10 Sleepers In College Baseball’s 2024 Recruiting Class With Impact Potential
Image credit: (Photo by Mike Janes/Four Seam Images)
College baseball recruiting is tricky. Not only do coaches have to contend with professional baseball taking its pick of the best prep players in the country, they have to move quickly on players.
Even with a slower recruiting calendar, top-tier recruits are largely committing to schools two full years before they can suit up in an official game and almost every recruit signs with a school before their senior high school season. In contrast, eight of the top 25 2024 men’s basketball recruits according to 247Sports are still uncommitted.
So, while we ranked the Top 25 2024 recruiting classes a week ago, the reality is that a lot can and will change in the next nine months before those players begin fall ball as freshmen. Players who right now headline a class might sign out of the draft, while others will this spring take a step forward.
We know what kind of impact Konnor Griffin or PJ Morlando would have if they make it to college. So, today, we’re not highlighting those players. Instead, this is an attempt to identify 10 players who aren’t the most prominent names today but could make a big impact on the 2025 college baseball season. While some of these players could well be drafted themselves, they don’t today project as top-three round picks, increasing their chances of making it to school.
Logan de Groot, OF, UCLA
De Groot this spring shared MVP honors in South California’s rugged Trinity League with Trent Caraway, who was a top-100 draft prospect and is now a freshman at Oregon State. Listed at 6-foot-3, 195 pounds, de Groot has projectable righthanded power and already creates exciting bat speed. He’s a good athlete who could quickly slot into the Bruins’ outfield.
Hayden Federico, SS, Mississippi
Ole Miss’ recruiting class is headlined by shortstop Owen Paino. If he ends up as a first rounder, however, the Rebels still may bring in their shortstop of the future. Federico is the son of Louisiana-Monroe coach Michael Federico and has the kind of feel for the game and baseball IQ that is expected from a player with his background. He’s a switch-hitter and consistently puts the barrel on the ball from both sides of the plate. He has smooth hands and infield actions, and his feel for the game help his defensive tools play up.
Matt Hoag, LHP, Florida State
Florida State has a big, deep class that includes some exciting pitchers. At his best, Hoag pounds the strike zone and keeps hitters off balance with three solid pitches. His fastball gets into the low 90s and he pairs it with a good slider. There’s some projection left in his 6-foot-4 build. Hoag was one of 40 players who stood out to us at PG Junior National.
Beau Hollins, 1B/LHP, South Carolina
Hollins is the son of former all-star and former Gamecock Dave Hollins and offers two-way potential for South Carolina. He stands out most for his work at the plate, where he’s worked to develop as a switch-hitter. He offers big raw power and an advanced approach at the plate. Hollins also works as a lefthander and while he doesn’t have overpowering stuff, he pounds the strike zone with a fastball that reaches the upper 80s and mixes in a promising changeup. Hollins was sidelined this summer after undergoing arm surgery, but he should be ready to go this spring.
Chris Levonas, RHP, Wake Forest
The Demon Deacons’ pitching development makes it possible that just about any of its pitching recruits could make a big jump upon arriving in Winston-Salem. But Levonas stands out for some of his projectable traits. Listed at 6-foot-2, 170 pounds, he has a wiry, athletic build and has started to grow into his frame. His fastball has carrying life and can get up to 95 mph, though it typically sits in the low 90s. His big curveball has solid upside as well and he shows advanced feel for spin. Levonas is still a bit raw, but as he gets more experience on the mound, he offers exciting upside.
Jeff Lougee, SS, Duke
Lougee stands out for his lefthanded swing and his advanced feel for hitting. Those two traits give him a chance to quickly get into the lineup for the Blue Devils. His track record for hitting is impressive and his above-average speed and athleticism should keep him up the middle on the infield.
Kash Mayfield, LHP, Oklahoma State
Mayfield this spring was named Gatorade Oklahoma Player of the Year after a huge junior season. He’s been sidelined since, however. When he’s healthy, he combines good pitchability and control with projection in his 6-foot-4 frame. His ability to pound the strike zone with three pitches stands out.
Chris Newstrom, INF/C, Tennessee
The quality depth of Tennessee’s class makes it more likely that the Volunteers will get one of their high-level recruits to campus. But there are difference makers like Newstrom throughout the class. Newstrom offers exciting versatility, which should help him quickly find a role. He’s a plus runner with the tools to play on the left side of the infield, but also has high-level experience as a catcher and a plus arm. Offensively, he offers some projectable righthanded power.
Sawyer Strosnider, OF, TCU
Strosnider started to get more attention through the late summer and into the fall, and he continues to trend in the right direction. He’s an excellent athlete who also stands out as a high jumper and basketball player. Listed at 6-foot-2, 185 pounds, he has wiry strength and offers plenty of upside as he physically matures and gets more baseball reps. His combination of plus raw power and speed would make for an exciting addition to the TCU lineup.
Michael Torres, OF, Miami
Torres has two-way talent but it’s his ability as a position player that really stands out now. He has good bat-to-ball skills and a smooth lefthanded swing. He’s a plus runner and profiles as a top-of-the-order hitter for the Hurricanes. Torres also has a good feel for the game, which helps him make the most of his raw tools.
