pitch is his slider, and his sinking fastball reaches up to 97 mph. – Grace Del Pizzo

Welcome back, @BrianWalters_10

BMoney strikes out the side in his first inning back from Tommy John surgery!

: https://t.co/TKOrKW5Bez pic.twitter.com/SxCqPN6uRU

— Miami Hurricanes Baseball (@CanesBaseball) March 7, 2024

Round 9, Pick 281 Overall: Matthew Ferrara – SS, Toms River HS East (NJ)

2025 Stats: 34-for-84 (.405), 13 doubles, three home runs, 23 RBIs, 26 stolen bases, .667 SLG

Matthew Ferrara is the first position player selected by the Phillies this year. The No. 1 high school shortstop in New Jersey is currently committed to Pittsburgh. Ferrara stands at 6’0″ and 180 pounds at just 18 years old.

Ferrara – from Toms River in Ocean County – is a relatively local kid. He led Toms River East to wins in the Ocean County Tournament and the NJSIAA South Jersey Group III Championship. He has a lot of raw power to tap into, and according to his coaches, he shows up in the big spots.

“Whenever there is a big moment, Matty comes through,” Toms River East coach Keith Smicklo told Shore Sports Insider about Ferrara. “It seems like when the lights come on, Matty plays. That’s kind of been his M.O.”

Not even two hours after he was drafted, Ferrara has already updated his Instagram bio to include the Phillies. It’s not certain that he’ll sign, but that sure is a pretty strong indicator. – Grace Del Pizzo

SS Matthew Ferrara (Toms River East HS, NJ)

6-0 | 180 lbs

Pitt recruit#Super60 || #MLBDraft pic.twitter.com/mHnouvPO5r

— Shooter Hunt (@ShooterHunt) February 2, 2025

Round 10, Pick 311 Overall: Cole Gilley – RHP, Indiana

2025 Stats: 10-3, 3.54 ERA, 75 strikeouts, 20 walks, 1.09 WHIP over 68 2/3 innings pitched

Cole Gilley marks the seventh right-handed pitcher taken by the Phillies. A native of Columbus, Indiana, Gilley played three seasons at Indiana State in 2021 and 2023-24 before transferring to Indiana in 2025; he didn’t pitch in 2022 due to Tommy John surgery. 

Gilley, a fifth-year senior, earned a Second Team All-Big Ten selection this year. He started a team-best 12 games and made 18 appearances overall, working his way to a .211 batting average against. The 23-year-old’s cutter sits in the upper 80s, and his slider sits in the lower 80s. – Grace Del Pizzo

10 strikeouts in five innings for Cole Gilley.

Gilley’s second 10+ strikeout outing of the season. #iubase pic.twitter.com/nY1IeHyNhB

— Dylan Traeger (@dylan_traeger) March 28, 2025

Round 11, Pick 341 Overall: Will Vierling – C, Murray State

2025 Stats: 73-for-234 (.312), 17 doubles, two triples, 10 home runs, 51 RBIs, .945 OPS

Will Vierling is the second position player drafted by the Phillies this year. Vierling played his first two seasons at Louisville from 2023-24 before transferring to Murray State. He started at catcher for the Racers in their surprise College World Series run this summer. Funnily enough, he played in the game where Arkansas pitcher (and Phillies’ first-round pick) Gage Wood threw a no-hitter against Murray State; Wood struck Vierling out twice in that game.

By the way, yes, this name should sound familiar to you – Will is the cousin of Detroit Tigers outfielder Matt Vierling, who played with the Phillies from 2021-22 and was a member of the Phillies’ 2022 World Series roster. – Grace Del Pizzo

Will Vierling caps a 5-run 4th with his 16th double of the season#GoRacers pic.twitter.com/YJpizWMXFC

— Murray State Baseball (@RacersBaseball) June 8, 2025

Round 12, Pick 371 Overall: Tyler Bowen – RHP, Lander

2025 Stats: 3-2, 3.90 ERA, 51 strikeouts, 20 walks, 1.392 WHIP over 32 1/3 innings pitched

Tyler Bowen, the eighth right-handed pitcher taken by the Phillies, played at Lander University in South Carolina. In 22 appearances and one start in 2025, Bowen racked up four saves. He played for the Frederick Keys of the MLB Draft League this summer and posted a 1.59 ERA in 5 2/3 innings across four games. Bowen is a native of Dagsboro, Delaware, and he is the 12th MLB Draft pick in Lander’s history. – Grace Del Pizzo

.@Lander_BSB RHP Tyler Bowen was selected in the 12th round by the @Phillies!

