College Daily Sheet: 4/14–4/17 Midweek Game Recap + Draft Values - Put Some Respect on His Name: JD Thompson Dominates with 14-K Statement
Switz outlines the ever-evolving college baseball landscape in this week’s midweek slate, spotlighting standout performances while addressing the shifting dynamics of the 2025 MLB Draft class.
As April winds down, the college draft landscape remains wide open, with previously red-hot bats like Avia Arquette and Dean Curley starting to cool off in recent weeks. On the flip side, several players who began the season slowly—or entered the year with something to prove, are now trending upward and gaining serious draft momentum.
Below are three names making a strong push as we head into the month of May, along with the standout performers from this week’s midweek slate of college baseball action.
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Covered by Brian Switzer II “Switz”
Jace LaViolette, OF, Texas A&M (SEC)
Photo via @MLBPipeline on X
Jace LaViolette’s spring hasn’t followed the script many expected. Once mentioned in the 1:1 discussion and viewed as a Golden Spikes contender, his early-season performance left evaluators questioning everything; from his bat speed and swing decisions to his baserunning impact. At one point, LaViolette’s strikeout rate climbed north of 30%, and his body language at the plate looked out of sync, leaving many wondering if he’d even stick inside the top 10 come July.
But April has brought with it a notable shift in results and trajectory. While the power hasn’t fully erupted the way evaluators may have hoped, LaViolette is now trending back in the right direction. He’s creeping up toward a .300 batting average between his overall BA and in-conference BA, showing he can handle conference arms just as well as non-conference ones (something not every prospect in this class can say, cough…cough…Dean Curley at the moment). Through 35 games, he’s slashing .293/.461/.610 with 10 home runs, a career-low 20.5% K rate, and a career-best 22.8% BB rate (he also has more BB than K’s in conference play heading into this weekend matchup versus Arkansas). On top of that, he’s posting a 61.1% fly ball rate, suggesting the power may be lurking just beneath the surface.
The reality is, LaViolette still owns one of the most tantalizing toolsets in the entire class. With his swing decisions tightening and his bat control trending upward, a strong finish in SEC play and a run through the NCAA Tournament could easily catapult him back into top-5 discussions. Frankly, it wouldn’t be shocking to see a Honeycutt-esque breakout from LaViolette come June, where the power explodes under the postseason spotlight and forces scouting directors and cross-checkers to take one final hard look at their boards.
While several college shortstops and prepsters have stolen headlines this spring, Jace’s ceiling remains unmatched. At this point, the idea of LaViolette going No. 2 overall isn’t some outlandish take. The Angels have consistently shown a preference for advanced bats with quick-to-the-show potential, and with most of LaViolette’s tools already sitting at or near peak projection, he fits the mold perfectly. Don’t be surprised if that buzz only gets louder as we inch closer to July.
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Director of Dynasty Content - Canadian born and raised, moved to Arkansas with my wife and two sons Ezra and Ari. Followed and played baseball my whole life; played dynasty for 25+ years.
Sophomore undergraduate student at Indiana University studying Sports Marketing & Management. Staff writer for Prospects Live covering MiLB prospects, MLB Draft, and Fantasy Baseball
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!
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.