With the 2024 MLB Draft concluded, let’s catch up on some NC State baseball news as we look towards the 2025 season:
Wolfpack Get Commitment from San Diego Transfer SS Justin DeCriscio Although NC State SS Brandon Butterworth has not officially signed with the Padres after being drafted in the 12th round, it’s expected he will. This expectation is bolstered by the commitment from San Diego transfer SS Justin DeCriscio. DeCriscio, a 5’10, 160-pound California native, started 118 games over three seasons with the Toreros, boasting a .299/.364/.390 line, with 28 stolen bases. In 2024, he hit .308/.374/.419 with 10 steals. He earned Honorable Mention All-WCC in both 2023 and 2024. A high-contact, free-swinging right-handed hitter, DeCriscio provides a solid defensive glove at a now-vacant infield position. Rising SO Luke Nixon appears to be his main competition for the starting SS job, with rFR Peyton Young and prep SS Ryder Woodson also in the mix.
NC State Adds Prep Catcher Preston Bonn To compensate for the potential loss of a player from the 2024 recruiting class to the MLB Draft, NC State added catcher Preston Bonn from Lawrenceville, GA. Bonn, initially committed to Georgia, reopened his recruitment in late June. Ranked by Perfect Game as a Top 500 recruit nationally and the 50th overall player in Georgia, Bonn is expected to slot in behind Alex Sosa in the catching rotation for 2025. Bonn, listed at 6’0, 195 lbs, has a strong frame and powerful hands with a line-drive swing. While not the fastest, he moves well for a catcher and has played 3B and OF. Defensively, he shows good potential with natural movements, solid instincts, and a strong arm.
Pack Add JUCO Pitcher Landon Carr Gaston College pitcher Landon Carr joins NC State’s 2025 roster. The JUCO righty sits in the low 90s with his fastball, reaching the mid-90s at times. Of his 37 career appearances with Gaston, 31 were in relief. However, his last six appearances were starts, where he excelled: 33.0 IP, 22 H, 7 R, 6 ER (1.64 ERA), 11 BB, 36 K. Carr is expected to be a relief piece for the Wolfpack but could also be considered for a starting role in fall camp.
State Adds JUCO OF Brayden Fraasman and LHP Eli Pillsbury Already committed for next year are JUCO transfers LHP Eli Pillsbury and OF Brayden Fraasman. Pillsbury, a 6’2, 190 lbs southpaw from Indiana, spent the last two years at Logan College in Illinois, where he showed great stuff with 69 strikeouts in 47.2 innings but struggled with control. Fraasman, a 6’0, 200 lbs outfielder from Lincoln Trail College in Illinois, adds depth to the outfield with his power (20 HR in 391 AB) and speed (23-of-26 SB).
Eli Serrano Signs with Mets Eli Serrano has signed with the Mets. Best of luck to him!
Garrett Pennington, Alec Makarewicz, and Sam Highfill Sign UDFA Deals After going undrafted, Garrett Pennington signed with the Detroit Tigers, Alec Makarewicz with the Chicago White Sox, and Sam Highfill with the Philadelphia Phillies. These are excellent landing spots for each. Pennington will likely move to Low-A Lakeland and then to High-A West Michigan. Makarewicz will find a good fit with the White Sox, who have only drafted one infielder. Highfill joins a Phillies organization known for its strong player development, especially with pitchers.
Looking Ahead to the 2025 Roster With Serrano gone, Butterworth expected to sign, and prep commit Devin Fitz-Gerald likely signing a pro contract, NC State’s 2025 roster stands at 40 players, including 22 returnees and 18 newcomers (10 freshmen, 5 D1 transfers, and 3 JUCO transfers). The roster limit for 2025 is 40, expected to reduce to the mid-30s for the 2026 season.
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