Category: College Baseball

Clemson star Cam Cannarella lands in the Top 10 of this 2025 MLB draft projection

Cannarella is one of the best players in the country.

Clemson baseball kicks off its season next month, with center fielder Cam Cannarella poised to lead a preseason Top 10 team.

Cannarella is garnering significant MLB Draft attention, with Baseball America projecting him as the No. 6 overall pick to the Pittsburgh Pirates in July’s draft. MLB.com ranks him as the No. 2 outfield prospect, highlighting his impressive rise from an under-the-radar South Carolina high school player to a standout at Clemson. Despite playing through a torn labrum last season, Cannarella earned ACC Freshman of the Year honors in 2023 and could become the highest-drafted position player in Clemson history.

Known for his elite contact hitting and defensive range in center field, Cannarella boasts a career .363 batting average with 32 doubles, 18 homers, and 24 steals across 117 starts.

Clemson opens the season in Arlington, Texas, facing Oklahoma State on Feb. 14 at noon ET.

Clemson baseball lands massive commitment from Chase Kiker

Clemson makes a major splash in the 2026 class.

Clemson baseball head coach Erik Bakich has landed a significant recruit for the Tigers‘ 2026 class. Chase Kiker, a standout two-way player from Indian Trail, North Carolina, announced his commitment to Clemson on Monday. Kiker is highly regarded as one of the top players in the country, earning first-team all-state honors last season and helping lead Metrolina Christian to an NCISAA state championship.

First and foremost, I would like to thank God as without him none of this would be possible. With that being said I am excited to announce that I will be furthering my academic and athletic career at Clemson Univerity. Go Tigers!!

Kiker excels both as a right-handed pitcher and an infielder. His fastball reached the mid-90s, and Perfect Game awarded him their highest grade of 10. In addition to his pitching skills, Kiker was named MVP pitcher at the WWBA 16U tournament, where he also impressed at the plate, hitting .516.

You’ve gotta love these moments as a Clemson baseball fan. Kiker’s commitment adds significant talent to Clemson’s future roster, further solidifying the program’s recruiting success under Bakich’s leadership.

https://twitter.com/Chase_kiker5/status/1838316201920831748

Clemson baseball lands a massive commitment from Louis Hernandez Jr.

Clemson baseball lands a big commitment.

Louis Hernandez Jr., one of the top shortstop prospects in the 2026 class, has announced his commitment to Clemson baseball. Hernandez shared his decision on social media, expressing his excitement about joining the Tigers’ baseball program.

In his announcement, Hernandez said, “I am extremely blessed and beyond excited to announce that I will be continuing my academic and athletic career at Clemson University!” He thanked the Clemson coaching staff for the opportunity and emphasized his eagerness to be part of the team. “This is simply the next step in my journey. I can’t wait to be a Tiger!!!”

Standing at 6-foot-4 and weighing 200 pounds, Hernandez has already made a name for himself with a 9.5 grade on Perfect Game. His talents also earned him an invitation to USA Baseball’s National Team Development Program over the summer, showcasing his potential on a national.

https://www.instagram.com/p/DACXpP4OUpW/?img_index=1

 

Clemson will face these Big 12, SEC teams to open 2025 season

Clemson will face a pair of Big 12 teams and an opponent from the SEC at Globe Life Field in Arlington, Texas, to kick off the 2025 college baseball season.

The Clemson baseball team will open its 2025 season in a Major League Baseball stadium when the Tigers head to Globe Life Field in Arlington, Texas, for an annual college baseball showcase.

Clemson is one of six teams that will participate in the Shriners Children’s College Showdown, set for Feb. 14-16. Joining the Tigers are Louisville, Texas, Oklahoma State, Arizona and Ole Miss.

It’s the latter three teams that Clemson will play at Globe Life Field, as announced Wednesday. The Tigers will face Oklahoma State in the opening game of the annual showcase on Friday, Feb. 14 at noon ET.

The following day, Clemson will face Arizona at noon ET. They’ll close the weekend against Ole Miss on Sunday, Feb. 16 at 3:30 p.m. ET.

Coach Erik Bakich will be in his third season as Tigers coach. Clemson finished No. 9 in the final USA TODAY Sports Baseball Coaches Poll last season and won 44 games. The Tigers advanced to a Super Regional for the first time since 2010 after beating Coastal Carolina in their on-site regional of the NCAA Tournament.

