Division II Talent: A Look at the DII Baseball Players Making Their Mark in the 2025 MLB Draft

The 2025 Major League Baseball Draft has once again underscored the growing recognition of talent emerging from the NCAA Division II ranks. This year, 14 current Division II players heard their names called, demonstrating that high-level baseball is thriving beyond collegiate baseball's largest stages. Beyond these draftees, an additional 11 players with previous or future ties to Division II programs were also selected, further highlighting the significant impact DII baseball is having on professional pipelines.

From flamethrowing right-handers to power-hitting outfielders and versatile catchers, this class showcases the diverse skill sets and untapped potential found within Division II. Teams like the San Diego Padres, who for the second consecutive year drafted the first DII player in Jaxon Dalena, are clearly investing in this proven talent pool. Other organizations, including the New York Mets, Baltimore Orioles, Texas Rangers, St. Louis Cardinals, Philadelphia Phillies, Seattle Mariners, Kansas City Royals, and Colorado Rockies, also joined in, signaling a league-wide confidence in DII prospects. As these players embark on their professional journeys, they not only represent their respective universities but also serve as a testament to the continued growth and competitiveness of Division II baseball.

JAXON DALENA - SAN DIEGO PADRES

For the second year in a row, the San Diego Padres have dipped into the Division II talent pool early, selecting right-handed pitcher Jaxon Dalena from Shippensburg University in the 6th round (190th overall pick) of the 2025 MLB Draft.

Dalena, a formidable presence on the mound, put together an impressive 2025 season that clearly caught the Padres' attention. He posted a stellar 3.36 ERA over 83.0 innings pitched, demonstrating his durability and effectiveness. His ability to miss bats was a key highlight, as he racked up 99 strikeouts, showcasing his potential to translate his stuff to the professional level. His outstanding performance earned him the prestigious PSAC East Pitcher of the Year award in 2025.

This pick is also historic for Shippensburg, as Dalena becomes the first player drafted from the university since 2018, and remarkably, he is the second-highest draft pick in the school's history. His selection further highlights the consistent talent development under Head Coach Matt Jones, with Dalena being the seventh player drafted during his tenure. The Padres are clearly keen on DII talent, and in Jaxon Dalena, they've found a pitcher with a proven track record of success and significant upside.

NATHAN HALL - NEW YORK METS

The New York Mets, in the 6th round (193rd overall), selected right-handed pitcher Nathan Hall from Central Missouri. Hall's story is one of recent transformations, having converted from a catcher to a pitcher, a move that appears to be paying dividends despite a current setback.

Hall's potential truly shined in his 2025 season at Central Missouri. Though limited to just 14.2 innings across 4 starts, he showcased a tantalizing arsenal, highlighted by a fastball that consistently sat in the mid-to-upper 90s. This velocity, combined with a sharp 3.07 ERA during that stretch, demonstrates the significant upside the Mets are clearly banking on. In those 14.2 innings, he recorded 19 strikeouts, further showcasing his swing-and-miss stuff.

Currently rehabbing from an injury, Hall represents a high-ceiling prospect for the Mets, who are undoubtedly optimistic about his future once fully healthy. His selection also adds another name to Central Missouri's proud baseball history, as he becomes the 38th draft pick in the school's storied program and one of three taken in this draft (most in the State of Missouri). Hall is also the highest draft pick since 2005 (Josh Webber - 2nd round) and third highest overall.

HUNTER ALLEN - BALTIMORE ORIOLES

The Baltimore Orioles continued to bolster their pitching pipeline in the 7th round, selecting right-handed pitcher Hunter Allen from Ashland University with the 214th overall pick. Allen brings an electric arm to the Orioles' organization, known for his elite velocity that regularly hits the upper 90s and has even touched 100 mph.

Allen put together a dominant 2025 season for the Ashland Eagles, showcasing both his power and control. He compiled an impressive 7-1 record with a 3.96 ERA over 61.1 innings pitched. His ability to generate swings and misses was evident, as he punched out 84 batters while limiting opposing hitters to a .213 batting average against. He made 12 appearances, all of which were starts, and even tossed a complete game shutout, further highlighting his durability and effectiveness.

Allen becomes the third-highest Eagle chosen all-time in the MLB Draft, and the ninth overall pick in program history. The Orioles are clearly betting on Allen's raw arm talent and a successful collegiate track record to make an impact in their system.

JD MCREYNOLDS - TEXAS RANGERS

The Texas Rangers selected right-handed pitcher JD McReynolds from Central Missouri in the 10th round with the 295th overall pick. McReynolds arrives in the Rangers system with an incredibly impressive collegiate resume, highlighted by consistent dominance throughout his career as a Mule and is the 39th pick in school history and the second of three central Missouri Draft Picks.

