Ethan Conrad, OF, Wake Forest: Rising Star in College Baseball

Ethan Conrad has emerged as one of the most exciting outfield prospects in college baseball this season. The Wake Forest junior was putting together an impressive 2025 campaign, slashing .372/.495/.744 with seven home runs in just 21 games before his season was cut short. Conrad, who stands 6’3″ and weighs 220 pounds, was ranked 16th on Baseball America’s latest 2025 MLB draft board before news broke of his season-ending shoulder surgery.

The left-handed hitting and throwing outfielder transferred to Wake Forest after a solid career at Marist College, where he appeared in 48 games and maintained a .320 batting average. Off the field, Conrad majors in communication and has expressed interest in coaching baseball after his playing career concludes. Despite the setback with his shoulder injury, professional scouts remain high on Conrad’s potential. His power-speed combination and advanced approach at the plate make him a potential first-round selection in the upcoming MLB draft.

Ethan Conrad’s Early Life and High School Career

Ethan Conrad’s journey to becoming a standout outfielder at Wake Forest began in Rhinebeck, New York, where he was born on July 5, 2004. His development as a baseball player showed early signs of the all-around talent that would later make him a collegiate prospect.

Early Influences and Development

Conrad’s baseball journey started like many young players—with a genuine love for the game that quickly evolved into serious dedication. Growing up in New York’s Hudson Valley region, he developed his skills playing in local leagues where coaches noticed his natural athletic ability.

The young outfielder showed promise early, dedicating countless hours to refining his swing and defensive capabilities. What separated Conrad was his mature approach to the game. Even as a teenager, he understood the importance of developing a complete toolset rather than focusing solely on power hitting.

His 6-foot-4 frame began to fill out in his teenage years, giving scouts a glimpse of the physical specimen he would become at the collegiate level.

High School Achievements

At his high school in Rhinebeck, Conrad quickly emerged as a standout performer. His combination of contact hitting ability and developing power made him one of the Hudson Valley’s most intriguing prospects.

During his senior season, Conrad put together an impressive campaign that caught the attention of college recruiters across the Northeast. His ability to hit for both average and power made him a versatile offensive threat.

High School Career Stats
Batting Average	.375
Home Runs	12
Bats/Throws	Right/Right
Height/Weight	6’4″/215 lbs

By graduation, Conrad had fielded offers from several Division I programs. He ultimately committed to Marist College, turning down interest from larger programs including Florida State. MLB scouts took notice of his projectable frame and all-around skills, but Conrad chose the college route to further develop his game.

Draft analysts projected him as a potential mid-round selection out of high school, but his commitment to pursuing collegiate baseball allowed him to improve his draft stock substantially.

College Career at Wake Forest

Ethan Conrad transferred to Wake Forest for his junior season after two successful years at Marist College. His move to the powerhouse ACC program immediately paid dividends as he established himself as one of college baseball’s premier outfielders.

Freshman Season Highlights

Conrad began his Wake Forest journey in the fall of 2024 after transferring from Marist College. While technically a junior in academic standing, this marked his first season with the Demon Deacons program.

The left-handed outfielder made an immediate impact upon arriving at David F. Couch Ballpark. Conrad earned a starting position in centerfield during fall practice, impressing coaches with his combination of power and speed.

Wake Forest’s coaching staff praised Conrad’s defensive instincts, particularly his ability to cover ground in the spacious outfield. His transition to ACC competition proved seamless as he quickly became a fixture in the Demon Deacons’ lineup.

Sophomore Year Breakthrough

Though 2025 represents Conrad’s first season at Wake Forest, his sophomore campaign at Marist showcased the talent that attracted ACC programs. Before transferring, Conrad held a .320 batting average and .371 on-base percentage with the Red Foxes.

The Rhinebeck, NY native appeared in 48 games during his sophomore season at Marist, starting 46 of them. His performance in collegiate summer leagues following that sophomore year further elevated his prospect status.

Season	Team	Position	AVG	OBP	HR	RBI	3B
2023	Marist	1B	.298	.345	1	28	2
2024	Marist	1B	.320	.371	3	32	4
2025	Wake Forest	CF	.367	.412	9	36	5

Conrad’s decision to transfer was strategic. “I decided to transfer to Wake Forest University for my junior season,” Conrad told the Freeman, citing the program’s reputation for developing MLB talent.

Junior Year and NCAA Division I Tournament

Conrad’s junior season at Wake Forest has been nothing short of spectacular. Through mid-April 2025, he’s established himself as a legitimate five-tool player and projected first-round MLB draft pick.

His power-speed combination has been on full display with 9 home runs and 5 triples already this season. Conrad’s defensive metrics in centerfield rank among the ACC’s elite, with multiple highlight-reel catches featured on ACC Network broadcasts.

The Demon Deacons’ strong regular season has them positioned for an NCAA Regional appearance, likely hosting at David F. Couch Ballpark. MLB scouts have been fixtures at Wake games, with Conrad’s draft stock rising with each impressive performance.

Professional evaluators particularly love Conrad’s left-handed swing, which generates natural loft and opposite-field power. With the College World Series still ahead, Conrad has positioned himself as a potential top-15 selection in July’s MLB draft.

Statistical Overview

Ethan Conrad has emerged as one of the most productive outfielders in college baseball this season. His power numbers and consistent batting have caught the attention of MLB scouts, positioning him as a potential high draft pick in the upcoming draft.

