Top New York high school baseball prospects to watch in the 2025 MLB Draft

As the 2025 Major League Baseball Draft inches closer on the horizon, the eyes of scouts and talent evaluators are already fixed on the next crop of amateur talent. New York, a state increasingly recognized as a burgeoning hotbed for high school baseball, is poised to deliver a compelling class of prospects. While the draft board is far from finalized, several Empire State standouts have already begun to generate significant buzz, showcasing the raw tools and refined skills that could see them hear their names called early on draft day.

Leading the early conversation is Ethan Vance, a left-handed pitcher from Commack High School on Long Island. Vance possesses a rare combination of velocity and command for his age, consistently touching the mid-90s with his fastball and demonstrating an advanced feel for a sharp breaking ball. His fluid mechanics and repeatable delivery project well for future innings, making him a tantalizing prospect for teams seeking frontline pitching. Scouts are particularly impressed with his composure on the mound and his ability to work out of jams, attributes that often separate the elite from the merely talented. With two more high school seasons to refine his arsenal and add strength, Vance is firmly on track to be a top-tier arm in this draft class, drawing comparisons to past collegiate and professional southpaws.

Another name generating significant excitement is Caleb Rodriguez, a dynamic shortstop out of Fordham Prep in the Bronx. Rodriguez is a true five-tool talent, showcasing exceptional athleticism, a strong arm, and advanced bat-to-ball skills. Defensively, he exhibits smooth actions, excellent range, and a quick transfer, making challenging plays look routine. At the plate, he generates impressive bat speed, driving the ball to all fields with burgeoning power, and displays a keen eye for the strike zone. His plus speed allows him to be a disruptive force on the base paths and cover significant ground in the infield. Rodriguez's commitment to a top Division I program speaks volumes about his talent, but his professional trajectory could be expedited if his offensive game continues its upward trend.

Beyond these headliners, the depth of New York's talent pool for 2025 is notable. Liam O'Connell, a catcher from Shenendehowa High School in Upstate New York, is drawing attention for his elite defensive prowess. O'Connell boasts a cannon for an arm, consistently posting pop times that turn heads, and he handles a pitching staff with veteran-like maturity. While his bat is still developing, his defensive skills alone make him a premium commodity, especially given the scarcity of high-level catching prospects. His ability to block, frame, and control the running game are already big-league ready tools, suggesting that any offensive growth could elevate him significantly. These young athletes represent the culmination of dedicated coaching, year-round training, and the increasing exposure provided by national showcases and summer circuits. The road to the MLB Draft is long and arduous, but for these New York standouts, the groundwork is being laid for potentially transformative professional careers.