When one looks at Miami’s 2025 run that fell just short of Omaha, the moment the momentum turned for the better is clear — when freshmen arms AJ Ciscar and Tate DeRias were elevated to starters. The Hurricanes have a long track record of boasting Freshman All-Americans, with both Ciscar and junior Daniel Cuvet taking the honors home the last two years. And like the past few years, it looks like the Canes have more freshman talent ready to shine this season. We broke down all of Miami’s freshmen and projected where they stack up in the pecking order.
PITCHERS
Erick Peralta, RHP, NY:
The arm who drew the most buzz across the fall, Peralta lights up the radar guns with high-90’s in his ****nal. It’s a nightmare matchup for righties with heavy sink on the hands and almost looks like he’s not trying out there — smooth and explodes out of his hand at 6-foot-5. Command is a concern with Peralta, but if he can dial it in around the zone all the talent is there for a superstar.
Jake Lodgek, RHP, NJ:
Pound. The. Zone. Every time I’ve seen Lodgek this fall, he’s painting the zone with a three pitch mix: fastball, slider, cutter. It’s repeatable and effective at the bottom of the zone, which could prove effective as a depth arm from the pen this season.
Jack Durso, LHP, NY:
Lefty arms are always a premium piece of any staff, and the ’Canes brought in three with their 2025 class. The first of the trio is the 6-foot-3 Durso, who brings a low-90’s fastball with a nice slider and changeup. He’s already made big strides from his senior year, noticeably more fluid in his motion as he works down the mound.
Lonzo Drummond, LHP, FL:
One of the arms I was most excited to see, Drummond has lived up to my expectations and then some. The stuff is clear on multiple pitches, but what impressed me the most was his offspeed — a sharp curve that’s truly a plus pitch. He already has some nice ride on his heater and more velocity will come as he fills out his frame. One to watch closely to see what role he takes in the bullpen this year.
Sebastian Santos-Olson, LHP, NY:
Everything is in place to develop into a big-time arm. At 6-foot-3, he works a 3/4th arm slot which generates a lot of swing-and-miss with his sinking fastball. Moreover, he’s able to have success against both righties and lefties, freezing righties with the sinker and getting lefties to chase with his offspeed.
HITTERS
Alonzo Alvarez, C, CA:
An elite catcher takes a good team to a great team, and I truly believe Miami found its catcher for the future with Alvarez. He’s a tall switch-hitter who’s shined all fall with an ability to get the job done both offensively and defensively. What impresses me the most is how there isn’t a noticeable drop off between what side of the plate he hits on, it’s still the same plane and pop on both sides. Alvarez likely won’t be replacing your top transfer in Sosa, but could serve as the backup and an option at DH this season.
Jailen Watkins, MIF, TX:
For all the talk about the ’Canes increased physicality this offseason, Watkins sticks out at 5-foot-7. Don’t let the size fool you, this is a ballplayer. Both at the plate and on the field, Watkins “plays up” — making athletic plays and throws. I’ve seen him homer and drive balls to the warning track on multiple occasions throughout the fall and spring. He’s certainly a different type of prospect, and one I’m excited to keep an eye on.
Mario Magana, OF, FL:
A name many expected to be called in the Draft this summer, Miami was able to land Magana on campus this fall. A switch-hitter with some absurd exit-velocity numbers, he’s a toolsy bat which combined with his speed makes for an intriguing prospect. His position at the collegiate level is yet to truly be determined as he’s played in both the infield and outfield this fall, but his speed should make up for questions about his arm and fluidity in the field.
Donovan Jeffrey, 1B, VA:
Big frame and big-time power from the right side, Jeffrey had some nice moments this fall. He’s got pop to all parts of the field, going gap-to-gap multiple times during the scrimmages. With veterans ahead of him at the position it’s difficult to see a path to play time this year, but learning behind those guys could prove crucial to his development.
Bennett Gary, OF, FL:
An outfield product from national powerhouse Stoneman-Douglas, Gary is smooth in all of his movements. He’s solid with all of his fundamentals and competes at a high level. With repeatable movements at the plate, he can bring some pop from the left side as he continues to develop.
Mason Greenhouse, OF, CA:
Although Greenhouse is kind of logjammed at the outfield position this year, his upside is ridiculous. All the tools are there for a superstar level player: 6-foot-4, 100+ arm, 6.3-6.4 runner with exit velos and bat speed off the charts. He has that twitch that makes you excited to watch his every move on the field, and if he can put it together he’s an All-American type of talent.
Gabriel Milano, INF, FL:
I’ll say it — before the end of the season, Milano will find himself starting somewhere in this lineup. Now whether that’s DH or 2B is to be determined, but he’s too much of an advanced hitter to keep out of the lineup. It’s an athletic arrogance in the box with the mindset that he will get his pitch and not miss it. I’ve loved his ability to go opposite field, and that’s without tapping into his power potential on the pull side. A stud in the making.
TWO-WAY
Dylan Dubovik, OF/RHP, FL:
When you’re an elite player who’s logjammed by veteran superstars, coaches will find a way to get your talent on the field in any way they can. That’s exactly what they’re trying to do with Dubovik. A third baseman in high school, he’s featured both in the outfield and on the mound in scrimmages. He’s had more success at the plate than on the mound so far, but has provided low 90’s on the bump in multiple appearances. Whether it’s a one-year two way run or something that can truly develop, the talent is there for a big-time player.
