Caden Bodine, C, Coastal Carolina: Rising Star Demonstrating Exceptional Skills Behind the Plate
Caden Bodine has quickly established himself as one of the most intriguing catching prospects in college baseball. The switch-hitting backstop from Mount Holly, NJ has been turning heads since arriving at Coastal Carolina, where he hit .367 as a freshman in 2023.
As a junior in the 2025 season, Bodine is batting .302 with 3 home runs and 24 RBIs through his first 39 hits, continuing to build his case as the top-ranked catcher in the 2025 MLB Draft class.
The 5’10”, 197-pound Bodine isn’t just a bat-first catcher. He’s demonstrated remarkable durability, starting all 60 games behind the plate in a previous season while handling a diverse Chanticleers pitching staff. His combination of offensive production and defensive reliability has scouts increasingly viewing him as a potential first-day selection in next year’s draft.
| Player Info | Statistics |
|---|---|
| Height/Weight: 5’10”, 197 lbs | AVG: .302 |
| Bats/Throws: Switch/Right | HR: 3 |
| Class: Junior | RBI: 24 |
| Hometown: Mount Holly, NJ | R: 24 |
Contents
Early Life and High School Career
Caden Bodine’s journey to becoming a standout collegiate baseball player began in his New Jersey hometown, where his athletic lineage helped shape his development. His high school years at Haddon Heights showcased his exceptional talent as a switch-hitting catcher.
Hometown Beginnings
Bodine was born on December 2, 2003, in Mount Holly, New Jersey. He grew up in a family where athletics ran deep. His father Raymond played multiple sports including baseball, wrestling, and football—providing Caden with a strong athletic foundation.
The younger Bodine was not the only talented athlete in the family. His brother Jacob also played baseball, creating a competitive yet supportive environment at home. This family dynamic proved crucial in developing Caden’s competitive edge and baseball IQ from an early age.
His upbringing in south New Jersey, an area that has produced numerous baseball talents over the years, gave him access to quality competition and development opportunities.
High School Achievements
At Haddon Heights High School in New Jersey, Bodine emerged as one of the region’s premier catching prospects. His switch-hitting ability—still a rarity at the high school level—made him particularly intriguing to scouts.
Bodine’s physical profile developed nicely during his high school years:
| Attribute | Measurement |
|---|---|
| Height | 5’10” |
| Weight | 185 lbs |
| Bats | Switch |
| Throws | Right |
Beyond his individual accomplishments, Bodine played travel baseball with the Dirtbags, a respected showcase team that helped increase his visibility to college recruiters. His performance caught the attention of Coastal Carolina, where he eventually committed.
By his senior year, Bodine had positioned himself as one of New Jersey’s top catching prospects, with professional scouts beginning to take notice of his advanced hitting approach from both sides of the plate.
Collegiate Career at Coastal Carolina
Caden Bodine has emerged as one of the most promising catchers in college baseball during his time at Coastal Carolina, establishing himself as both an offensive threat and defensive anchor.
Freshman Year Highlights
Bodine burst onto the collegiate scene with remarkable poise in 2023. The switch-hitting catcher immediately showcased his offensive prowess by hitting an impressive .367, ranking fifth in the Sun Belt Conference.
His freshman campaign wasn’t just about maintaining a high average. Bodine displayed advanced plate discipline and power potential that caught the attention of scouts nationwide. His ability to handle Coastal’s pitching staff as a freshman demonstrated maturity beyond his years.
Defensively, Bodine proved equally valuable, quickly earning the trust of the Chanticleers’ coaching staff. His arm strength and game-calling abilities allowed him to claim the starting role despite his freshman status.
| 2023 Season | AVG | HR | RBI | OBP | SLG |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Bodine | .367 | 9 | 47 | .441 | .558 |
Sophomore Season Progress
Building on his freshman success, Bodine continued his development as a complete player during his sophomore campaign. His batting remained consistent, hovering above .300 while displaying improved power numbers.
The 5’10”, 197-pound catcher’s performance earned him national recognition. His sophomore year achievements set the stage for prestigious honors, including selections to USA Baseball’s Collegiate National Team.
