Florida State dominated the 2025 MLB Draft with a record-setting performance that serves as a testament to the program Link Jarrett is building in Tallahassee. The Seminoles had 11 players selected, setting a school record. It was also the most selections in the ACC and tied for the most in the country.
Over the past two seasons, FSU has produced a program record 19 MLB draft picks, including 5 in the first 2 rounds. These draft picks helped lead the Seminole baseball program to its first College World Series berth in 5 years, a Super Regional appearance, and FSU’s first ACC runner-up finish in 11 years. Not only were they great athletes, but they were also great people who were fun to cheer for.
Yes, FSU still needs to win what matters most – a National Championship – but acquiring and developing players at a high level is the path to getting there. As Link Jarrett enters his fourth season in Tallahassee, the program’s upward direction is undeniable. If you want to play high-level baseball, get developed and hear your name called in the draft, FSU is where you want to be. Although this leaves a lot of holes to fill for next season, it makes FSU an easy sell for talented prospects across the country. Let’s recap FSU’s selections.
If you want to get drafted, come to Florida State.#MLBDraft x #ProNoles pic.twitter.com/fLqMfJFtGU
— FSU Baseball (@FSUBaseball) July 15, 2025
Jamie Arnold (RD 1 PK: 11 – Oakland A’s): The Draft started with a bang on Sunday as junior left-handed pitcher Jamie Arnold heard his name called in the first round, going 11th overall to the Athletics. Arnold, a consensus All-American and consistent top prospect, was the first FSU pitcher taken in the first round since 2014. An undeniable force on the mound for the Seminoles, Arnold racked up 21 wins in 58 appearances with 41 starts. He was a fierce competitor who was fun to watch and a great ambassador for the program.
The Athletics were surprised Arnold was still available. “We feel pretty fortunate that he got down to us,” A’s scouting director Eric Kubota told MLB.com. “He’s a guy we’ve had evaluated up at the top of the Draft for a couple of years now. He’s performed at a very high level. His analytics really intrigue us. Coming into it, if you had told us that he was going to get to No. 11, I think we would’ve been pretty surprised, so we were very happy.”
Alex Lodise (RD: 2 PK: 60 – Atlanta Braves): Day one continued to be fruitful for FSU. Junior shortstop Alex Lodise was snatched up by the Atlanta Braves as the 60th overall selection. The Golden Spikes finalist brings his impressive bat and defensive prowess to a great organization. Atlanta feels like a great fit for Lodise, who will feel right at home when the chop breaks out in Truist Park.
“He’s making highlight plays. He’s making the routine play look easy. He’s also making the spectacular play look easy. We’re really excited about him,” Braves scouting director Ronit Shah told MLB.com.
Cam Leiter (RD: 2 PK: 65 – LA Dodgers): Close behind, junior right-hander Cam Leiter was drafted 65th overall by the Los Angeles Dodgers, adding another arm to the Seminoles’ pitching contingent heading to the pros. Unfortunately, we never got to see Leiter return to the field in Garnet and Gold after suffering a season-ending injury two years ago. His time in Tallahassee will mostly be remembered as “what could have been,” as the Seminoles could have used another talented arm in the rotation. Hopefully, he can get healthy as he transitions into his professional career.
“We thought if Cam were healthy and pitched this year, he would have been one of the better college pitchers out there,” Dodgers vice president of baseball operations Billy Gasparino said per MLB.com. “We love his background and his willingness to fight through adversity to get better, and we think he’s got a ton of ceiling and potential.”
Max Williams (RD: 3 PK: 78 – Miami Marlins): Rounding out the first three rounds for FSU was junior center fielder Max Williams, who went 78th overall to the Miami Marlins. FSU’s emotional leader came through on many occasions when the Noles needed him most. He was a home run threat at the plate and a reliable fielder on defense. His high draft pick is a testament to his breakout season and significant offensive firepower.
“Max Williams was somebody that we’ve been on for a long time. Another good left-handed hitter. The bat is the carry. He’s also very good out in center field. This is a sneaky defender that I think people will be a little bit surprised by how much defensive value he has. Florida State’s done a great job with hitters in the last few years, and Max Williams just fit right into that lineup and had been a contributor. Very exciting combination of contact and power.” Marlins director of amateur scouting, Frankie Piliere told MLB.com.
FSU’s four selections on the first day were tied for second-most among all NCAA programs and the most in the ACC. The Seminoles’ three picks in the first two rounds and four picks in the first three rounds were both the most in team history.
Monday’s continuation of the draft saw the Seminole pipeline remain strong. Junior second baseman Drew Faurot was the first pick of the day for FSU, going in the fourth round (108th overall) to the Miami Marlins. Faurot’s consistent hitting and defensive reliability were key to his selection. The Tallahassee native earned first-team All-ACC honors in 2025 as one of the most consistent and well-rounded middle infielders in the conference.
Following him was sophomore right-handed pitcher Peyton Prescott, who was drafted in the fifth round (163rd overall) by the New York Mets. Redshirt junior left-handed pitcher Joey Volini rounded out the early Monday picks, heading to the Miami Marlins in the sixth round (168th overall), becoming the third Seminole headed to Miami in this year’s draft.
As the later rounds unfolded, several more Seminoles found their professional homes:
Evan Chrest, RHP, to the Cleveland Guardians (RD: 15 – PK: 462)
Gage Harrelson, OF, to the Los Angeles Angels (RD: 16 – PK: 469). I was surprised by this one. Harrelson was excellent for FSU, batting .339 with 15 stolen bases and making highlight reel plays on defense, so this feels like a steal.
Jaxson West, C, to the Toronto Blue Jays (RD: 16 PK: 472)
Maison Martinez, RHP, to the Cincinnati Reds (RD: 16 PK: 474)
This historic draft class underscores the exceptional development and coaching within the Florida State baseball program. It also speaks volumes about the well-rounded talent pool at FSU. The Seminoles still have plenty of talented players who will undoubtedly be future draft picks. A few of these names, I expected to return to FSU next season.
MLB teams have until Monday, July 28, at 5 p.m. ET, to agree to deals with players they draft out of four-year colleges and high schools. While it is possible to return, 247 Sports baseball analyst Brett Nevitt expects all 11 draft picks to sign with their respective teams. As these 11 Seminoles embark on their professional journeys, we wish them nothing but success! Thanks for reading and Go Noles!
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