Bowen struck out 51 over 32.1 innings this past season, featuring an upper 90s Fastball. Congrats Tyler!#D2Baseball #MLBDraft pic.twitter.com/g43d60Yydb

— D2 Baseball (@divIIbaseball) July 14, 2025

Round 13, Pick 401 Overall: Jack Barker –  OF, College of Southern Idaho

2025 Stats: 93-for-204 (.456), 22 doubles, seven triples, eight home runs, 65 RBIs, 19 stolen bases

The first outfielder of the Phillies’ 2025 draft class is Jack Barker. Barker spent two seasons at the College of Southern Idaho, a junior college. In 2025, he set school records in single season batting average (.456), hits (93) and total bases (153), as well as tying school records for doubles (22) and triples (7). – Grace Del Pizzo

I am very fortunate for my time spent at CSI. While leading our group of guys I was able to slash the following .456 AVG, .543 OBP, .750 SLG. Doing so I set 3 records. (Single season AVG, Hits (93), total bases (153). As well as tying doubles, triples. 65 RBI & 19SB. pic.twitter.com/NVp5QMZ9Cd

— Jack Barker (@JackBarker1014) May 3, 2025

Round 14, Pick 431 Overall: Jonathan Gonzalez – LHP, Stetson

2025 Stats: 10-2, 2.11 ERA, 105 strikeouts, 21 walks, 0.972 WHIP over 93 2/3 innings pitched

The reigning ASUN Pitcher of the Year, Jonathan Gonzalez dominated as a starter at Stetson University. He started 15 games in his return to the mound after injury prevented him from playing in 2024. He only allowed one home run, held batters to a .201 average and struck out 10+ batters in four games, including in three consecutive starts. Gonzalez went 3-1 in starts against Power 5 schools, earning wins over Penn State, Indiana and NC State. – Grace Del Pizzo

I need more people to know about this dude!

Jonathan Gonzalez (going into today’s game)
1.95 ERA | 87.2 IP | 101 K | 18 BB
rSR LHP who is in the low 90s, with nasty stuff and solid command.

YOU NEED TO WATCH THIS DUDE AND STETSON THIS TOURNAMENT!pic.twitter.com/zioCCBq6UT

— Up West Sports Podcast (@UpWestSports) May 30, 2025

Round 15, Pick 461 Overall: Jacob Pruitt – RHP, Mississippi State

2025 Stats: 1-0, 7.23 ERA, 23 strikeouts, 15 walks, 1.821 WHIP over 18 2/3 innings pitched

Jacob Pruitt committed to Missouri for the 2026 season last week, so it will be interesting to see if he signs with the Phillies or completes the transfer to Mizzou. Pruitt impressed at Indiana State in 2023-24, but never quite settled in at Mississippi State. He has a three-pitch mix and could be an intriguing project if he signs. – Grace Del Pizzo

RHP Jacob Pruitt (@HailStateBB) living 92-94 w/ the FB & showing a qual 3 pitch mix. Sells CH (clip) w/ depth, SL in mid-80s.

Jr./‘25 elig. pic.twitter.com/VbIMROeG0z

— PG College Baseball (@PGCollegeBall) June 1, 2025

Round 16, Pick 491 Overall: Logan Dawson – SS, Eastern Regional HS (NJ)

2025 Stats: .318 AVG, two home runs, 13 RBIs, 14 stolen bases

Logan Dawson is from Audubon, NJ, and is currently committed to Boston College. Dawson is the No. 3 ranked shortstop in New Jersey; the Phillies already selected the No. 1 ranked NJ shortstop in Matthew Ferrera. Dawson played for the Trenton Thunder of the MLB Draft League this summer, where he went 3-for-31 (.097) with two RBIs and 18 strikeouts. If Dawson signs, he will be a long-term project. It remains to be seen if he’ll sign, but according to the Courier Post, Dawson has told teams that he is “open-minded.” – Grace Del Pizzo

