College baseball recruiting is tricky. Not only do coaches have to contend with professional baseball taking its pick of the best prep players in the country, they have to move quickly on players.
Even with a slower recruiting calendar, top-tier recruits are largely committing to schools two full years before they can suit up in an official game and almost every recruit signs with a school before their senior high school season. In contrast, eight of the top 25 2024 men’s basketball recruits according to 247Sports are still uncommitted.
So, while we ranked the Top 25 2024 recruiting classes a week ago, the reality is that a lot can and will change in the next nine months before those players begin fall ball as freshmen. Players who right now headline a class might sign out of the draft, while others will this spring take a step forward.
We know what kind of impact Konnor Griffin or PJ Morlando would have if they make it to college. So, today, we’re not highlighting those players. Instead, this is an attempt to identify 10 players who aren’t the most prominent names today but could make a big impact on the 2025 college baseball season. While some of these players could well be drafted themselves, they don’t today project as top-three round picks, increasing their chances of making it to school.
De Groot this spring shared MVP honors in South California’s rugged Trinity League with Trent Caraway, who was a top-100 draft prospect and is now a freshman at Oregon State. Listed at 6-foot-3, 195 pounds, de Groot has projectable righthanded power and already creates exciting bat speed. He’s a good athlete who could quickly slot into the Bruins’ outfield.
Hayden Federico, SS, Mississippi
Ole Miss’ recruiting class is headlined by shortstop Owen Paino. If he ends up as a first rounder, however, the Rebels still may bring in their shortstop of the future. Federico is the son of Louisiana-Monroe coach Michael Federico and has the kind of feel for the game and baseball IQ that is expected from a player with his background. He’s a switch-hitter and consistently puts the barrel on the ball from both sides of the plate. He has smooth hands and infield actions, and his feel for the game help his defensive tools play up.
Matt Hoag, LHP, Florida State
Florida State has a big, deep class that includes some exciting pitchers. At his best, Hoag pounds the strike zone and keeps…