The 2025 MLB Draft is now in the books, and while the results will certainly have some impact on Clemson’s roster moving forward, the Tigers weren’t hit all that hard.
Clemson saw two players go in the first round, with both expected to be taken fairly quickly. The first was incoming freshman Dax Kilby, who Perfect Game tabs as one of the top shortstops in the nation. The Yankees took Kilby in the first round with pick No. 39.
Kilby has always been seen as a player with very little shot of ever making it to campus, so it is more than fair to assume Erik Bakich and the rest of the Tigers’ staff saw this one coming and have been preparing.
Star centerfielder Cam Cannarella was next to hear his name called, going to the Marlins late in the first round with the 43rd overall pick. While Cannarella does have one season of eligibility left, it’s been no secret that his college career ended when Clemson’s season ended at home in the regional round of the NCAA Tournament.
Incoming transfer and legacy Ryan Wideman was then selected by the Padres in the third round with the 99th overall pick. Wideman committed to Clemson last month after spending last season at Western Kentucky. However, he was another long shot to ever make it to campus. After going in the third round, the chances of him playing for the Tigers next season reside somewhere between slim and none. Probably much closer to none at this point. Again, this is a result Bakich had to have been expecting.
That is about all the damage that was done. Incoming freshman hurler Nick Frusco ended up going in the 20th round to the Pirates, but going that late likely means he will be pitching for Clemson next season.
Then there is veteran catcher Jacob Jarrell, who was draft-eligible. Jarrell was not drafted, so it’s safe to assume he is back next season. His 15 homers led the team in 2025, and that power will be good to have back in the lineup for one more season.
All in all, the draft didn’t hit the Tigers all that hard. At least with anything that wasn’t already expected.