Baltimore Orioles select USC LHP Caden Hunter in 2025 MLB Draft

Teams can never get enough good left-handed pitching from the college ranks and another one has been taken at the 2025 MLB Draft. The Baltimore Orioles have selected USC‘s Caden Hunter with the No. 184 overall pick in the sixth round. Hunter now has a chance to get his professional career underway.

Of the 15 appearances Hunter made during the 2025 season, 13 of them were starts. However, the numbers are not too great in what was USC’s first year competing against the Big Ten. Hunter finished with an ERA of 5.73 over 66.0 IP. Opponents put together a solid batting average of .286 against him as well.

High marks for the year came against Penn State, putting together a gem. The performance came on the road as well, traveling all the way across the country. Hunter was out there for seven innings, recording nine strikeouts while only having one earned run attached to his name. Penn State put together only three hits and a walk. The lone run scored was a solo home run.

Even with some poor numbers, there is still a ton of potential with Hunter. Getting him into the Minor League ranks could wind up doing wonders.

What MLB Draft analysts are saying about USC pitcher Caden Hunter

Hunter has three pitches at his disposal, something many clubs look at as a requirement to be a starting pitcher. MLB.com, on an 80-grade scale, likes the fastball and changeup the most. Both are considered 55-grade, while the slider is well below at 45. A scouting report was provided, breaking down exactly the arsenal Hunter provides.

“Hunter has the chance to bring a solid three-pitch mix into the pro game, which points to a future as a big league starter,” the scouting report said. “While his fastball sits around 91 mph and tops out at 95, it plays above the radar gun readings thanks to good carry, leading to solid swing-and-miss.

“His best secondary offering is a low-80s changeup with some depth, and he has a 78-80 mph slider that has fringy spin and lacks power but can be effective at times. He misses a fair amount of bats while also producing a solid ground-ball rate.”

Two words were then used by MLB.com, going with “strong and durable.” This makes the case for Hunter being somebody who can break into a starting rotation and stay there. You can never have enough guys who are able to eat innings for you on a consistent basis.