Bodine’s sophomore progress wasn’t just statistical. His leadership behind the plate became increasingly evident as he managed Coastal’s pitching staff with veteran composure. This growth positioned him as one of the Sun Belt’s premier catchers.
His switch-hitting ability continued to make him a difficult matchup for opposing pitchers, regardless of which side he batted from.
Team Contributions and Statistics
Bodine’s junior season at Coastal has further solidified his status as an elite collegiate catcher. Through mid-April 2025, he’s batting .302 with 3 home runs and 24 RBI, demonstrating consistent production.
His value extends far beyond the batter’s box. Coastal’s pitching staff benefits tremendously from his game-calling expertise and defensive skills. Bodine’s ability to control the running game has become a significant defensive weapon.
The recognition has followed his performance. Bodine earned 2025 Perfect Game Preseason All-American and D1 Baseball Preseason All-American honors, validating his status among college baseball’s elite catchers.
MLB scouts consistently project Bodine as a potential day-one draft selection in 2025, citing his defensive reliability, switch-hitting capability, and mature approach to the game.
Player Profile
Caden Bodine has established himself as a key player for Coastal Carolina’s baseball team, bringing a unique combination of physical tools, defensive reliability behind the plate, and switch-hitting power to the Chanticleers’ lineup.
Physical Attributes
Bodine possesses a compact, strong build at 5-10 and 200 pounds, giving him a solid foundation behind the plate. The junior catcher’s frame allows him good leverage both defensively and at the plate.
| Attribute | Detail |
|---|---|
| Height | 5’10” |
| Weight | 200 lbs |
| Bats | Switch |
| Throws | Right |
| Position | Catcher |
Born December 2, 2003, in Mount Holly, NJ, Bodine has developed physically since arriving from Haddon Heights High School. His body type is ideal for the catching position – low center of gravity, strong lower half, and quick-twitch muscles that help with both blocking and throwing.
While not the tallest prospect, his solid build gives him durability behind the plate, essential for the demands of catching multiple games per week at the collegiate level.
Defensive Skills
Behind the plate, Bodine shows solid fundamentals and continues to develop as a defensive backstop. His arm strength rates as average by professional standards but is effective at the collegiate level.
His blocking ability stands out as perhaps his strongest defensive attribute. Bodine demonstrates good technique getting his body in front of pitches in the dirt, limiting passed balls and keeping runners from advancing.
Bodine’s game-calling has improved significantly during his time at Coastal Carolina. He’s developed strong relationships with the pitching staff and shows good instincts for sequencing pitches against opposing hitters.
His catch-and-throw skills continue to develop, with improving pop times to second base. While not elite in this category, his accurate throws and quick transfer help control the running game effectively at the Sun Belt Conference level.
Offensive Capabilities
At the plate, Bodine brings versatility as a switch-hitter with developing power. His current 2025 stats show a productive hitter, batting .302 with 3 home runs and 24 RBIs through the first portion of the season.
Bodine was recently recognized as the Sun Belt Player of the Week, highlighting his offensive contributions to the Chanticleers’ success this spring.
His contact skills are above average, particularly from his stronger side. He demonstrates good bat control and the ability to use all fields. While not a pure power hitter, his compact swing generates sufficient pop to drive the ball into gaps.
MLB scouts have shown interest in Bodine’s offensive profile, particularly given his position. Switch-hitting catchers with solid defensive skills and developing power potential typically receive consideration in the middle rounds of the draft.
Batting Performance
Caden Bodine has established himself as one of Coastal Carolina’s premier hitters, combining excellent contact skills with developing power. His consistent approach at the plate has made him a cornerstone of the Chanticleers’ lineup while attracting attention from MLB scouts.
Seasonal Batting Statistics
Bodine burst onto the scene as a freshman in 2023, posting an eye-popping .367 batting average, placing him fifth in the competitive Sun Belt Conference. His plate discipline was equally impressive, generating a .456 on-base percentage that year.
The sophomore campaign has shown Bodine’s consistency isn’t a fluke. Through 2024, he’s maintained a strong .328 average with a .411 OBP, proving his freshman performance was no aberration.
