Where does AJ Russell rank in top 150 prospects for 2025 MLB draft?
One week remains in the 2025 SEC baseball regular season.
Ahead of the SEC Tournament in Hoover, Alabama, MLB released its list of the top 150 prospects for the 2025 MLB draft.
Among the prospects, Tennessee right-handed pitcher AJ Russell ranks No. 55 overall. He ranks No. 11 among right-handed pitchers on the list.
"Russell has a unicorn fastball that could grade as a true 80 offering if he adds more velocity," his scouting profile says. "It sits at 92-94 mph and tops out at 98 with the best heater metrics in the Draft thanks to an exceptionally low release point, wide angle, significant armside run and carry up in the zone."
Russell was a bullpen fixture as a freshman in 2023. He pitched 30.1 innings and totaled 47 strikeouts, while allowing nine hits, four runs and seven walks.
Russell appeared in six games in 2024 and underwent Tommy John surgery at the conclusion of the season. He pitched 14.1 innings, recording 21 strikeouts and allowed 12 hits, eight runs and eight walks.
His first appearance after surgery this season was against North Alabama on Feb. 25. In eight appearances, Russell has pitched 15 innings and struck out 20 batters, while allowing 12 hits, six runs and seven walks.
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