The Los Angeles Dodgers known for their astute player development, made a significant splash in the 2025 MLB Draft by selecting right-handed pitcher Cam Leiter with the 65th overall pick in the second round. This pick represents a calculated gamble on immense upside, as Leiter missed the entire 2025 collegiate season recovering from shoulder surgery.
Leiter, a 6-foot-5, physical right-hander from Florida State University, brings a tantalizing arsenal to the Dodgers’ highly regarded farm system. Prior to his injury, he showcased an explosive fastball that consistently sat in the mid-90s, topping out at 98 mph, and possessed excellent extension. Scouts also lauded his secondary offerings, particularly a sharp, high-spin slider in the upper 80s that projects as a true out-pitch. He also commands a slower curveball and has shown feel for a changeup, giving him the potential for a legitimate four-pitch mix.
The decision to draft Leiter at No. 65 speaks volumes about the Dodgers’ belief in his raw talent and their ability to guide him through his recovery and development. His final start of the 2024 season, where he fanned 12 batters in 5 2/3 innings against Louisville, served as a powerful reminder of his front-of-the-rotation potential before shoulder discomfort ultimately led to his season being cut short and subsequent surgery in October 2024.
Cam Leiter also carries a significant baseball lineage. He is the nephew of former MLB pitchers Al Leiter and Mark Leiter, and cousin to current big leaguers Jack Leiter (Texas Rangers) and Mark Leiter Jr. (New York Yankees, currently on IL). His father, Kurt, also pitched collegiately and in the minor leagues. This deep family history in professional baseball bodes well for Leiter’s understanding of the game and the dedication required for a successful career.
While concerns about his recent shoulder surgery and past command issues (a 6.2 walk per nine rate over his last two college seasons) are valid, the Dodgers have a strong track record of developing pitching, especially those with high-octane stuff and injury histories. Leiter recently threw a bullpen session for scouts, reportedly hitting 96 mph, demonstrating that his recovery is on track.
Scouting Reports:
Fastball:
- Velocity: Consistently sits in the mid-90s (94-96 mph) and has touched as high as 98-99 mph. Even after his shoulder surgery, he reportedly hit 96 mph in a recent bullpen session.
- Movement: Described as having “strong running and riding life” through the zone, with excellent extension (averaging 6.69 feet). This combination allows the pitch to play up, generating a high whiff rate (around 30% in 2024). Some reports mention potential for shape optimization or a sinker.
Breaking Balls:
- Slider: An upper-80s “power slider” or “bullet slider” that projects as a true out-pitch. It features “huge spin and tilt” and can sometimes blend into a cutter-like appearance at its top velocity. It has shown elite whiff rates (64%) but also a need for improved command.
- Curveball: A slower, 80 mph “hammer breaking ball” with good spin (averaging 2,686 RPMs) and downward biting action. It has been effective against both right-handed and left-handed hitters, generating a 41% whiff rate.
- Changeup: An upper-80s changeup that shows feel and has the potential to become a bigger part of his mix, especially against left-handed hitters. It has also generated high whiff rates (around 44-44.5%).
Command and Control:
- This is generally seen as the primary area for improvement. He has a history of high walk rates (6.2 BB/9 over two years, 16% in 2023 at UCF, and 13.8% in 2024 at FSU). While he throws a good percentage of his pitches to competitive locations, scouts note he may never be a pitcher who precisely attacks specific spots.
Physicality and Delivery:
- Leiter is a big, physical right-hander, listed at 6’5″ and 234 lbs. He has an almost directly over-the-top arm path and gets excellent extension down the mound.
Overall Outlook:
- Upside: When healthy, Leiter possesses one of the “loudest arsenals” in his draft class, with the potential for four legitimate pitches and front-of-the-rotation stuff.
- Risk: The primary concerns are his recent shoulder surgery and his command issues. There is some reliever risk due to these factors, but his electric fastball could play well in a bullpen role if starting doesn’t pan out.
- Development: The Dodgers’ strong pitching development program is seen as a good fit for Leiter, given their history of working with stuff-heavy, injured college arms.
The suggested slot value for the 65th pick is around $1.65 million, and assuming Leiter signs, he will immediately become one of the most intriguing, albeit high-risk, high-reward, prospects in the Dodgers’ system. If he can regain his health and refine his command, Cam Leiter has the potential to be a significant steal for the Dodgers and a formidable presence on a Major League mound for years to come.
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