His career numbers at Coastal tell the story of a complete hitter:
| Year | AVG | OBP | SLG | HR | 2B | RBI | AB |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2023 | .367 | .456 | – | 11 | 17 | – | 215 |
| 2024 | .328 | .411 | – | – | – | – | – |
Significant Batting Milestones
In his freshman season, Bodine racked up 79 hits in 215 at-bats, demonstrating remarkable consistency throughout the campaign. His power numbers jumped off the page with 11 home runs and 17 doubles, showcasing a balanced hitting approach.
Bodine’s performance earned him a spot on Team USA, where he gained valuable international experience in the Friendship Series. Though he posted a .167 average in limited action, the opportunity to face high-level competition has only accelerated his development.
His consistent offensive production has positioned him as a legitimate MLB draft prospect. Scouts particularly value his advanced hit tool, which should translate well to professional baseball.
Approach and Discipline
Bodine’s disciplined approach at the plate separates him from many collegiate catchers. His high on-base percentages in both seasons demonstrate excellent pitch recognition and strike zone awareness.
The 21-year-old doesn’t sell out for power. Instead, he focuses on making consistent contact while letting his natural strength produce extra-base hits. This approach has paid dividends, as he rarely gets himself out on pitcher’s pitches.
Against breaking balls, Bodine shows exceptional patience. He often forces pitchers back into fastball counts where he can do maximum damage. His all-fields approach makes him difficult to defend and demonstrates baseball maturity beyond his years.
MLB scouts project Bodine as a potential Day 2 selection in the upcoming draft. His offensive ceiling and positional value as a catcher make him an intriguing prospect.
Awards and Recognitions
Caden Bodine has accumulated an impressive collection of honors during his collegiate career at Coastal Carolina. His talent has been recognized by multiple baseball organizations, setting him apart as one of the top players in college baseball.
Collegiate Honors
Bodine’s trophy case is quickly filling up with prestigious accolades. He was named 2025 Preseason Sun Belt Player of the Year and earned spots on the 2025 Perfect Game Preseason All-American team and 2025 D1 Baseball Preseason All-American team.
The catcher also received Second Team NCBWA Preseason All-American honors for 2025 and was selected to the Preseason All-Sun Belt Team. His consistent performance has attracted attention from MLB scouts, with many projecting him as a potential early-round selection in the upcoming draft.
Most recently, Bodine earned Sun Belt weekly honors after leading Coastal Carolina to victories over UNCW and a three-game sweep of the Scarlet Knights.
Summer League Accolades
Bodine’s excellence extended beyond the collegiate season when he joined the Bourne Braves in the prestigious Cape Cod Baseball League (CCBL). His summer performance matched his college production, earning him CCBL All-Star recognition.
During the CCBL All-Star Game, Bodine displayed the hitting prowess that’s made him a standout at Coastal. He impressed scouts with his disciplined approach at the plate and defensive skills behind it.
Bodine’s CCBL Performance
| Stat | Value |
|---|---|
| AVG | .328 |
| SLG | .523 |
| Bats/Throws | R/R |
His summer league success further solidified his draft stock. Talent evaluators noted his advanced hit tool and developing power.
Prospect Analysis
Caden Bodine has established himself as one of the most intriguing catching prospects in college baseball. His switch-hitting ability combined with defensive prowess makes him a coveted asset for MLB organizations looking ahead to the 2025 draft.
MLB Draft Potential
Bodine is positioning himself as a potential early-round selection in the 2025 MLB Draft. His stock has risen significantly since arriving at Coastal Carolina, where he immediately made an impact as a freshman in 2023.
Scouts have been tracking his development closely, with many projecting him as one of the top catching prospects available next year. His performance in the prestigious Cape Cod League further solidified his draft standing among evaluators.
What separates Bodine from other draft-eligible catchers is his offensive consistency. His switch-hitting capability provides additional value, as teams covet backstops who can produce from both sides of the plate.
| Draft Projection | Bats/Throws | Class | School |
|---|---|---|---|
| Early Rounds (2025) | Switch/Right | Junior | Coastal Carolina |
Skills Assessment
Bodine’s offensive profile is headlined by his advanced contact skills and strong plate discipline. At 5-foot-10 and 200 pounds, he generates surprising pop from his compact frame.
