MLB Draft Scouting Insights: Quick, Ford, and Rising Stars

Baseball is a game of artistry, mechanics, and raw athleticism—few things illustrate that better than the evolving stories of draft prospects.

From collegiate stars carving out their professional paths to high school standouts aiming to make a splash, MLB Draft narratives are always dynamic and layered.

This blog dives into the 2025 MLB Draft’s rising stars, with a special focus on Alabama right-hander Riley Quick and other promising talents.

We’ll uncover their strengths, flaws, and potential as they fight to secure their spot on the radar of Major League scouts.

The Redemption of Riley Quick: From Surgery to Stardom

Riley Quick, Alabama’s towering right-hander, has captured attention as he makes a strong comeback from Tommy John surgery.

The once-questioned durability of his arm now seems a fading memory, replaced by awe for his *electric* fastball and maturing arsenal.

Quick’s most impressive attribute? His elite velocity clocking in at 95-99 mph.

This is enough to put him back in the conversation as a potential first-round pick.

Strengths: A Power Arm and Diverse Repertoire

Scout buzz surrounds Quick’s high-end arm talent, particularly his fastball, which pairs perfectly with his sharp changeup.

The latter fools hitters with its exceptional fade, and the recent addition of a cutter diversifies his pitch mix even further.

While his slider boasts high spin rates, it often gets identified by hitters due to a slightly altered release point.

This could curtail its effectiveness unless addressed.

Weaknesses: Mechanics Under the Microscope

Despite the tools to succeed as a frontline starter, Quick still battles inconsistencies with his delivery and release points.

Refining these mechanical issues could be the difference between being a dependable No. 2 starter or transitioning into a bullpen arm.

Other Collegiate Prospects with High Potential

Beyond Quick, a host of collegiate players are battling for draft-day prominence.

Each has hurdles to overcome to impress scouts fully.

Georgia Tech’s Kyle Lodise: A Hot Start, A Cooling Trend

Kyle Lodise began the season as a force to be reckoned with, flashing both power and positional versatility at shortstop.

However, tougher ACC pitching has exposed his kryptonite: an inability to handle off-speed pitches consistently.

Scouts now view him as a likely third-round talent who could shift over to second base as a pro.

Virginia’s Dynamic Duo: Henry Ford and Henry Godbout

Virginia offers two intriguing prospects in first baseman Henry Ford and second baseman Henry Godbout.

Ford’s defensive anchor reminds many of a Gold Glover, but his diminished home run production and rigid swing mechanics raise concerns about his offensive upside.

Godbout, on the other hand, excels at making contact but needs improvement against high-velocity pitches.

A power surge could elevate his stock down the line.

Outfield Depth and Specialist Roles

The Cavaliers also feature outfielder Aidan Teel, a well-rounded player lacking standout traits but offering reliability.

Chris Arroyo is a power hitter whose defensive limitations likely peg him as a *designated hitter* candidate at the next level.

The High School Prospects: Raw Potential and Projection

The 2025 MLB Draft isn’t just about college names—it also brings high school athletes packed with potential.

Two names that stand out are Nick Becker from Don Bosco Prep and Long Reach’s Aidan West.

Nick Becker: Raw Tools in Need of Refinement

Becker’s profile is one of tantalizing “what-ifs.”

A combination of impressive raw power and athleticism has scouts intrigued, but inconsistent swing adjustments may slow his transition to professional pitching.

Aidan West: A Contact-Oriented Infield Specialist

Meanwhile, West shines as a contact hitter but lacks the skill set necessary to remain at shortstop long-term.

He likely profiles as a second baseman at the pro level.

Looking Ahead: The 2026 Draft Future Stars

For scouts looking further down the line, the 2026 class already has its eye-catching names.

Alabama’s Justin Lebron leads the way with his rare combination of athleticism and production.

Despite a recent dip in form, Lebron’s explosiveness makes him a name to remember.

Georgia Tech’s Drew Burress and Virginia’s Eric Becker

Georgia Tech’s Drew Burress has power, contact skills, and athleticism on his side.

Although his shorter stature might not fit the mold of a traditional power hitter, his production speaks for itself.

Virginia’s Eric Becker also offers promise with a simple, effective approach to hitting that has scouts intrigued about his future.

From the bounce-back story of Riley Quick to the raw athleticism of Nick Becker, the 2025 MLB Draft—and even 2026—is shaping up to be an exciting showcase of baseball’s next generation.

 
Here is the source article for this story: MLB Draft scouting: Notes on Riley Quick, Henry Ford, as well as some top names for 2026