2025 MLB Draft Profile: Jace LaViolette

Texas A&M outfielder Jace LaViolette has some of the best raw power in the 2025 draft class. Once viewed as a candidate to be drafted 1-1, he has become a more realistic possibility for the Marlins with the seventh overall pick.

Overview

Position: OF

Height: 6’6″

Weight: 230 pounds

School: Texas A&M

FOF Big Board Rank: 7th

Jace LaViolette is a 6’6”, 230-pound outfielder who plays at Texas A&M University. LaViolette is a left-handed hitter with some of the best power in this draft class.

LaViolette was a blue-chip prospect coming out of Obra D. Tompkins High School in Katy, Texas. On Perfect Game, LaViolette was the 113th-ranked prospect and 27th-ranked outfielder in the nation. He was also the seventh-ranked prospect and #1 outfielder out of the Lone Star State. He went undrafted and signed to play college baseball for the Texas A&M Aggies.

In his freshman season, LaViolette earned a starting role and made a massive impact. LaViolette slashed .287/.414/.632 with 64 hits, 21 home runs, 63 RBIs, 48 walks, and a 1.047 OPS. He was named to the All-SEC Freshman team and earned Freshman All-American honors.

In his sophomore season, LaViolette had another monster year and helped lead the Aggies to the College World Series. He slashed .305/.449/.726 with 79 hits, sixteen hits, three triples, 29 home runs, 78 RBIs, 64 walks, and a 1.175 OPS. LaViolette was named a First Team All-American by D1 Baseball, NCBWA, and Baseball America. That put him firmly in the conversation to be the #1 overall pick in 2025.

LaViolette's stock has dipped a bit during his junior season. He has started in 47 games. He’s slashing .277/.437/.594 with 47 hits, nine doubles, fifteen home runs, 53 RBIs, 47 walks, and a 1.031 OPS. He also broke the record for most home runs in Texas A&M history. 

LaViolette is a legit power hitter with a quality approach at the plate. His hit tool needs some work, but he does a nice job creating loft in his swing. He can drive the ball to all fields with power, and his average exit velocity is in the 90th percentile.

On defense, LaViolette plays center field very well for the Aggies. He has good agility for his size and plus arm strength. Long term, his skillset is more suited for right field.

Strengths

• Elite power tool
• Very patient
• Excellent bat speed
• Drives ball to all fields with authority
• Plus arm strength

Weaknesses

• Slightly below-average hit tool
• Production has dipped during junior season

Pro Comparison: Kerry Carpenter

Projection: Top 10 pick

Bottom Line

Even with a “down” junior season, Jace LaViolette’s power is still there. A player that the Marlins didn’t think they would be able to get early in the 2025 draft cycle could actually be available when they are on the clock. If the Marlins believe they could help develop his hit tool, he would be an excellent option with their first-round pick.

More 2025 Draft Profiles

• LHP Liam Doyle
• INF Kayson Cunningham
• SS Eli Willits
• SS Marek Houston
• RHP Seth Hernandez
• 3B Xavier Neyens
• OF Brendan Summerhill