This past season, McReynolds was virtually unhittable, going an undefeated 8-0 with a miniscule 1.41 ERA over 57.1 innings of work. He displayed exceptional strikeout ability, fanning 95 batters while allowing opposing hitters to a paltry .152 batting average against. Throughout his illustrious career at Central Missouri, McReynolds was a true workhorse, making 73 appearances and amassing a remarkable 21-2 record with 14 saves and an outstanding 1.78 ERA. In 121.1 career innings, he surrendered just 24 earned runs on 63 hits, while piling up 200 strikeouts against only 56 walks.

McReynolds, a four-time All-American, features a low 90s fastball complemented by a standout changeup and a sharp slider, giving him a formidable three-pitch mix. The Rangers are undoubtedly excited to add a pitcher with such a decorated and effective collegiate career to their developing minor league system.

DALTON NEUSCHWANDER - BALTIMORE ORIOLES

The Baltimore Orioles have continued to add collegiate pitching talent, selecting right-handed pitcher Dalton Neuschwander from the University of West Florida (UWF) in the 10th round with the 304th overall pick, the 2nd DII player drafted by the Orioles. Neuschwander brings an impressive collegiate track record to the Orioles' organization, highlighted by consistent performance and durability.

In his career at UWF, Neuschwander was a cornerstone of their pitching staff. He compiled an outstanding 27-8 record with a stellar 2.64 ERA over 273 career innings. He demonstrated excellent command and strikeout ability, fanning 218 batters during his time as an Argonaut. Looking at his most recent season in 2025, Neuschwander continued his strong form, posting a 2.78 ERA with a 9-3 record over 76.2 innings, striking out 75 hitters and holding opponents to a .248 batting average.

Neuschwander becomes the 24th draft pick in school history. Notably, he is also the second-highest draft pick in UWF history, just behind Darrien McDowell, who was taken by the Padres in the 6th round in last year's draft. The Orioles are getting a proven collegiate pitcher with a wealth of experience and a knack for getting outs.

GEORGE BILECKI - SAN DIEGO PADRES

The San Diego Padres have once again looked to the Division II ranks, selecting center fielder George Bilecki from Lewis University in the 12th round with the 370th overall pick. Bilecki brings an exciting combination of power, speed, and hitting prowess to the Padres' organization.

Bilecki put together a truly remarkable 2025 season with the Lewis Flyers, showcasing an advanced bat. He slashed an impressive .359/.433/.806, indicating his ability to hit for both average and significant power. He launched 24 home runs and drove in 67 runs, while also demonstrating his athleticism with 19 stolen bases. His overall career numbers at Lewis are equally impressive, with a .317 batting average, 41 home runs, 133 RBIs, and 42 stolen bases across 146 games.

This selection becomes the 49th draft pick in school history and the first Flyer chosen since the year 2000. The Padres are clearly banking on Bilecki's dynamic offensive profile to make an impact as he begins his professional journey.

TYLER BOWEN - PHILADELPHIA PHILLIES

One pick later, the Philadelphia Phillies have added a high-velocity arm to their system, selecting right-handed pitcher Tyler Bowen from Lander University in the 12th round with the 371st overall pick. Bowen brings an exciting power arsenal, highlighted by an impressive upper 90s fastball, to the Phillies organization.

Bowen put together a strong 2025 season for Lander. Over 34.1 innings, he recorded 55 strikeouts, showcasing his ability to overpower hitters. He also posted a 3.67 ERA with a 4-2 record in 23 appearances, including one start, holding opponents to a mere .206 batting average against. Throughout his collegiate career, Bowen appeared in 54 games, accumulating 90 strikeouts over 67.0 innings.

Bowen becomes the 12th player in Lander history to be drafted, and the first since Fraser Ellard was selected by the Chicago White Sox in 2021. Furthermore, he is the fourth-highest draft pick in the school's history, a testament to his talent and the program's development. The Phillies are clearly investing in Bowen's raw stuff and potential to climb the professional ranks.

JAKE SHELAGOWSKI - ST. LOUIS CARDINALS

The St. Louis Cardinals have added a high-ceiling arm to their organization, drafting right-handed pitcher Jake Shelagowski from Saginaw Valley State University in the 13th round. Shelagowski, who has touched 100 mph with his fastball, brings an electric and impactful presence to the mound.

In the 2025 season, Shelagowski was a dominant force out of the bullpen for Saginaw Valley State. Over 33.1 innings of work, he recorded an impressive 57 strikeouts and secured  a school-record 11 saves, showcasing his ability to close out games effectively. He posted a strong 3.78 ERA and held opponents to a 1.44 WHIP. His K/9 rate of 13.77 further highlights his swing-and-miss stuff.

