D1 college baseball begins on February 14th. Here are my predictions for what the results will look like when the season comes to an end in late June.
Dick Howser trophy winner (best college baseball player): Jace LaViolette, Texas A&M
LaViolette is a 6’6 junior outfielder who hit 29 home runs in his sophomore year. He is currently the #2 prospect for the 2025 MLB draft behind Ethan Holliday. He is a strong defender, with good plate discipline. The similarities between Jace and 2024 winner and Rockies 1st round pick Charlie Condon are eerie. They are the same age, same height, and are both power hitting outfielders. I expect LaViolette to break the 30 homer mark this season, and claim his spot as the best player in college baseball. Honorable mention: Jamie Arnold, Florida State
National Pitcher of the Year Award: Jamie Arnold, Florida State
Arnold is a junior LHP and the #3 prospect in the 2025 MLB draft. Jamie’s improvements have been drastic since arriving in Tallahassee. Exiting high school, Arnold’s fastball sat in the high 80s to low 90s. However, going into this season, his fastball sits at 94-95 MPH, touching the high 90s at times. He won 11 games in 2024 with a 2.98 ERA. I expect him to improve on those numbers and finish as the best pitcher in college baseball. Honorable mention: Tyler Brenner from UC Santa Barbara.
Most disappointing team: Texas A&M
When you’re ranked #1 in the preseason poll, anything but a championship is a disappointment. A&M lost in the 2024 world series to Tennessee. However, the reason I believe they will disappoint in 2025 took place after they lost. A&M’s coach left the program less than 1 day after losing to Tennessee in the College World Series. Even worse, he joined rival #19 Texas. Despite Jace LaViolette, I think Texas A&M, just like their football team every season, will disappoint in 2025. Don’t get me wrong, I still think they’ll be good, but I don’t see them making a MCWS appearance in 2025.
Over-achievers : Texas
If you can’t tell, I think pretty highly of Jim Schlossnagle. Just like he brought Texas A&M success, I think that he can help Texas over perform their #19 ranking. Texas also has the #14 prospect in the 2025 MLB draft, outfielder Max Belyeu. Belyeu batted .329/.423/.667 with a 1.090 OPS and 18 homers. Will Gasparino is also an intriguing prospect, who hit 12 homers in 2024 as a freshman. Texas is a team that I see lots of potential in, and I expect them to go on a strong run in the 2025 playoffs.
2025 National Champions: Tennessee
Back to back. The Vols are ranked #4 going into the season after losing second baseman Christian Moore in the 2024 MLB draft. Tennessee has developed a winning culture, with 4 straight regional championships, 5 straight MCWS appearances (2020 not being played due to covid), and have won 2 of the last 3 SEC championships, only being broken up by the juggernaut 2023 LSU tigers. Tennessee has the #24,#28,#42,#43,#69, and #75 prospects in the 2025 MLB draft, the most by any team in college baseball. #1 Texas A&M and #2 Virginia only have 2, and #3 LSU has none. The Vols are a well rounded team, with all of the tools to repeat as College World Series champions.