#BostonCollege commit Logan Dawson (‘25, NJ) drives a deep triple off the wall in straightaway center for @easternbasebal1, also collecting a double in this game. Big + athletic LH swinger w/ present strength and projection. Clean + quick barrel through the zone w/ all fields… pic.twitter.com/DcFJr8dB9m

— PG Mid Atlantic (NY, NJ, PA, MD,DE,DC) (@PGMidAtlantic) May 2, 2025

Round 17, Pick 521 Overall: Richie Cortese – RHP, Lander

2025 Stats: 0-1, 5.17 ERA, 28 strikeouts, 14 walks. 1.66 WHIP over 15 2/3 innings pitched

Richie Cortese is the second right-handed pitcher from Lander University drafted by the Phillies today, following 12th-round pick Tyler Bowen. Cortese spent 2022-23 at Dickinson State before pitching the last two seasons at Lander. At 22 years old, Cortese stands at 6-foot-6, 240 pounds. He is from Laurel, Montana, and he becomes the 13th draft pick in Lander’s history, hours after Bowen became the 12th. – Grace Del Pizzo

Round 18, Pick 551 Overall: Matthew Potok – RHP, Coastal Carolina

2025 Stats: 4-1, 2.52 ERA, 33 strikeouts, eight walks, 1.15 WHIP over 35 2/3 innings pitched

Matthew Potok appeared in 21 games with one start for Coastal Carolina, the eventual College World Series runners-up. He served as a long middle-inning reliever for the Chanticleers. Potok is from Jackson, NJ, adding yet another New Jersey player to the 2025 draft class. – Grace Del Pizzo

Round 19, Pick 581 Overall: Robert Phelps – SS, Reinhardt

2025 Stats: 75-for-214 (.350), 17 doubles, two triples, 11 home runs, 21 stolen bases, 1.063 OPS

Robert Phelps is the third shortstop in the Phillies’ 2025 draft class. The Pittsburgh native began his college career at Riverside City College and Harford Community College before transferring to Reinhardt University for the 2025 season. – Grace Del Pizzo

Game 2 of the NAIA Ball Big Series of the week sponsored by @ShoMeLeague starts off with a BANG

RU SS Robert Phelps gives the Eagles a 1-0 lead on the second pitch of the game with the opposite field solo shot!

: @twbulldogs #NAIABall pic.twitter.com/f1CmoREtJm

— NAIA Ball (@NAIABall) March 1, 2025

Round 20, Pick 611 Overall: Landon Schaefer – SS, Fayetteville Senior HS

Landon Schaefer, MLB Pipeline’s 125th-ranked draft prospect, fell to the Phillies at pick no. 611. The top-ranked player in the state of Arkansas, Schaefer has a “loose & athletic swing,” according to Perfect Game. He’s an agile defender on the left side with a strong arm. Earlier today, Schaefer actually pulled out of the draft and confirmed that he will attend the University of Arkansas, but we’ll see if being drafted changes his mind. – Grace Del Pizzo

‘25 OF Landon Schaefer (AR)

6’3” 180 @RazorbackBSB recruit.

Loose & athletic swing. Creates sep. and catches the ball out in front. #MLBdraft || @PrepBaseballAR pic.twitter.com/lHpSVGLkDx

— Shooter Hunt (@ShooterHunt) July 17, 2024

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Since our last ocean rowing roundup, the World’s Toughest Row has crowned its winner, one crew has started an Arctic row, and everyone else is still battling across the world’s oceans. 

Pacific Ocean

World’s Toughest Row: This year, four teams entered the World’s Toughest Row, a 4,500km race across the mid-Pacific from Monterey, California, to Hanalei Bay, Hawaii. Teams set off on June 6, and two crews have crossed the finish line so far. After tricky conditions at the start of the race, and the expected issues with seasickness and fatigue, the four crews have settled into their rows. 

After the first 10 days, the crews began to move quickly west, thanks to helpful waves and wind. 