PITCHERS
Erick Peralta, RHP, NY:
The arm who drew the most buzz across the fall, Peralta lights up the radar guns with high-90’s in his ****nal. It’s a nightmare matchup for righties with heavy sink on the hands and almost looks like he’s not trying out there — smooth and explodes out of his hand at 6-foot-5. Command is a concern with Peralta, but if he can dial it in around the zone all the talent is there for a superstar.
Jake Lodgek, RHP, NJ:
Pound. The. Zone. Every time I’ve seen Lodgek this fall, he’s painting the zone with a three pitch mix: fastball, slider, cutter. It’s repeatable and effective at the bottom of the zone, which could prove effective as a depth arm from the pen this season.
Jack Durso, LHP, NY:
Lefty arms are always a premium piece of any staff, and the ’Canes brought in three with their 2025 class. The first of the trio is the 6-foot-3 Durso, who brings a low-90’s fastball with a nice slider and changeup. He’s already made big strides from his senior year, noticeably more fluid in his motion as he works down the mound.
Lonzo Drummond, LHP, FL:
One of the arms I was most excited to see, Drummond has lived up to my expectations and then some. The stuff is clear on multiple pitches, but what impressed me the most was his offspeed — a sharp curve that’s truly a plus pitch. He already has some nice ride on his heater and more velocity will come as he fills out his frame. One to watch closely to see what role he takes in the bullpen this year.
Sebastian Santos-Olson, LHP, NY:
Everything is in place to develop into a big-time arm. At 6-foot-3, he works a 3/4th arm slot which generates a lot of swing-and-miss with his sinking fastball. Moreover, he’s able to have success against both righties and lefties, freezing righties with the sinker and getting lefties to chase with his offspeed.
HITTERS
Alonzo Alvarez, C, CA:
An elite catcher takes a good team to a great team, and I truly believe Miami found its catcher for the future with Alvarez. He’s a tall switch-hitter who’s shined all fall with an ability to get the job done both offensively and defensively. What impresses me the most is how there isn’t a noticeable drop off between what side of the plate he hits on, it’s still the same plane and pop on both sides. Alvarez likely won’t be replacing your top transfer in Sosa, but could serve as the backup and an option at DH this season.
Jailen Watkins, MIF, TX:
For all the talk about the ’Canes increased physicality this offseason, Watkins sticks out at 5-foot-7. Don’t let the size fool you, this is a ballplayer. Both at the plate and on the field, Watkins “plays up” — making athletic plays and throws. I’ve seen him homer and drive balls to the warning track on multiple occasions throughout the fall and spring. He’s certainly a different type of prospect, and one I’m excited to keep an eye on.
Mario Magana, OF, FL:
A name many expected to be called in the Draft this summer, Miami was able to land Magana on campus this fall. A switch-hitter with some absurd exit-velocity numbers, he’s a toolsy bat which combined with his speed makes for an intriguing prospect. His position at the collegiate level is yet to truly be determined as he’s played in both the infield and outfield this fall, but his speed should make up for questions about his arm and fluidity in the field.
Donovan Jeffrey, 1B, VA:
Big frame and big-time power from the right side, Jeffrey had some nice moments this fall. He’s got pop to all parts of the field, going gap-to-gap multiple times during the scrimmages. With veterans ahead of him at the position it’s difficult to see a path to play time this year, but learning behind those guys could prove crucial to his development.
Bennett Gary, OF, FL:
An outfield product from national powerhouse Stoneman-Douglas, Gary is smooth in all of his movements. He’s solid with all of his fundamentals and competes at a high level. With repeatable movements at the plate, he can bring some pop from the left side as he continues to develop.
Mason Greenhouse, OF, CA:
Although Greenhouse is kind of logjammed at the outfield position this year, his upside is ridiculous. All the tools are there for a superstar level player: 6-foot-4, 100+ arm, 6.3-6.4 runner with exit velos and bat speed off the charts. He has that twitch that makes you excited to watch his every move on the field, and if he can put it together he’s an All-American type of talent.
Gabriel Milano, INF, FL:
I’ll say it — before the end of the season, Milano will find himself starting somewhere in this lineup. Now whether that’s DH or 2B is to be determined, but he’s too much of an advanced hitter to keep out of the lineup. It’s an athletic arrogance in the box with the mindset that he will get his pitch and not miss it. I’ve loved his ability to go opposite field, and that’s without tapping into his power potential on the pull side. A stud in the making.
TWO-WAY
Dylan Dubovik, OF/RHP, FL:
When you’re an elite player who’s logjammed by veteran superstars, coaches will find a way to get your talent on the field in any way they can. That’s exactly what they’re trying to do with Dubovik. A third baseman in high school, he’s featured both in the outfield and on the mound in scrimmages. He’s had more success at the plate than on the mound so far, but has provided low 90’s on the bump in multiple appearances. Whether it’s a one-year two way run or something that can truly develop, the talent is there for a big-time player.
