Auburn Baseball Making Headlines in 2025 MLB Draft as Tigers See Key Players and Promising Signees Taken Off the Board
The 2025 MLB Draft proved to be a landmark event for Auburn baseball, reinforcing the program’s growing national reputation for both developing talent and attracting elite recruits. As the multi-day draft wrapped up, a host of current players, recent graduates, and high-profile signees heard their names called by professional teams, setting the stage for the next chapter in their baseball journeys. Head coach Butch Thompson and his staff can take pride in the progress made across multiple levels of the program, as Auburn’s presence in the draft spotlight continues to grow year after year.
Leading the way for Auburn in the draft was junior right-handed pitcher Chase Allsup, who was selected in the third round by the Chicago Cubs. Allsup, who spent three years climbing the depth chart and refining his mechanics, elevated his game dramatically during the 2025 season. His fastball consistently sat in the mid-90s, while his improved slider and command earned him Friday night starter status midway through the SEC schedule. Scouts took notice not just of his velocity, but also his poise on the mound and his ability to work deep into games. Allsup’s draft position validates the developmental work done by Auburn’s pitching staff and gives him a real shot at a fast-track route through the minor leagues.
Joining Allsup on draft boards was junior infielder Ike Irish, who was taken in the fifth round by the Tampa Bay Rays. Irish, known for his mature approach at the plate and gap-to-gap power, had long been considered one of the SEC’s most underrated hitters. In 2025, he finally broke out, leading Auburn in batting average (.337), RBIs (58), and doubles. His compact swing and advanced plate discipline made him an attractive option for analytically inclined organizations like the Rays. Although not a prototypical slugger, Irish projects as a potential high-contact, high-on-base hitter at the next level.
Perhaps one of the more emotional moments of the draft came when Auburn senior left-hander Drew Nelson was taken in the eighth round by the Colorado Rockies. Nelson’s career at Auburn was a story of resilience. After a rocky freshman season, he worked tirelessly to evolve into a reliable bullpen arm and eventually earned spot starts in 2025. His ability to mix speeds, induce weak contact, and lead the locker room made him a beloved figure in the program. The Rockies praised Nelson’s work ethic and believe his deceptive delivery and changeup can make him a contributor in their high-altitude bullpen one day.
Another pitcher hearing his name called was junior righty Will Cannon, selected in the tenth round by the Cleveland Guardians. Cannon showcased a power arm and elite spin rate throughout his college career, and though his control occasionally wavered, the raw tools were too much for scouts to overlook. With his electric fastball-slider combination, Cannon projects as a reliever with late-inning upside. His selection rounds out a group of Auburn hurlers who made significant gains in 2025 under the direction of pitching coach Tim Hudson.
While those four current Tigers were the most prominent Auburn selections, the program also saw impact in the form of drafted signees. Most notably, high school right-hander Braxton James—ranked as the No. 38 overall prospect in the draft class—was selected in the second round by the San Diego Padres. James, a 6-foot-5 flamethrower out of Texas, had signed with Auburn during the early period and was seen as a cornerstone piece for the 2025 freshman class. With his signing bonus projected north of $2 million, it is widely expected that he will forego college and begin his professional career. Nevertheless, his commitment and potential inclusion in Auburn’s class highlighted the caliber of talent the coaching staff is attracting.
Another significant high school signee taken off the board was outfielder Kaleb Jordan, drafted in the fourth round by the Seattle Mariners. Jordan, a Georgia native and multi-sport athlete, had drawn rave reviews for his speed, arm strength, and bat speed. Though Auburn hoped to get him on campus and begin his development at the college level, the Mariners’ offer will likely be difficult to turn down. Losing Jordan stings, but it also signals the high bar the Tigers are now hitting in recruiting.
A few other Auburn signees were selected in the later rounds, including shortstop Mason Fuller (18th round, Los Angeles Angels) and left-handed pitcher T.J. Rowe (20th round, New York Yankees). While both players could still opt to enroll at Auburn—particularly if their bonus demands aren’t met—they remain long-term prospects with the kind of upside that makes them tantalizing for both college development and pro projection. Auburn’s coaching staff will monitor those situations closely over the coming weeks as MLB organizations begin negotiations.
The total number of draftees affiliated with Auburn in 2025 stands at eight—four current players and four signees. That number puts the program among the top SEC schools in total draft impact this year. For context, it matches or surpasses programs like Ole Miss, Arkansas, and South Carolina, and reinforces Auburn’s position as an elite destination for both player development and exposure to professional scouts.
Butch Thompson spoke with pride about the players selected, noting that every draft pick represents years of effort—not just on the field, but in the weight room, classroom, and clubhouse. He emphasized that the 2025 draft class reflects the kind of well-rounded, high-character players Auburn has prioritized under his leadership. Thompson also credited his assistant coaches, athletic trainers, and academic advisors for helping these players balance the rigors of college athletics and emerge ready for the next level.
Beyond the individual stories, the 2025 MLB Draft offers a broader message about the direction of Auburn baseball. This is a program that continues to build upward momentum. The combination of player development, competitive SEC play, and national exposure through postseason appearances has made Auburn a legitimate pipeline to the pros. Even amid the volatility of college baseball—where transfer portals, NIL, and early draft departures create constant roster reshuffling—Auburn remains on firm footing.
That said, the coaching staff will have some holes to fill for the 2026 season. With Allsup and Cannon gone from the rotation, and Nelson and Irish taking their leadership with them, the team will need to rely on returning contributors like Chris Stanfield, Caden Green, and Hayden Murphy to step into larger roles. The incoming freshman class, minus the likely MLB departures, will be counted on to provide both depth and high-ceiling options in the years ahead.
Additionally, Auburn’s activity in the transfer portal has helped mitigate draft losses. The program has already added two junior college arms and a power-hitting outfielder from the ACC, giving the roster some insurance in case more signees depart for professional baseball. That strategic approach to roster management will be key moving forward, especially as the lines between college and pro baseball continue to blur.
The impact of the 2025 draft will ripple well beyond this offseason. Recruits are taking note. High school prospects and transfer portal targets want to see that a program can help them reach the pros, and Auburn has now sent a clear message: come to The Plains, and you’ll have every opportunity to showcase your talent on the biggest stage. The continued draft success also boosts Auburn’s standing in national perception and aids in fundraising efforts for future facility upgrades and player resources.
As the dust settles on another MLB Draft cycle, Auburn baseball has every reason to celebrate. The program produced pro-ready players, attracted elite talent, and positioned itself for future success. While not every player will sign a contract, and not every signee will choose the professional route over college, the 2025 draft affirmed one thing above all else: Auburn baseball is thriving, and the future remains as bright as ever.
