5 college baseball players who could be busts in 2025 season ft. Riley Quick
College baseball is the stepping stone for players aspiring to play in the MLB. While some live up to their potential and stand out for their programs, others fall short of expectations.
While the 2025 college baseball season is months away, every program and its players are preparing themselves for next year. Here, we take a look at five players who could flop next season.
Five players who could come up short in the 2025 college baseball season
#5 Devin Burkes, Kentucky
Burkes chose to return to the Wildcats to play out his final year of eligibility in college baseball next season. The catcher's contribution to their offense didn't go unnoticed, recording three home runs and 35 RBI to help them to their first SEC regular-season title since 2006.
With Ryan Waldschmidt drafted in the MLB, the pressure could mount on Burkes, given he would be the most experienced player in the Wildcats roster next year. However, he could fall short of expectations if they don't recruit an able replacement for Waldschmidt in the offseason.
#4 Alex Lodise, FSU
Lodise featured among the Seminoles' top hitters this season, recording nine home runs and 44 RBI with an average of .281 in 62 games. He played his role well, helping the Seminoles return to Omaha for the first time since 2019.
However, the loss of star hitters like James Tibbs III, Jaime Ferrer and Marco Dinges in the draft could put extra pressure on Lodise to lead the hitting line-up in 2025.
Combined with the expectations of trying to score big in the MLB Draft, Lodise might not reach the same levels in 2025 that he did this year.
#3 AJ Russell, Tennessee
After a decent freshman season in 2023, Russell struggled with an arm injury that hampered his 2024 season. He recorded 21 strikeouts with an ERA of 5.02 in 14.1 innings pitched.
His injury forced him to undergo Tommy John surgery in June. While he could recover in time for his junior season next year, he might not be as effective for Tony Vitello's bullpen in the 2025 college baseball season.
#2 Brody Donay, Florida
Donay was one of the underrated stars for the Gators this season. He recorded 14 home runs and and 32 RBI with an average of .246 in 49 games. He played a key part in the College World Series, helping them beat the No. 2 seed Kentucky Wildcats in the Gators' epic postseason run.
The loss of Jac Caglianone to the Kansas City Royals in this year's MLB Draft could see Donay take up a bigger role in the Gators' hitting line-up next season. However, the growing pressure and expectations on the junior could get to him, which could see him come up short.
#1 Riley Quick, Alabama
Quick suffered a season-ending arm injury in February this year, which forced him to undergo Tommy John surgery. While he could return in time for the Crimson Tide ahead of the 2025 baseball season, he might not be as effective for them as he was before this year.
Despite his injury, he ranks among the top prospects for next year's MLB Draft, which makes him more of a hit-or-miss player in the 2025 college baseball season.