Alabama’s Riley Quick Drafted in 2025 MLB Selection, Cementing His Rise from Two-Sport Star to Professional Pitching Prospect
In a moment that marked the culmination of years of hard work, development, and athletic versatility, Alabama right-handed pitcher Riley Quick heard his name called in the 2025 Major League Baseball Draft. For Quick, this wasn’t just a professional milestone—it was a transformative leap from college stardom into the bright, demanding world of pro baseball. Selected in the third round by the Atlanta Braves, Quick’s selection reflects not only his pure talent on the mound but also his potential to rise quickly through the ranks of the minor leagues.
Riley Quick’s path to the MLB Draft is anything but typical. A two-sport athlete at the University of Alabama, Quick initially entered the collegiate scene as both a football recruit and a promising baseball player. Coming out of Hewitt-Trussville High School in Alabama, he was widely regarded as one of the top right-handed pitchers in the state and a formidable offensive lineman on the gridiron. Ultimately, Quick chose to focus on baseball full-time after his freshman year—a decision that has now paid off in spectacular fashion.
The 6-foot-5, 225-pound right-hander has become one of the most talked-about pitching prospects in the SEC over the past two seasons. His fastball routinely sits in the 94–96 mph range, touching as high as 98, with a sharp slider that has become his go-to strikeout pitch. Coupled with a developing changeup and an improved sense of command, Quick has shown the kind of arsenal scouts dream of. But it’s not just his stuff—it’s his presence on the mound. He attacks hitters, works quickly, and exudes a quiet intensity that reflects his football background.
During his junior year at Alabama—the season that sealed his draft stock—Quick posted a 3.12 ERA over 89.1 innings, with 112 strikeouts to just 28 walks. He became the Crimson Tide’s Friday night starter and consistently delivered quality outings against top-tier SEC competition. His performances in series against LSU, Florida, and Arkansas drew national attention, with scouts praising his ability to stay composed in high-pressure moments and pitch deep into games.
Off the field, Quick’s leadership has also been lauded. Teammates and coaches describe him as “grounded,” “accountable,” and “unshakable”—qualities that teams at the professional level value as highly as radar gun readings. He was voted team captain ahead of the 2025 season and played a major role in leading Alabama back to the NCAA Tournament, helping solidify the program’s resurgence in recent years.
Atlanta’s decision to select Quick in the third round speaks volumes about the franchise’s faith in his development potential. The Braves have a strong track record when it comes to grooming pitching talent—names like Spencer Strider, Max Fried, and Ian Anderson come to mind. For Quick, joining such an organization offers an ideal landing spot, especially considering the proximity to home and the Braves’ reputation for emphasizing power arms with strong secondary offerings.
Scouts are already projecting Quick as a potential mid-rotation starter, with some believing he could rise quickly if he continues refining his command. His physical maturity and poise suggest that he may not need as much seasoning as some of the younger arms taken in earlier rounds. The Braves could choose to start him in High-A or Double-A, depending on his performance in the early stages of rookie ball and spring development camps.
For Alabama, Quick’s draft selection continues a growing trend of high-level talent emerging from the program. In recent years, the Crimson Tide has seen an uptick in MLB-caliber players, particularly pitchers, as the SEC continues to cement its status as the most competitive college baseball conference in the country. Head coach Rob Vaughn, now in his second season with the program, praised Quick’s work ethic and impact, stating, “Riley has been the backbone of our staff. He’s everything you want in a Friday night starter—tough, durable, competitive, and willing to learn.”
Quick’s rise also underscores the benefits of Alabama’s revamped developmental approach under Vaughn and the athletic department’s broader investment in baseball. The program has upgraded facilities, expanded its analytics team, and focused heavily on strength training and injury prevention—areas that have clearly aided Quick’s evolution from a raw two-sport athlete to a refined, pro-ready pitcher.
Beyond the field, Quick’s story is equally compelling. He comes from a close-knit family and has long credited his parents for instilling in him the values of hard work and humility. His older brother, Jackson, also played collegiate sports, and the two have often trained together during the offseason. Quick has often spoken about his love for Alabama—not just the university, but the state as a whole—and he’s made numerous appearances at youth camps and local charity events.
In many ways, his journey reflects the ideal of the homegrown athlete who makes good. He chose to stay close to home for college, develop in the SEC’s pressure cooker, and now, he has the chance to represent his region on the national stage in professional baseball. For fans of Alabama athletics, Quick’s selection is a point of pride. For aspiring athletes in the region, it’s a blueprint for what hard work and dedication can yield.
As he begins this next chapter, there will be challenges. The professional game demands consistency, durability, and constant adaptation. Hitters are smarter. Schedules are longer. The mental strain is real. But if there’s anyone equipped to handle it, it’s Riley Quick. His background in football gave him a toughness that few can replicate, and his transformation into one of college baseball’s most complete pitchers proves he’s ready for the next level.
Whether he ends up in the Braves’ rotation in two years or takes a longer route through the minors, Riley Quick’s draft selection in 2025 marks the beginning of an exciting journey. For now, he’s focused on staying healthy, learning from Atlanta’s player development staff, and making the most of every opportunity. He knows the work is just beginning, but if his collegiate career is any indication, there’s every reason to believe that Riley Quick is on the fast track to MLB success.
As the baseball world looks ahead to the next generation of stars, keep an eye on Quick—not just because of the fastball or the strikeouts, but because he represents everything the sport should celebrate: athletic excellence, humility, determination, and a deep love for the game. In a sport increasingly dominated by analytics and velocity, Riley Quick brings something just as valuable—heart, leadership, and the steady climb of a young man who never stopped believing in what he could become.