Four-person crew Swiss Raw aimed to set a new speed record. They succeeded. Jun Hurni, Samuel Widmer, Ingvar Groza, and Yassin Boussena completed the row in 25 days, 2 hours, and 21 minutes, shattering the previous record by four-and-a-half days. “We were told to push hard out of Monterey, and we just didn’t stop,” Boussena said.

The next crew, Ocean5, came in seven days behind the winning team. Thomas Higham, Kevin Gaskell, Matt Gaskell, Stephen Greenan, and Patrick Deacon crossed the finish line after 32 days, 6 hours, and 51 minutes. They are the fastest five ever to complete the race, beating the previous record by almost 20 days. 

The two remaining crews are drawing close to Hawaii and expect to land in the next few days. 

Peru to Australia team making good progress

Seas the Day (UK): Jess Rowe and Miriam Payne are rowing from Peru to Australia. They first set off in April but had to abandon their attempt after 480km when their rudder broke.

In May, they restarted and have now covered 5,900km of the mammoth 14,000km journey. Originally, they were aiming for Sydney, but it is so busy during the months that they would likely finish that they have changed course for Brisbane. 

A big milestone for the duo came on June 19, when they officially completed the first quarter of their journey. Now they are just weeks away from the halfway point, and are hoping to cross the imaginary line on July 25.

They have been incredibly upbeat since their first day, but even for the chirpiest of duos, months at sea can become monotonous. Nearing the halfway point has given them a huge boost. In the last few days, the weather had been on their stern, giving them some of their fastest days yet. Recently, they have clocked between 105km and 125km each day. 

However, power remains an issue. Since the start of their row, their batteries have been playing up. Now, their electrical system has almost completely failed. The batteries drain every night, and they are unable to figure out what is causing the leak. They use all the power remaining solely for the autohelm. They have switched everything else off.

Self-imposed silence

MacLean Brothers (UK): Ewan, Jamie, and Lachlan McLean are also rowing from Peru to Australia. Three months after setting off, they had covered over half of the 14,000km.

They are hoping to set a new speed record, but unfavorable conditions are making that unlikely. In the last few weeks of June, they reported a “messy sea state with no regularity.” Ocean swells combined with wind-driven waves. At one point, the squall was so strong they said it was like being “tossed around like a rubber duck in a wave pool.” Constantly soaked, they ruefully remarked that they “yearn for the Edinburgh drizzle.”

Conditions improved as they moved through to the end of June and the beginning of July. Deciding it felt a bit too easy, they decided to row in silence for three days. They did not speak to each other, turned off their Starlink, and went radio silent on all comms. Before starting, they made a plan for their silent days and came up with a few signals they could use for essential communication.

“Time moves differently when you’re completely silent,” they wrote.

More speed record hopefuls

Tame the Kraken (US): Tim and Harrison Crockett are a father-and-son team taking on the Pacific. Their route is similar to the World’s Toughest Row, starting in California and rowing to Hawaii. 

They are also hoping for a speed record, aiming to complete the row in 45 days. This is becoming less and less likely because of a difficult start, when they struggled with exhaustion and a broken autohelm. 

Tim and Harrison Crockett. Photo: Tame The Kraken

It is hurricane season over the Pacific. Bizarrely, this is helpful (as long as you don’t get caught in one) because it creates quite reliable trade winds that can push you along. However, the downside is that for the first three weeks of June, they were almost always in full foul-weather gear. Cloud cover was near constant, alongside heavy rain and choppy seas. 

As it stands, they have been rowing for over 10 weeks and have 1,100km to go. To finish the row within 45 days, they need to cover 125km per day, approximately double their average pace. 

Around the world with human power

Louis Margot (CH): Louis Margot is making his way around the world by rowing and cycling. He started by cycling from his home country of Switzerland to Portugal. Then he hopped into his boat and rowed to Columbia in 115 days. From there, he once again began pedaling, this time to Peru.

Now he is on his second rowing section, from Peru to Indonesia. After rowing to Hiva Oa in the Marquesas Islands, he stopped for a few months to rest, make repairs, and restock. He has been back on the water for just over a month and is chipping away at the 11,638km to Indonesia. So far, he has rowed approximately 2,300km.  

