College Baseball · 6 months ago

2025 MLB Draft: 5 Hidden Gems Slipping Under the Radar

SportsGrid Contributor Just Baseball

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1. Charles Davalan – Arkansas’ Hit Machine
Position: 2B/OF | School: Arkansas

Charles Davalan powered the Razorbacks to a College World Series semifinal, showcasing one of the best pure bats in the draft. The 5’9”, 190-pound leadoff threat hit .346/.433/.561 with 14 homers and a 121 wRC+ in 65 games. His plate discipline is elite — walking more than he struck out — and his 90%+ contact rate, including 94% in-zone, screams pro-ready. Despite limited height for immense power, his contact skills alone make him a potential 70-grade hit tool find.

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5. Ben Abeldt – TCU’s Deceptive Lefty
Position: LHP | School: TCU

Ben Abeldt’s funky release point makes lefties miserable — he practically throws from behind same-handed hitters. In 44.1 innings out of TCU’s bullpen, he struck out nearly 30% of batters, surrendered just one homer, and posted a sharp 1.83 ERA. With a three-pitch mix (mid-to-high-90s fastball, sharp slider, solid changeup), he stranded 83% of runners. He’s ranked 274th but could easily become a shutdown lefty reliever at the next level.

Thanks to Just Baseball for the stats, analysis, and insights for this slideshow article.
4. Paxton Kling – Rebuilding the Buzz
Position: OF | School: Penn State

Once a top prep talent, Paxton Kling bounced back in a big way after transferring from LSU. This spring at Penn State, he delivered a .358/.470/.632 slash line, with 13 homers, 15 steals, and a 151 wRC+ over 56 games. His revamped swing is direct and efficient, while his glove and arm strength make him one of the best defenders available. Kling’s whiff rate is manageable, and if a team snags him around the ninth round (ranked 256th), he’s a low-risk, high-reward addition.

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3. Cam Leiter – High-Risk, High-Reward Arm
Position: RHP | School: Florida State

Injuries have limited Cam Leiter’s innings, but when healthy, his stuff is electric. His four-seamer touches the high 90s and tunnels beautifully with a biting slider. The curveball and changeup add depth to a full arsenal — though command remains a question mark after walking 14% of hitters in limited action. Ranked 149th, Leiter could return for another college season, but if he goes pro, he’s an upside swing worth taking.

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2. Korbyn Dickerson – Indiana’s Breakout Star
Position: OF | School: Indiana

Overshadowed by teammate Devin Taylor, Korbyn Dickerson made scouts take notice by slugging .314/.381/.632 with 19 homers and a 123 wRC+ over 56 games. Standing 6’1” and 205 pounds, he combines premium athleticism with raw pop — nearly touching 117 mph exit velocities. His calm stride helps him handle high heat with ease, translating to fewer whiffs and more damage. If he slips to the second or third round, he’ll be a massive bargain.
1. Charles Davalan – Arkansas’ Hit Machine
Position: 2B/OF | School: Arkansas

Charles Davalan powered the Razorbacks to a College World Series semifinal, showcasing one of the best pure bats in the draft. The 5’9”, 190-pound leadoff threat hit .346/.433/.561 with 14 homers and a 121 wRC+ in 65 games. His plate discipline is elite — walking more than he struck out — and his 90%+ contact rate, including 94% in-zone, screams pro-ready. Despite limited height for immense power, his contact skills alone make him a potential 70-grade hit tool find.

For all your MLB deep dives, check out our friends at Just Baseball.
5. Ben Abeldt – TCU’s Deceptive Lefty
Position: LHP | School: TCU

Ben Abeldt’s funky release point makes lefties miserable — he practically throws from behind same-handed hitters. In 44.1 innings out of TCU’s bullpen, he struck out nearly 30% of batters, surrendered just one homer, and posted a sharp 1.83 ERA. With a three-pitch mix (mid-to-high-90s fastball, sharp slider, solid changeup), he stranded 83% of runners. He’s ranked 274th but could easily become a shutdown lefty reliever at the next level.

Thanks to Just Baseball for the stats, analysis, and insights for this slideshow article.

2025 MLB Draft: 5 Hidden Gems Slipping Under the Radar

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