Irish was a relevant draft name out of high school, but chose to attend Auburn and has been great for the Tigers thus far. Irish has a knack for getting the bat on the baseball, whiffing at just 20.7%, and makes quality swing decisions with a 50% Z-Swing-Chase%. There’s plus raw power here, with a 112 mph max EV, and he’s been able to produce SLG to some degree in college. I take issue with 20-grade launch profiles, though. You’re looking at a 5.1 degree average LA, in addition to one of the worst distributions in the country. The BABIP will lag, and the power production likely will as well, but the baseline skillset works.

Steele transferred from Samford to Auburn following the 2024 season and will aim to split time with Ike Irish behind the plate for the Tigers this season. It’s a bat first profile, with a strong hit tool boosted by minimal whiff and high level swing decisions. While the EVs are lackluster (108 max EV), the biggest draw for me is how consistently Steele puts the ball in the air, running a 23 degree average LA, 21.7 on his hard hits, while barreling the ball at a 25% clip. Steele’s number came down in 2024 from his freshman season, but the data is still strong and he’s got all the tools to make things work this season.

Major portal acquisition for Auburn who will likely start this spring. True outlier release, low 3/4th look from a 5.1’ vertical release with above-average extension has allowed his 2-seam fastball, which averages 90 mph, to play at a high level in the SEC. The slider is strong-average, 12” of sweep and drawing 41.6% whiffs and plus contact results in 2024, though he will need more velocity moving into pro ball. Third pitch change-up with true ASR profile but has had mixed results on balls in play.

Stanfield was intriguing out of high school because of his athleticism. He started out strong in his freshman year then tailed off at the end. He played left at Auburn, then got time in center field on the Cape which is where I think he could play at the next level. His bat-to-ball skills are rough and he struggles with getting the ball on a line and/or in the air. His decisions are below-average, but he's walked a bit because of the patient approach. He's sophomore eligible and could be a solid mid-round type. I'm a fan of the physical traits and think the skills aren't too far off but he'll have to show it this spring.