 

Follow us @Clemson_Wire on X and on Facebook for ongoing coverage of Clemson Tigers news, notes and opinions.

Clemson ranked top 5 in way-too-early Baseball America Top 25 rankings

Here’s where Baseball America has the Tigers in their way too early Top 25 rankings for next season.

Clemson baseball coach Erik Bakich has been one of the most active coaches in the transfer portal since his team’s 2024 season ended in the Super Regional.

The Tigers have made a splash of additions via the portal this off-season, including former Purdue first baseman and Big Ten Freshman of the Year Luke Holman.

Michigan infielder Collin Priest and Indiana State outfielder Dominic Listi were two of the first names added. Wake Forest left-hander Hudson Lee became the Tigers’ latest addition earlier this week.

Clemson has added seven players total via the portal and lost four: infielders Nolan Nawrocki, Cooper Blauser, right-hander Billy Barlow and outfielder Nathan Lee.

The Tigers also had five players chosen in the 2024 Major League Baseball Draft: senior infielder Blake Wright, right-hander Austin Gordon, left-handers Tristan Smith and Rocco Reid and outfielder Will Taylor. Taylor, a fifth-round pick by the Pittsburgh Pirates, is the only Tigers player that has yet to sign his professional contract.

RELATED: Clemson baseball sees five players chosen in 2024 MLB Draft

Earlier this week, Baseball America released its first way-too-early Top 25 rankings for the 2025 season. Clemson checked in at No. 4, one spot below Florida State at No. 3.

Per Baseball America:

“Clemson is coming off a super regional appearance and will be looking to make its first trip to Omaha since 2010. The Tigers will be led by center fielder Cam Cannarella, who is one of the favorites to win Player of the Year honors. On the mound, righthander Aidan Knaak and lefthander Ethan Darden return to lead the rotation.

“Needing to replace its two leading power threats in Jimmy Obertop and Blake Wright, as well as closer Austin Gordon, Clemson hit the portal for some pop and landed Big Ten freshman of the year Luke Gaffney (Purdue). Erik Bakich’s third year at the program’s helm should be an exciting one.”

Clemson was ranked as high as No. 2 in the USA TODAY Sports baseball coaches poll last season after starting the year 28-3. They ended the season at 44-16 overall and finished No. 9 in the final coaches poll.

LSU was No. 1 in Baseball America’s way too early Top 25 with Florida at No. 2. Reigning national champion Tennessee was No. 7.

Follow us @Clemson_Wire on X and on Facebook for ongoing coverage of Clemson Tigers news, notes and commentary. 

Florida two-way star signs with Kansas City Royals for $7.5 million

Jac Caglianone signed for $7.5 million with the Kansas City Royals, who made the Florida product the sixth pick in the 2024 MLB draft.

Jac Caglianone, the No. 6 overall pick in the 2024 MLB draft by the Kansas City Royals, signed with his new team for $7.5 million according to a team announcement.

Caglianone secured a payday slightly above the slot value of $7.21 million.

The former Florida Gators star is expected to serve as a hitting prospect for the Royals, despite his status as a two-way player while in Gainesville. Most believe Caglianone’s upside resides in his prodigious home run power, especially after he blasted 35 home runs as a junior last year – second only to Georgia slugger Charlie Condon in all of college baseball.

While Caglianone runs his fastball up into the high 90’s, lack of control limits his upside on the mound. With the risk of injury – and now a substantial investment by the team – it makes sense for the Royals to allow the first baseman to focus on improving his bat to ball skills so he can provide more than just home run power at the next level.

Calianone was one of nine SEC players picked in the first round of the MLB draft, a banner day for the conference highlighted by Condon, Arkansas left-hander Hagen Smith, and Caglianone.

Clemson signee Chase Harlan signs MLB contract with the Los Angeles Dodgers

Clemson recruit is heading to the MLB.

Before even stepping foot on campus, the Tigers are already facing a loss. Infielder Chase Harlan, a Clemson signee, has just signed a professional contract with the Los Angeles Dodgers.

Harlan, drafted by the Dodgers in the third round of this year’s MLB Draft (No. 98 overall), finalized his deal on Wednesday. According to MLB.com’s Jim Callis, he secured $1,747,500—far exceeding the slot value of $745,000 for his draft position. A nice pay day for the new Dodger.

