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Florida
Twelve ‘Under the Radar’ Florida high school baseball players who may be taken in 2025 MLB Draft
Becoming a big leaguer is the dream of so many high school baseball players.
In a talent-rich state like Florida, it often becomes a reality with so many from the Sunshine State populating the Major Leagues. Then, you add in those in the Minor Leagues, while others are currently playing baseball in college.
The 2025 high school class has its share of players who have already committed or signed with colleges. Many of those same players are also drawing the attention of MLB area scouts.
One example is True North Classical Academy’s Alan Soler, who is committed to Central Florida. The left-handed pitcher, according to some sources, also could be selected in the top few rounds in this year’s MLB Draft.
High School on SI has been covering the action in South Florida, and for this story we list 12 players who are considered “under-the-radar” draft possibilities. Since, Soler is projected to be taken early (assuming he is healthy), the lefty will not be on this particular list. Dylan Dubovik, outfielder/pitcher, at American Heritage Plantation is another player who has attracted interest from scouts. He, too, isn’t being noted among our “under the radar” possibilities.
A dozen “under the radar” draft possibilities:
Until recently, the smooth-fielding shortstop wasn’t receiving much, if any, attention from colleges and area scouts. Slowly the word is getting out, and it’s easy to see why. Perez can hit, run, field, and is extremely athletic. Keep an eye on the this Dade Christian club. They’ve got players.
A two-sport standout, Rich gave up football in his senior season, focusing exclusively on baseball. The left-handed hitting center fielder is a speedster, and is a pure hitter, who has an excellent feel for the strike zone. What he has yet to show is power, which likely will emerge at the next level.
A South Florida recruit, Geiger is a left-handed hitting catcher who also can play first base. You want his bat in the lineup. In recent days, Gulf Coast played in South Florida, and Geiger absolutely smoked some balls against Nova. The next day, the senior had three hits at NSU University, including two doubles.
Another toolsy shortstop, Paredes is committed to Florida International. Hitting more than .400 on the season, with a home run, Paredes could find himself making a decision on whether to sign professionally over the summer.
Catching is aways in high demand, and Garcia checks all the boxes of what pro teams are seeking from those playing the position. The Florida International recruit is terrific defensively, demonstrates leadership and handles pitchers well. At the plate, he’s got a quick bat and has the ability to drive the ball out of the park.
In the first half, a strong case can be made that Malvasio has been the best position player in Broward County. The Central Florida recruit has demonstrated tremendous power, hammering out eight home runs. Defensively, he’s shown he can handle right field, and he’s been used to close out games.
A leader and catalyst on a strong Taravella team, Martinez bats leadoff. He’s got a quick bat and shows plenty of power. Defensively, he can handle all three outfield spots.
College may ultimately be the call for Beyra, but the right-hander has opened eyes since his fastball was clocked in the 94-96 mph range. More and more scouts are finding their way to Western when Beyra is on the mound.
Another athletic middle infielder who has shown the ability to knock the ball out of the park. Colmenares has four home runs, and plays solid defense. The senior also has shown the ability to slow the game down, and he even does some pitching. The senior has tremendous upside.
Another former football player, Pomper continues to emerge as one of the best players in South Florida. The left-handed hitting catcher is batting a whopping .559 with eight doubles, and continues to improve behind the plate. Pomper is committed to Jacksonville.
Word is starting to spread that Gonzalez has a chance to get drafted. The right-hander’s fastball has touched the low 90s mph, which has drawn scouts to see him pitch. Against tough competition, he’s performed, and he’s sporting a 1.62 ERA.
At 6-foot-4, 200-pounds, Graulau possesses size, speed and power. The South Florida commit runs a 6.4-second, 60-yard dash. On the mound, the right-hander’s fastball has been clocked 93 mph.
Florida
Rainy stretch continues in South Florida
South Florida is experiencing a prolonged stretch of wet weather as deep tropical moisture combines with a stalled frontal boundary across the region.
The result has been frequent showers, thunderstorms, periods of heavy rainfall, and localized flooding concerns from Broward to Miami-Dade and throughout the Keys.
The atmosphere is loaded with moisture, allowing storms to produce intense downpours in a short amount of time.
Some neighborhoods have already seen several inches of rain, with additional rounds of showers and thunderstorms expected through the end of the week.
Flood-prone streets and poor drainage areas remain especially vulnerable during the heaviest rainfall.
While the rain is helping ease drought conditions, it is also increasing the risk of flash flooding and travel delays.
South Florida is two weeks into its rainy season, when abundant heat and humidity combine to generate daily rounds of showers and thunderstorms.
Heavy rainfall, frequent lightning, and gusty winds are common features of this time of year.
The good news? Drier air will gradually filter into parts of the region heading into the weekend, allowing rain chances to slightly decrease. Until then, keep the umbrella handy and be prepared for sudden tropical downpours.
Florida
Man accused of kidnapping woman at Wawa in Central Florida
NEWS
A man is in custody after deputies said he tried to kidnap a woman at a Wawa near Winter park. Per investigators, Matthew Seaberg approached the victim from behind, picked her up by the waist, and threw her into his truck.
Florida
Jury selection continues in fatal boat crash trial of South Florida real estate mogul George Pino
MIAMI — A new group of prospective jurors was questioned Tuesday in the trial of South Florida real estate mogul George Pino, who is charged in connection with a 2022 boat crash that killed a teenager in Miami-Dade County.
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During jury selection in a Miami-Dade courtroom, Judge Marisa Tinkler Mendez asked potential jurors what they already knew about the case and whether they had recently seen or heard anything about it.
Several prospective jurors said they knew only basic details, including that a fatal boating crash occurred and that a teenage girl died. Others said they recalled media reports that alcohol may have been involved.
As questioning continued, some prospective jurors disclosed connections to schools and communities tied to the case.
Passengers aboard Pino’s boat included his wife, his teenage daughter and 11 of her friends, many of whom attended private schools in Miami-Dade County.
One prospective juror said they graduated from a local private school around the time of the crash and were familiar with some of the students involved.
Another said references to schools and witnesses brought back memories of seeing posts and articles about the incident shared on social media.
A third said their child participates in youth sports with students from schools connected to the case.
Investigators said the boat struck a channel marker while returning from an outing on Biscayne Bay. Seventeen-year-old Lourdes Academy student Lucy Fernandez drowned after the crash.
Tinkler Mendez also addressed concerns that a prospective juror had been viewing a news report about the case on a cellphone while waiting outside the courtroom.
Another prospective juror reported hearing the report but said it was not loud enough for everyone in the area to hear.
Tinkler Mendez reminded prospective jurors to avoid news coverage and social media discussions related to the case as jury selection continues.
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