Shelagowski becomes the highest draft pick in school history, and the fifth player overall drafted from the program. The Cardinals are clearly investing in Shelagowski's raw power and his proven ability to generate strikeouts, hoping he can quickly ascend through their minor league system.

RANDY RAMNARACE - KANSAS CITY ROYALS

The Kansas City Royals have added a talented right-handed pitcher to their organization, selecting Randy Ramnarace from the University of New Haven in the 16th round with the 488th overall pick. Ramnarace brings a strong collegiate performance record and strikeout potential to the Royals' system.

In the 2025 season, Ramnarace was a key contributor for New Haven, showcasing significant improvements and effectiveness on the mound. Over 32.1 innings of work, he posted an impressive 2.51 ERA and racked up 45 strikeouts. He made 12 appearances, including one start, and earned 3 saves, demonstrating his versatility out of the bullpen. Opposing hitters struggled against him, managing just a .189 batting average.

Throughout his career at New Haven, Ramnarace appeared in 38 games, accumulating 147 strikeouts over 118.0 innings with a total ERA of 4.81. His 2025 season clearly demonstrated a significant step forward in his development. The Royals will be looking for Ramnarace to continue his upward trajectory as he begins his professional career.

ANTHONY KAROLY - SEATTLE MARINERS

The Seattle Mariners have added another arm to their pitching prospect pool, selecting right-handed pitcher Anthony Karoly from Nova Southeastern University in the 17th round with the 512th overall pick. Karoly's recent performance on the mound has clearly caught the attention of the Mariners' scouting department.

In the 2025 season, Karoly showcased significant strikeout ability for Nova Southeastern. Over 28.0 innings, he racked up 47 strikeouts, demonstrating his power stuff. He posted a 4.18 ERA in 12 appearances, all of which were starts, holding opposing batters to a low .167 average against. Across his collegiate career with the Sharks, Karoly compiled 76 strikeouts in 45.2 innings.

This pick continues a recent trend for Nova Southeastern, as Karoly marks the third pitcher from the program to be drafted in the last three years, and the sixth draft pick overall in the last five years. This consistency highlights the strong development within the Nova Southeastern baseball program. The Mariners will be looking for Karoly to continue honing his skills and make an impact as he begins his professional journey.

BRODY FOWLER - ATLANTA BRAVES

The Atlanta Braves have added a promising right-handed pitcher to their system, selecting Brody Fowler from North Greenville University with the 517th pick in the 17th round. Fowler's impressive 2025 season and his past versatility as a two-way player make him an intriguing prospect for the Braves.

Last season, Fowler was a standout on the mound for North Greenville. He posted a strong 7-3 record with an excellent 3.33 ERA over 83.2 innings of work. His ability to miss bats was evident, as he racked up 90 strikeouts. He made 16 appearances, all starts, showcasing his durability as a collegiate ace. Throughout his career, Fowler has accumulated 146 strikeouts in 142.1 innings with a 4.17 ERA.

Fowler becomes the 18th draft pick in the school's history. Even more notably, he is the highest draft pick from North Greenville since 1995, when Herb Goodman was selected in the 7th round by the Reds. Originally signed as a two-way player, Fowler has clearly honed his skills on the mound, and the Braves will be eager to see how his talent translates to the professional level.

RICHIE CORTESE - PHILADELPHIA PHILLIES

The Philadelphia Phillies continued to mine talent from Lander University, selecting right-handed pitcher Richie Cortese in the 17th round with the 521st overall pick. Cortese joins his collegiate teammate, Tyler Bowen, in heading to the Phillies organization, highlighting a strong showing for Lander in this year's draft.

Cortese proved to be a significant strikeout threat in the 2025 season for Lander. Over 16.2 innings of work, he fanned an impressive 30 batters, demonstrating his ability to get swings and misses. He made 14 appearances out of the bullpen, earning one save and limiting opposing hitters to a .200 batting average against.

Cortese becomes the 13th draft pick in school history and the second Lander player chosen in the 2025 draft, following Bowen. The Phillies are clearly investing in the pitching development coming out of Lander, and will be eager to see how Cortese's high strikeout rate translates to the professional level.

ETHAN COLE - COLORADO ROCKIES

The Colorado Rockies have added a promising left-handed arm to their organization, selecting Ethan Cole from Augustana University in the 20th round with the 587th overall pick. Cole brings a strong 2025 season performance to the Rockies' minor league system.

Last season, Cole was a key component of Augustana's pitching staff. He posted a solid 3.68 ERA over 63.2 innings of work, demonstrating his ability to handle a significant workload. He also showed good strikeout potential, fanning 66 batters. In 13 appearances, including 9 starts, he compiled a 4-5 record and collected two saves.

