Coastal Carolina’s Eikhoff & Potok Shine on Day 2 of the MLB Draft: A Closer Look at Their Journey

Coastal Carolina Baseball Players Drafted in 2025

On the second day of the 2025 MLB Draft, two more players from Coastal Carolina University made their mark. Pitcher Riley Eikhoff was selected by the Chicago White Sox in the ninth round, while Matthew Potok joined the Philadelphia Phillies in the 18th round.

They joined fellow teammates Caden Bodine, a catcher picked by the Baltimore Orioles, and Jacob Morrison, another pitcher chosen by the Milwaukee Brewers, who were drafted on the first day.

Riley Eikhoff

Eikhoff had an impressive final season. He finished with a 7-2 record and a 3.10 ERA, striking out 71 batters in 90 innings. His low walk rate of just 1.1 walks per nine innings placed him 4th in the NCAA. Under pitching coach Matt Williams, who was named D1Baseball’s Assistant Coach of the Year, Eikhoff improved significantly. His ERA dropped nearly two runs, and his strikeout rate ticked up as well.

One of his standout performances was in the regional championship against East Carolina, where he pitched 7.1 innings, allowing no runs and stranding seven baserunners.

Matthew Potok

Potok was a key bullpen pitcher during Coastal Carolina’s record-setting season. Across 21 games, he posted a 2.52 ERA and struck out 33 batters. He also had remarkable performances, including 3 scoreless innings against Arkansas State, demonstrating his ability in high-pressure situations.

Insights on the MLB Draft

The MLB Draft is not just about individual talent. It reflects broader trends in baseball. For instance, the emphasis on analytics has led teams to favor pitchers with high strikeout rates and low walk rates. According to a recent study by the MLB, teams have been increasingly prioritizing these metrics, impacting player selection.

The Impact of College Baseball

The performance of players like Eikhoff and Potok showcases the strength of college baseball programs. Success at the collegiate level prepares athletes for the competitive nature of the MLB. In recent years, there has been a rise in college players being drafted, illustrating the growing importance of college baseball in talent development.

In conclusion, Coastal Carolina continues to produce talent that makes waves in the professional league. With the right support and training, these young athletes have bright futures ahead.

For more insights from the world of baseball, check out MLB.com.

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