The 2025 College Baseball Showdown, held at Globe Life Field from February 14 to March 2, showcases some of the most promising young pitchers in college baseball. Fans can tune in live via FloBaseball for an exciting three weekends of competition, including midweek matchups between LSU and Dallas Baptist. This event offers a glimpse into the future of Major League Baseball with top-tier pitching prospects making their mark on the field.

Emerging Stars Prepare to Shine

Several transfer players and freshmen are set to make significant impacts this season. Notable among them is Christian Coppola, who transferred from Rutgers to Arizona. Despite a challenging sophomore year, Coppola’s intriguing repertoire and new environment under UA pitching coach Kevin Vance could reignite his career. Oklahoma State’s towering right-hander Gabe Davis, Louisville’s Patrick Forbes, Texas’ Max Grubbs, Clemson’s Aidan Knaak, and Indiana State transfer Jared Spencer also bring impressive credentials to the table. Each player has demonstrated remarkable potential and versatility on the mound.

Christian Coppola, now at Arizona, had a stellar freshman year at Rutgers, earning Freshman All-American honors with a 3.68 ERA and 71 strikeouts in 66 innings. His transition to Arizona presents a fresh start that may reinvigorate his performance. Oklahoma State’s Gabe Davis, standing at 6-foot-9, has been a formidable presence in the bullpen, striking out 95 batters in just 60.3 innings. Patrick Forbes from Louisville has caught MLB scouts' attention with his work in the Cape Cod League, posting a 3.29 ERA and 22 strikeouts in four starts. Texas’ Max Grubbs improved significantly in his second year, compiling a 3.67 ERA over 73.2 innings. Clemson’s Aidan Knaak made waves as a freshman with a 3.67 ERA and 108 strikeouts in 83.3 innings. Lastly, Jared Spencer from Texas brings versatility as both a reliever and starter, having saved seven games and struck out 51 batters in 37.3 innings for Indiana State.

Seasoned Veterans and Returning Talent

In addition to newcomers, several returning players aim to build on their previous successes. Ben Abeldt from TCU, Kurt Barr from Michigan, Gabe Gaeckle from Arkansas, Jerrod Jenkins from Dallas Baptist, and Chase Shores from LSU each bring unique strengths to their respective teams. These athletes have already proven themselves on the collegiate stage and are poised to take their performances to the next level during the Showdown.

Ben Abeldt of TCU was a finalist for the NCBWA Stopper of the Year, recording a 1.83 ERA and eight saves in 26 appearances. Michigan’s Kurt Barr, a workhorse right-hander, earned All-Big Ten honors with a 3.41 ERA over nearly 90 innings. California import Gabe Gaeckle adapted quickly to the SEC, earning unanimous Freshman All-American recognition with a 2.32 ERA and 57 strikeouts in 22 relief appearances. Jerrod Jenkins from Dallas Baptist played a crucial role in the team’s NCAA Tournament run, delivering five scoreless outings in his final eight starts. Finally, LSU’s Chase Shores returns after recovering from Tommy John surgery, bringing his imposing 6-foot-8 frame back to the mound.