Cole becomes the 11th draft pick in program history. Furthermore, he is the highest draft pick from Augustana since Dalton Lehnen was taken in the 6th round in 2017.

CHASE HEATH - ST. LOUIS CARDINALS

The St. Louis Cardinals have added a versatile and productive backstop to their organization, selecting catcher Chase Heath from Central Missouri in the 20th round on his birthday. Heath brings an impressive offensive resume and recent accolades to the Cardinals' system.

In his final season with Central Missouri in 2025, Heath was a force at the plate. In 38 games, he slashed an outstanding .368/.437/.651, demonstrating his ability to hit for both average and power. He collected 56 hits, including 12 doubles and two triples, and launched nine home runs while driving in 59 runs. He also showcased his athleticism with 11 stolen bases. He also was on the 2025 NCAA Division II College World Series All-Tournament Team.

Throughout his career with Central Missouri, Heath slashed an impressive .349/.428/.621 with 27 home runs and 144 RBI.

This selection marks the 40th draft pick in Central Missouri program history, further cementing its reputation for developing professional talent. The Cardinals will be eager to see how Heath's offensive skills and leadership behind the plate translate to the professional ranks.

Additionally, there were 11 players with previous or future Division II Baseball ties that were selected in the 2025 MLB Draft.

Kyle Lodise (White Sox: 3rd round, pick 76): Lodise played 2023 and 2024 with Augusta in the Peach Belt where he hit .349 with 23 HR and 44 SB in 2 seasons before transferring to Georgia Tech to hit .329 w/ 16 HR and 61 RBI.

Sean Youngerman (Phillies: 4th round, pick 131): Prior to pitching at Oklahoma State where he was 3-1 with a 2.08 ERA, Youngerman threw 100.2 innings over two seasons with Westmont Baseball with an 11-1 record with a 3.49 ERA with 102 Ks to 22 BBs.

Blaine Wynk (White Sox: 8th round, pick 226): Wynk went 6-3 with a 4.53 ERA with Findlay in 2023 before transferring to Ohio State, where he pitched two seasons and struck out 51 over 47.2 innings.

Zach Daudet (Astros: 10th round, pick 306): Zach Daudet was drafted in the 10th round, having played for Regis in 2022 and 2023. Daudet hit .335 for Regis in those two seasons with 30 doubles and 75 RBI. Daudet transferred to Cal Poly and played two seasons. In 2025, he hit .367 with 13 doubles.

Dusty Revis (Mariners: 11th round, pick 332): Revis pitched in 2022 and 2023 with Mars Hill and struck out 37 batters over 50.1 innings before transferring to Western Carolina for two seasons. Revis pitched to a 4.19

ERA over 133.1 innings.

Dylan Mathiesen (Pirates: 13th round, pick 383): Dylan Mathiesen spent 2023 with Cal U (PA) where he went 5-2 with a 3.31 ERA over 54.1 innings before going to Liberty for two seasons. Mathiesen struck out 113 batters over 89.2 innings.

Jack Barker (Phillies: 13th round, pick 401): Barker played at JuCo College of Southern Idaho, where he hit .465 with 22 doubles and 64 RBI in 53 games. Barker announced his commitment to Colorado Mesa back in December and likely will not go to Grand Junction.

Kyle West (Yankees: 13th round, pick 404): West spent 2022 and 2023 with Charleston (WV), hitting .374 with 34 doubles, 30 HR, and 102 RBI over two seasons. He transferred to West Virginia in 2024, where he hit .298 with 25 home runs over two seasons with the team.

Griffin Kirn (Athletics: 14th round, pick 410): Griffin Kirn spent 4 seasons with Quincy before transferring to WVU in 2025. At Quincy in 2024, Kirn went 7-1 and struck out 96 over 78 innings with a 3.00 ERA. At West Virginia this past season, Kirn went 5-3 with a 3.36 ERA over 99 innings, tallying 103 strikeouts.

Kaleb Freeman (White Sox: 16th round, pick 466): Kaleb spent 2022 with North Georgia, where he hit .300 before transferring to St. John’s River State in 2023, Auburn in 2024, and Georgia State in 2025. At Georgia State, he slashed .349/.504/.732 with 28 doubles, 16 home runs, 46 RBI, and 15 stolen bases. 

Collin Rothermel (DBacks: 16th round, pick 483): Collin Rothermel spent 2024 with Nova Southeastern, where he went 7-3 and struck out 70 batters over 63.2 innings. In 2025, he transferred to Jacksonville University, going 6-4 with a 4.02 ERA with 79 strikeouts over 71.2 innings.