Indian Ocean

Ocean Revival (UK): Matthew Mason, Jake Mattock, Matthew Inglesby, and Mathew Hemmings are rowing 8,500km from Australia to Kenya. Originally, they were rowing to Dar es Salaam in Tanzania, but have decided to change course slightly and are now heading towards Kilifi, slightly north of the city of Mombasa. Mid-row, they discovered that the port in Dar es Salaam has no slipways, which would make getting the boat out of the water incredibly tricky. 

Showing how close-knit the ocean rowing community can be, the team got in touch with the Seas the Day crew. Jess Rowe was quick to respond with some helpful information; her father lives in Kenya and knows the coastline well. A few phone calls later, and the boatyard in Kilifi is getting ready for their arrival. 

After two months, they have covered 6,800km. In the last few weeks, conditions have been changeable. They had 24 hours on the para-anchor as a big weather system crossed their path. They almost capsized, and then panicked as a large ship passed too close for comfort. To try and conserve power, they have been switching their navigation on and off. While it was off, a ship suddenly appeared. At first, they thought it was a wave, but within 20 minutes, it was a few kilometers from them.

“Somewhere between survival and bliss, we’ve found a strange kind of peace out here,” the crew wrote recently. “As a crew, we’ve laughed hard, rowed harder, and been broken and rebuilt more times than we can count.”

The world’s blue highway

Untamed (BG, NL, CN, UA): A second four-person crew is also trundling across the Indian Ocean from Australia to Kenya. Almost eight weeks into their row, Evgeny Sudyr, Liu Yong, Ralph Tuijn, and Stefan Ivanov have covered 7,100km of the 9,000km. 

The Untamed crew, out on the ocean. Photo: Untamed

An ambitious crew with a wealth of ocean-rowing knowledge, they had hoped to make the crossing in 75 days. Despite their best efforts, they won’t achieve this. Even for experienced rowers, the Indian Ocean is difficult. It is why so few ocean rowers tackle it.

The team has given few updates but noted the difficulties of rowing across the “world’s blue highway” after so many weeks of solitude: “We are right in the middle of the major shipping lanes connecting Southeast Asia, Africa, and Latin America. Seeing dozens of vessels appear on our tracker feels surreal after days alone with the waves, a reminder that this ocean is a global thoroughfare.”

Around Britain

52 Degrees North (IE/UK): David Irving (IE), Rod Tredgett (UK), and Scott Brown (UK) are rowing 2,700km clockwise around Great Britain. Starting at Tower Bridge in London, they made their way down to the south coast and are now moving up the west coast through the Celtic Sea into the Irish Sea. 

Photo: 52 Degrees North

Slow progress has frustrated the trio. Conditions have forced them onto anchor at multiple points, sometimes for days at a time. “It is very hard to remain positive when momentum is so fragmented due to the adverse weather,” they commented on social media.  

Row with the Flow GB (UK): This six-man crew, originally called Counternavig8, had planned to row counterclockwise around mainland Britain in 2024. The weather at the time made it impossible, so they postponed the row for a year, only to face the same issues in 2025. 

After waiting weeks for an appropriate weather window and running out of time to complete the row, they changed plans and rowed clockwise. They renamed themselves Row with the Flow.

Unlike most crews rowing around Britain, they did not start from Tower Bridge; they set off from Eyemouth on the east coast of Scotland. Having started three days ago, they are working their way down the east coast of Northumberland. 

Arctic Ocean 

The Arctic Challenge 2025 (US): This four-person American crew is rowing 1,000km across the Arctic Ocean from Tromsø, Norway, to Longyearbyen, Svalbard. The speed record for a four-person team on that section of the Arctic Ocean was set in 2023 by Ocean Revival, which made the crossing in 15 days, 5 hours, and 32 minutes. This crew hopes to beat that time. If they complete the row, they will be the first all-American team to row the polar ocean. 

They started on July 4 and are getting used to the icy conditions. The last 24 hours have been wet and cloudy, and they are in battery conservation mode. They are making excellent progress, having already completed 70% of the journey.