Arizona Diamondbacks select Louisville RHP Patrick Forbes in 2025 MLB Draft

Louisville right-handed pitcher Patrick Forbes has heard his name called in the 2025 MLB Draft. Forbes was selected with the No. 29 pick in the first round by the Arizona Diamondbacks.

Forbes finished the season 4-2 with a 4.42 ERA. Across 71.1 innings pitched, he struck out 117 batters compared to 59 hits allowed while facing 319 batters.

He was Kentucky’s top prospect heading into the 2022 MLB Draft cycle, but was undrafted due to his strong commitment to the Cardinals’ program. He was also utilized as a designated hitter and an outfielder as a true freshman. After he broke his hand during an at-bat in 2024, he transitioned completely to pitching. Before that, he had just 38.1 innings of work completed during his first two seasons with the program.

“Forbes has explosive carry on his high-spin fastball, which averaged 94 mph last spring, ticked up with Team USA and in the Cape Cod League last summer and now sits at 94-96 with a peak of 100. He also has added more power to his slider, which now runs from 81-85 mph and can be a plus pitch at its best, and he’ll occasionally turn it into an upper-80s cutter. He hasn’t had much time to refine an upper-80s changeup that features plenty of fade when it’s on but also can get too firm,” his MLB scouting report reads.

“As Forbes concentrates all of his energy on pitching, the hope is that he’ll be able to improve his changeup and strike-throwing. His delivery features some effort and he missed two starts in April with a flexor strain, though he recaptured his stuff when he returned and helped Louisville reach the College World Series.”

Forbes spent three seasons with the Cardinals, with 2025 being his most impressive yet. He does have one more season of eligibility left, but it remains to be seen if he will go ahead and use it. Forbes has the choice to sign a contract with his new pro team, or return to college at Louisville or elsewhere for the 2026 college baseball season.

He does have a high ceiling, and depending on how he develops and adjusts to the professional level, there’s a real possibility that he could find himself within the front half of an MLB rotation in the coming years. For now, he is an MLB-draftee after hearing his name called during this year’s annual event.