College Baseball · 5 months ago

College World Series 2025 Preview: Arizona Wildcats

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Arizona Wildcats Defy Doubters
The Arizona Wildcats flew under the national radar for much of the season, often overlooked and underrated. Yet, they delivered an outstanding campaign, capturing the Big 12 Championship in their debut season and securing their second consecutive conference title after winning the Pac-12 in 2024.

In a conversation with head coach Chip Hale during the Big 12 Tournament in Arlington, he highlighted the backbone of their success: a strong starting rotation led by Owen Kramkowski, Smith Bailey, and Collin McKinney.

What truly set Arizona apart was its willingness to challenge itself early. It took on a tough non-conference slate featuring top programs like Tennessee, Louisville, Clemson, Mississippi State, Texas A&M, and San Diego. This rigorous schedule helped prepare it to compete at the highest level and ultimately thrive in a new conference environment.

Thanks to Just Baseball for the stats, analysis, and insights for this slideshow article.
Arizona Wildcats Overcome Setbacks
Although the Wildcats stumbled in some Big 12 series, dropping games to Baylor and Texas Tech, they dominated the rest of conference play, defeating top teams like West Virginia and TCU. Arizona earned a two-seed in the NCAA tournament and benefited from a favorable regional draw in Eugene, where they swept their opponents 3-0 and outscored them 31-6.

In the Chapel Hill Super Regional, many expected their run to end against the strong North Carolina Tar Heels, who boast deep pitching and a potent offense. Most wrote off Arizona's chances after a tough 18-2 loss in Game 1, given that nearly 80% of Game 1 winners advance.

But the Wildcats battled back, winning a thrilling 10-8 Game 2. In the decisive Game 3, capitalizing on two critical UNC errors, Mason White’s two-RBI single sealed a three-run eighth inning, sending Arizona to Omaha for the first time since 2021.

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Arizona is One of College Baseball’s Hottest Teams
Arizona arrives in Omaha as one of the hottest teams left in the College World Series, showcasing balance and depth on offense and defense. Their frontline starters anchor a pitching staff capable of making a deep run, while their lineup presents a consistent threat from top to bottom despite some struggles at the bottom. After battling one of the nation’s best pitching staffs in North Carolina with quality at-bats, Arizona looks poised to challenge the arms they’ll face in Omaha. They share a wide-open bracket with Coastal Carolina, Oregon State, and Louisville, making their first game against Coastal Carolina an early marquee matchup. While their starting pitching stands out, inconsistency could lead to bullpen fatigue and an early exit. Still, their talent and resilience make them a team to watch as they seek a breakthrough in this unpredictable postseason.

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Players to Watch
Mason White, SS, Junior
Batting .332/.414/.692 with 17 doubles, 8 triples, 19 homers, and 72 RBIs, White ranks No. 130 on the Just Baseball Top 300 Prospects for the 2025 MLB Draft. Known for his raw power from the left side, he can light up the scoreboard despite occasional swing-and-miss tendencies. White has been a key offensive catalyst, smashing three home runs in the Eugene Regional and the Big 12 Tournament, earning tournament MVP honors.

Brendan Summerhill, OF, Junior
At .358/.477/.585 with 12 doubles, 6 triples, 4 homers, 34 RBIs, and 11 stolen bases, Summerhill has surged into the No. 17 spot on the 2025 Draft list. His elite 87% contact rate and athleticism make him a dynamic leadoff hitter. Though sidelined by injury, Summerhill’s return has added vital depth and pressure throughout Arizona’s lineup.

Aaron Walton, OF, Junior
Walton boasts a .320/.434/.595 line with 22 doubles, 2 triples, 14 homers, and 49 RBIs, quietly emerging as one of Arizona’s most valuable bats. Combining power, exit velocities reaching 110 mph, with plus athleticism and solid defense, Walton ranks No. 147 among 2025 prospects.

Owen Kramkowski, RHP, Sophomore
Despite a 5.48 ERA, Kramkowski is a promising 2026 prospect with a low-mid 90s sinker and sharp slider in the low 80s. His deceptive arm action and potential for deep outings make him a key part of Arizona’s rotation.

Tony Pluta, RHP, Junior
Pluta, with a 1.26 ERA and 0.81 WHIP over 28 appearances, is arguably college baseball’s best closer. On a streak of 14 scoreless outings, his toughness and clutch performances, including closing out the Super Regional on zero rest, make him a game-changer for the Wildcats.

The post College World Series Preview: Arizona Wildcats appeared first on Just Baseball.
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Arizona Wildcats Defy Doubters
The Arizona Wildcats flew under the national radar for much of the season, often overlooked and underrated. Yet, they delivered an outstanding campaign, capturing the Big 12 Championship in their debut season and securing their second consecutive conference title after winning the Pac-12 in 2024.

In a conversation with head coach Chip Hale during the Big 12 Tournament in Arlington, he highlighted the backbone of their success: a strong starting rotation led by Owen Kramkowski, Smith Bailey, and Collin McKinney.

What truly set Arizona apart was its willingness to challenge itself early. It took on a tough non-conference slate featuring top programs like Tennessee, Louisville, Clemson, Mississippi State, Texas A&M, and San Diego. This rigorous schedule helped prepare it to compete at the highest level and ultimately thrive in a new conference environment.

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

College World Series 2025 Preview: Arizona Wildcats

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