Harlan was a standout at the MLB Draft Combine, putting his bat on full display. The power hitter had the longest home run (453.4 feet) and the second-highest exit velocity (112.4 mph) of any prospect.

The Tigers miss out on a high-upside player.

Clemson lands another top-target in the transfer portal

Clemson continues to cook in the transfer portal.

Erik Bakich and the Clemson baseball program have welcomed a key transfer. Seton Hall pitcher Michael Gillen has joined the Tigers.

Gillen, a sophomore right-hander, impressed with a 1.51 ERA over two seasons with the Pirates. He pitched 65.2 innings in 37 games, achieving a 5-1 record, four saves, and 70 strikeouts while allowing only 19 walks and holding opponents to a .225 batting average.

Standing 6-foot-3, the New Jersey native earned All-BIG EAST first-team honors in 2024. He posted a 2.31 ERA, the fourth-lowest in the conference with at least 15 appearances, and a 1.25 ERA in BIG EAST games, the second-lowest with a minimum of five appearances.

Gillen attended Bergen Catholic High School in Oradell, N.J., where he was a four-year letter winner. As a senior, he was a first-team All-Big North conference and second-team All-Bergen County selection, recording a 1.90 ERA and 76 strikeouts in 51 innings.

Former Georgia slugger signs largest draft bonus in MLB history

Georgia Bulldogs third baseman Charlie Condon signed the largest signing bonus in MLB draft history with the Colorado Rockies.

One of college baseball’s most exciting players got himself a nice payday on Friday.

ESPN’s Jeff Passan reported that former Georgia third baseman Charlie Condon signed a deal with a $9.25M signing bonus with the Colorado Rockies, who selected him third overall in the 2024 MLB draft last week.

Condon’s bonus equals the bonus signed by the No. 2 pick, right-handed pitcher Chase Burns out of Wake Forest. It is the biggest draft bonus in MLB history.

Condon was an absolute superstar in 2024, slashing an otherworldly .433/.556/1.009 with 37 home runs, 78 RBI, and 20 doubles – earning SEC Player of the Year honors.

He popped 25 home runs with a .386 batting average his first season with the Bulldogs in 2023, and flashed versatility all over the diamond by playing first base, third base, left field, and right field across his two collegiate seasons.

Condon was one of nine SEC players picked in the first round of the MLB draft, and was joined in the top five by Arkansas left-handed pitcher Hagen Smith.

Clemson baseball sees five players chosen in 2024 MLB Draft

Clemson had five players from its 2024 team selected in the Major League Baseball Draft, which concluded Tuesday.

The 2024 Major League Baseball Draft concluded Tuesday with five Clemson players chosen by big league clubs.

After four Tigers players were selected on Day 2 of the draft Monday, the Arizona Diamondbacks tabbed Clemson left-hander Rocco Reid in the 15th round (No. 464 overall) Tuesday.

Reid’s selection followed those of Clemson infielder Blake Wright (fourth round, Colorado Rockies), right-hander Austin Gordon (fourth round, Los Angeles Angels), outfielder Will Taylor (fifth round, Pittsburgh Pirates), and left-hander Tristan Smith (fifth round, Cincinnati Reds).

RELATED: Colorado Rockies get taste of Clemson-South Carolina rivalry

Reid has another year of eligibility remaining after spending his junior season primarily out of the bullpen for the Tigers. The southpaw from Greenville pitched in 15 games, making three starts. He was 2-1 with a 5.82 ERA in 21 2/3 innings total. Reid struck out 26 batters and walked 15.

In three years with the Tigers, Reid has compiled a 2-2 record and a 6.31 ERA over 43 appearances (five starts). He has struck out 58 batters and walked 35 in 51 1/3 innings total.

Clemson had several other players eligible for the draft who didn’t hear their names called, namely catcher/first baseman Jimmy Obertop and infielder Jacob Hinderleider. Pitchers Rob Hughes and Ty Olenchuk also went undrafted.

The Tigers finished the 2024 season at No. 9 in the final USA TODAY Sports baseball coaches poll after going 44-16 overall and reaching the Super Regionals for the first time since 2010.

Follow us @Clemson_Wire on X and on Facebook for ongoing coverage of Clemson Tigers news, notes and commentary.