Florida State Seminoles baseball coach Link Jarrett loves that a lot of his players are going in the 2025 NLB Draft. But it presents a problem.
It might be Link Jarrett's most important possession this week.
The printout on white paper listed the names of current and incoming Florida State baseball players who are MLB Draft eligible. The Seminoles coach is both proud and concerned, pointing out that around 24 of 38 draft-eligible players have had discussions with MLB brass.
It can be a difficult balancing excitement and nervousness when potentially making late adjustments to the 2026 roster.
"The impact of the draft on college programs is simply massive," Jarrett said.
"With the timing of the draft now much later, the adjustments from draft impacts become more sensitive and very difficult. Throw in the transfer portal, June and July are the most turbulent months in roster management and program build."
FSU ace Jamie Arnold selected No. 11 overall in MLB Draft
The two-day MLB draft started July 13, when four FSU players were selected.
As expected, FSU pitching ace Jamie Arnold was the first off the board at No. 11 overall in the first round to the Oakland Athletics. His slot value is $5,985,100.
Also selected were shortstop and ACC Player of the Year Alex Lodise (second round, slot value of $1,523,200) by the Atlanta Braves; pitcher Cam Leiter (second round/$1,349,100), who has not pitched since 2024 due to injury, by the Los Angeles Dodgers; and outfielder Max Williams (third round/$1,043,700) by the Miami Marlins.
It marked the first time in program history that three FSU players were selected in the first two rounds.
At one time, Arnold was considered a potential No. 1 overall pick.
"We feel pretty fortunate that he got down to us,” A’s scouting director Eric Kubota told MLB.com. "He's a guy we've had evaluated up at the top of the Draft for a couple of years now. He's performed at a very high level. His analytics really intrigue us. Coming into it, if you had told us that he was going to get to No. 11, I think we would've been pretty surprised, so we were very happy."
The MLB draft continues Tuesday, July 14, with the final rounds (4 to 20). FSU players expected to be drafted and signed include infielder Drew Faurot, pitchers Joey Volini and Payton Prescott, outfielder Gage Harrelson, and catcher Jaxon West.
High school and transfer portal signees who have attracted MLB interest include catcher Ty Harvey, middle infielder John Stuetzer, middle infielder/pitcher Kelyvn Paulino Jr., who is ranked 51st overall by Perfect Game, first baseman Eli Putnam (Davidson), and pitcher Gabe Nard (Duke).
Jarrett understands what the professional draft means to players.
Jarrett fulfilled his dream when the two-time All-American shortstop from FSU (1993-94) was selected in the 22nd round by the Colorado Rockies in 1994. He played five years in the Rockies' organization, reaching Double A.
"I am extremely proud of all of our players," Jarrett said.
"The work, competitiveness, demands, expectations all accumulate and they are rewarded for delivering the goods. Some land in outstanding positions within the draft, and some feel disappointment. The ebb and flow of this is unreal. It is very cool to watch them evolve.
"I hope their dreams are fulfilled in this journey."
This article originally appeared on Tallahassee Democrat: How FSU baseball looks to recover after MLB draft, transfer portal
Category: General Sports
