Duke baseball 2025 season preview: 3 biggest games, key players, predictions and more
Duke produced another solid baseball season in the Chris Pollard era this year. They finished third in the Coastal Division of the Atlantic Coast Conference with a 16-14 conference record, far behind the ACC champion North Carolina Tar Heels.
However, the Blue Devils had a dream run in the ACC Tournament, winning with a thumping 16-4 victory over the Florida State Seminoles. While they have not won a regular season title since 1961, this was their second ACC Tournament win in four seasons.
The Blue Devils reached the Norman Regional as the second seed. Unlike the 2023 season, they could not win the regional as defeats to the Oklahoma Sooners and the UConn Huskies saw them end their season with a 40-20 record.
Pollard will enter his 12th season with Duke in 2025. While they lost five players in the 2024 MLB draft, the Blue Devils have made some additions in the offseason to strengthen their roster.
Let's preview Duke ahead of the 2025 season.
3 key games for Duke Baseball in the 2025 season
#3, Wake Forest Demon Deacons
The Demon Deacons finished just one game behind the Blue Devils in the regular season. While they are in different divisions of the ACC, their series could have a major impact on how their seasons pan out next year.
Tom Walter's team has recruited some top talents to strengthen their roster, which could make them a threat to the Blue Devils in 2025.
#2, NC State Wolfpack
The Wolfpack finished second in the Atlantic division of the ACC and were one of four ACC teams to make the College World Series this year.
Elliott Avent's team could be among the top contenders to make the postseason in 2025, which could make this a series that the Blue Devils will need to win to produce a strong season.
#1, North Carolina Tar Heels
The Tar Heels left their rivals behind by posting a 22-8 conference record to win the ACC regular season title and earn the No. 4 national seed in the postseason.
The rivalry between the Blue Devils and the Tar Heels looks set to intensify in 2025. While the Blue Devils will be motivated to win their first regular season title in the 21st century, the Tar Heels could pose the biggest threat to their ambition.
Key players for the Duke Blue Devils in 2025
#3, Andrew Healy, LHP
Charlie Beilenson and Jonathan Santucci led the Blue Devils' charge on the mound with seasons worthy of being drafted. However, Healy's sophomore season showed he could take the reins from the duo following their selections in the MLB draft this year.
Healy finished 3-1 while recording 42 strikeouts with an ERA of 3.76 in 12 starts. With solid experience under his belt, he could play a key role in the Blue Devils' bullpen next year.
#2, Kyle Johnson, OF/LHP
Johnson introduced himself to the Blue Devils faithful with an impressive freshman season. While the two-way player recorded three home runs and 11 RBIs with an average of .253 in 39 games, his performances on the mound were more impressive than his hitting.
As a pitcher, he went 4-1 while recording 53 strikeouts with an ERA of 4.38 in 49.1 innings. He could be even more dangerous in his sophomore season, which could help the Blue Devils get far next year.
#1, AJ Gracia, OF
In his freshman season this year, Gracia established himself as one of the Blue Devils' top hitters. He recorded 14 home runs and 58 RBIs with a .305 average while starting all of the Blue Devils' 60 games.
He has the potential to shine at the plate and lead the Blue Devils offense in 2025. Should he keep his momentum into his sophomore season, the Blue Devils could enjoy a successful year.
Predicting Duke Blue Devils' 2025 season
The Blue Devils' work in the offseason leaves them with a talented roster that should have a good regular season in the ACC. They may face a tough time retaining the ACC Tournament title but should make the postseason for the third season in a row.
However, they are unlikely to make the College World Series in Omaha given the tough competition they could face in the regionals and potentially the super regionals.