Trent Caraway, a standout player for the Oregon State Beavers, has entered the transfer portal as he prepares for the upcoming 2025 MLB Draft. In his second season, Caraway achieved a batting line of .267/.350/.470/.820, hitting 12 home runs and driving in 47 runs. As the draft approaches, he is currently ranked as the 145th prospect by MLB Pipeline and 175th by Baseball America.
Caraway, who joined the Beavers as a top-100 prospect from high school, previously set a single-season hits record at Serra High School in California, surpassing the mark held by Royce Lewis, the first overall pick in the 2017 MLB Draft. His freshman year at Oregon State was impressive, during which he posted a batting line of .339/.431/.516/.947, with two home runs and ten RBIs, alongside a weighted runs created plus (wRC+) of 130.
As he transitioned from 2024 to 2025, Caraway made significant adjustments to his game. He reduced his strikeout rate from 31.9% to 23.1% and increased his walk rate from 8.3% to 10.5%. Despite these improvements, his overall performance dipped, resulting in a below-average wRC+ of 86, where the league average stands at 100. According to MLB Pipeline, “He appeared to have lost his confidence,” highlighting issues with swing-and-miss tendencies and a need for better pitch recognition.
Though his regular season performance was mixed, Caraway excelled in the Corvallis Regional, where he was named the regional MVP and included in the Regional All-Tournament Team. His six home runs during the postseason set a new record for a Beaver in a single year. Baseball America praised Caraway’s “loudest tool,” noting his impressive raw power and bat speed, generated by his 6-foot-2, 200-pound frame.
Despite his raw talent, Caraway has not been projected to be selected in the first two rounds of the draft by major outlets, raising the question of whether he should pursue a professional career or continue his college journey. Transferring to another school could allow him to refine his skills further, aim for a 20-home run season, and enhance his draft position in 2026.
If Caraway receives a lucrative signing bonus from a Major League team that exceeds any potential NIL offers from collegiate programs, he may opt to turn professional. This decision would require him to adapt quickly to the pressures of professional baseball, where the competition is fierce and the need for rapid improvement is paramount.
As the 2025 MLB Draft approaches, all eyes will be on Caraway to see which path he chooses. Whether he decides to transfer or sign with a Major League team, his next steps will be crucial in shaping his athletic career.
