Jace LaViolette

LaViolette came into his junior year at Texas A&M with a chance to go 1-1 in the 2025 First-Year Player Draft, but he hit .258 with a 25.2 percent strikeout rate after hitting .305 with a 24.3 percent strikeout rate as a sophomore. The Guardians bought low on LaViolette with the No. 27 overall pick. While LaViolette makes decent swing decisions, he had a 74.7 percent contact rate and whiffed in the zone more than the typical first-rounder. The lefty-hitting 6-foot-6 outfielder moves well for his size, but he's expected to end up in an outfield corner, which will put more pressure on his hit tool. LaViolette showcased his power potential by setting an Aggies record with 21 homers as a freshman and by slashing .305/.449/.726 with 29 homers as a sophomore. His name value and power potential will get him drafted in the first couple rounds of dynasty first-year player drafts, but the realistic ceiling is still a player whose AVG/OBP leaves us wanting more. Read Past Outlooks