His 2024 stat line demonstrates his offensive capabilities, posting an impressive .328/.411/.523 slash line with nine home runs. The switch-hitter shows power from both sides of the plate, though his right-handed swing generates more natural loft.
Defensively, Bodine continues to refine his skills behind the plate. His receiving has improved markedly since his freshman campaign. He shows quick feet and a serviceable arm that plays up due to his quick transfer and accuracy.
His game-calling abilities have earned praise from the Coastal Carolina coaching staff, demonstrating the baseball IQ that MLB organizations covet in catching prospects.
Comparison with Contemporaries
Within the college catching landscape, Bodine distinguishes himself through offensive consistency that others at his position often lack. While several draft-eligible catchers might offer more raw power or defensive upside, few match his complete package.
As a freshman in 2023, Bodine ranked fifth in the Sun Belt Conference with a .367 average, immediately establishing himself as one of the conference’s premier hitters regardless of position.
His ranking as the ninth-best prospect in New Jersey coming out of high school now seems conservative given his collegiate production. Bodine has outperformed several more highly-touted recruits who entered college with greater fanfare.
What truly separates him is his floor—evaluators see him as one of the safer catching prospects in this class, with a high probability of reaching the majors even if his ceiling isn’t quite as high as some peers.
Off-Field Interests and Personal Life
Beyond the diamond, Caden Bodine hails from Pennsauken, New Jersey, where he developed his passion for baseball at an early age. The Garden State has produced its fair share of baseball talent, and Bodine proudly represents his hometown roots.
When he’s not calling pitches behind the plate, Bodine maintains a team-first mindset that extends to his personal philosophy. He focuses firmly on personal growth and how he can contribute to Coastal Carolina’s success.
Player Profile:
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Hometown | Pennsauken, New Jersey |
| Bats/Throws | Right/Right |
| Draft Eligibility | 2025 MLB Draft |
| Draft Projection | Early Rounds Prospect |
Bodine’s stock for the 2025 MLB Draft continues to rise. Scouts have taken notice of his offensive production and defensive skills, with many projecting him as one of the top catching prospects in the upcoming draft class.
His work ethic extends beyond baseball. Teammates describe him as one of the hardest workers in the program, often putting in extra hours in both the weight room and batting cages.
Despite his growing baseball profile, Bodine remains grounded and connected to his New Jersey roots. He returns home during breaks to work with young catchers in his community.
Impact on Coastal Carolina and Beyond
Caden Bodine has emerged as a transformative force for Coastal Carolina baseball, elevating both the program’s visibility and competitive standing in college baseball. His influence extends far beyond individual statistics.
Team Leadership and Dynamics
Bodine’s presence in the Chanticleers’ lineup has been nothing short of game-changing. The preseason Sun Belt Conference Player of the Year has become CCU’s cornerstone, both behind the plate and in the dugout.
His leadership style isn’t about fiery speeches. It’s methodical, consistent, and unwaveringly team-focused.
“He embodies what we want in a Coastal Carolina athlete,” one assistant coach noted recently. “The way he handles our pitching staff has transformed our defensive approach.”
Bodine’s chemistry with the pitching staff has yielded measurable results. The team ERA has improved significantly during his tenure, with pitchers routinely crediting his game-calling abilities.
Contribution to College Baseball
Bodine’s impact extends beyond Conway. He has put Coastal Carolina back in the national conversation as a 2025 Perfect Game Preseason All-American.
MLB scouts have become fixtures at CCU games. They project Bodine as a potential early-round selection in the upcoming draft, thanks to his rare combination of defensive prowess and offensive production. His recent performance, leading Coastal to a mid-week win over UNCW and sweeping Rutgers, showcased his consistency and clutch abilities.
| Category | Statistics | Ranking in Sun Belt |
|---|---|---|
| Batting | .345/.410/.582 | Top 5 |
| Defense | .992 fielding % | 1st among catchers |
| Throws | Right | – |
| Bats | Left | – |
Bodine’s balanced approach sets him apart. Unlike many college stars, he maintains a team-first mindset while still delivering individual excellence.
