This conference preview is one I have been looking forward to writing, as it goes over the conference I covered for the College Daily Sheet this past spring, so I’m very familiar with the prospects it includes. This preview includes a number of award winners, summer standouts, and some of the biggest risers in all of the sport. There are more players to watch out of the Big Ten, I just didn’t want this to be too lengthy.
Leading the way in the Big Ten, we have Devin Taylor, the junior outfielder from Cincinnati, Ohio. Taylor has played all three of his college seasons at Indiana and has been an all conference first team member each year. He has added about 20 pounds to his strong 6’1” frame since his freshman year and that really translates to the field. Taylor has some of the biggest raw and game power in the class and he’s able to get to it to both his pull side and opposite field. He also has a much improved hit tool that has the traits to also become plus in the future. His swing is short to the ball and that pairs well with his massive raw strength and bat speed to reach high exit velos on a very consistent basis. His approach isn’t necessarily patient, but the pitch recognition really improved this year and that has allowed him to do more damage to mistake pitches and not expand the zone as much as he had in the past.
Defensively, Taylor isn’t the best defender, but it is average for the outfield that should allow him to stick in left field long term. His arm also has a chance to develop into being good enough to move to right in a pinch. Statistically, he has a career 1.130 OPS with a program record 54 home runs in his time at Indiana. His strikeout rate has improved each year and he really walked a ton in 2025 for a rate of 19.5%. He played well on the cape last year against some of the best collegiate competition with a wood bat and has played himself into being a potential top 20 pick in the draft this year. If he does somehow fall out of the top 20, he has definitely solidified himself as being a first round pick somewhere in 2025.
As Director of Pro Scouting, I lead a talented group of evaluators as we break down future stars. You can find me at random California League games throughout the season!
Been a baseball fan and player my whole life, played dynasty for 10 years. Co-host on the Dynasty Baseball Pickups podcast since mid-season 2023 and joined Prospects Live at the start of 2024.
A Giants fan living in San Diego, been playing fantasy baseball since 2005 and dynasty since 2021. Started the Dynasty Baseball Pickups podcast in June 2023 and joined Prospects Live in March of 2024.
Been a baseball fan and player my whole life, played dynasty for 10 years. Co-host on the Dynasty Baseball Pickups podcast since mid-season 2023 and joined Prospects Live at the start of 2024.