Home Run Statistics

Conrad’s power at the plate has been impressive during his junior campaign at Wake Forest. Through mid-April 2025, he has already launched 7 home runs this season, showcasing his ability to drive the ball with authority.

The left-handed slugger’s 6’3″, 220-pound frame generates significant bat speed and natural power. His home run production has been steady throughout the season, with several coming in clutch situations against ACC competition.

Conrad’s power development has been notable since his days at Marist College, where he recorded three home runs during his time with the Red Foxes. This significant jump in power numbers demonstrates his development as a hitter and strength gains since transferring to Wake Forest.

Batting Average and Triples

Conrad is currently batting an impressive .372 for the Demon Deacons this season. His consistent approach at the plate has made him one of the most reliable hitters in Wake’s lineup.

Stat Category	2025 Season
Batting Average	.372
Hits	29
Runs	30
RBIs	27
Bats/Throws	L/L

Before transferring to Wake Forest, Conrad showed promise with a .320 batting average and .371 on-base percentage at Marist. His continued development as a hitter is evident in his improved batting average against tougher ACC competition.

Conrad’s speed and gap-finding ability have made him a threat for extra-base hits, though specific triples data isn’t available in the search results. His left-handed swing is particularly effective at driving balls to the opposite field.

Draft Ranking and Predictions

Conrad’s combination of size (6’4″, 215 pounds), power, and consistent hitting have placed him firmly on MLB scouts’ radar. Though specific draft rankings aren’t provided in the search results, his production at Wake Forest positions him as a potential day one or early day two selection in the upcoming MLB Draft.

His left/left profile as an outfielder with power adds value, as organizations typically covet left-handed power hitters. Conrad’s success against high-level ACC pitching further strengthens his draft stock.

MLB teams will likely be intrigued by his physical tools and performance trajectory. Conrad’s improvement since transferring to Wake Forest demonstrates developmental upside that professional organizations value in their evaluations.

Summer Leagues and Early Professional Prospects

Ethan Conrad’s stock has risen dramatically through his exceptional performances in collegiate summer leagues. His breakout on the Cape has turned heads and positioned him as a potential first-round selection in the 2025 MLB Draft.

Cape Cod League Performance

Conrad’s time with the Bourne Braves in the prestigious Cape Cod Baseball League proved transformative for his professional prospects. He exploded onto the prospect scene with a standout summer that earned him the 2024 Summer Breakout Prospect Award.

The numbers tell a compelling story:

Statistic	Value	League Rank
Batting Average	.345	2nd
Home Runs	8	1st (tied)
OPS	1.022	1st
Bats/Throws	L/R	–

His approach at the plate showed remarkable maturity, blending power with disciplined contact skills. Conrad’s ability to drive the ball to all fields particularly impressed scouts who flocked to Bourne games.

“The Cape is where I really found my power stroke,” Conrad noted after his award-winning summer. “Facing that level of pitching daily forced me to refine my approach.”

Scouting Reports and Potential

Conrad has cemented his status as one of the top prospects in college baseball. Multiple scouting services now project him as a potential first-round selection in the 2025 MLB Draft.

His toolset grades impressively across the board:

• Hit: 60/80 (plus ability to make contact)
• Power: 55/80 (above-average with room to grow)
• Run: 60/80 (plus speed on bases and outfield)
• Field: 55/80 (solid defensive instincts)
• Arm: 50/80 (average strength, accurate)

What separates Conrad is his remarkable development curve. After two strong seasons at Marist College, his transfer to Wake Forest and subsequent summer performance have accelerated his trajectory.

MLB Pipeline notes his “advanced approach” and “projectable frame” as key selling points. His left-handed swing generates natural loft, and scouts believe there’s still untapped power potential as he continues physical development.

Ethan Conrad’s Impact on the Team

Ethan Conrad quickly established himself as a cornerstone of Wake Forest’s baseball program before his 2025 season was cut short by injury. His exceptional batting and speed created ripple effects throughout the lineup that went far beyond his personal statistics.

Leadership and Team Dynamics

Conrad’s presence in the clubhouse proved just as valuable as his on-field contributions. Despite being a transfer from Marist, he seamlessly integrated into Wake Forest’s team culture. His booming performance against his former team demonstrated both his competitive fire and ability to perform under pressure.

Teammates gravitated toward Conrad’s work ethic and approach to the game. He became a model for younger players by maintaining consistency in both practice and games.

His communication in the outfield helped stabilize the defensive alignment, particularly important given Wake’s aggressive shifting tendencies. Conrad’s ability to mentor younger outfielders while maintaining his own development showed maturity beyond his years.

Contribution to Wake Forest’s Success

The numbers tell a compelling story about Conrad’s impact before injury derailed his season:

Statistic	Value	ACC Rank
Batting Average	.372	4th
OBP	.495	3rd
Slugging	.744	2nd
Home Runs	7 (in 21 games)	–
Bats/Throws	L/R	–

Conrad’s advanced contact tool and ability to square up the baseball consistently provided Wake Forest with a reliable offensive catalyst. His above-average speed also created defensive advantages in the spacious Wake Forest outfield.

Before undergoing season-ending shoulder surgery, Conrad had elevated himself to the 16th spot on Baseball America’s 2025 MLB draft board. MLB scouts particularly valued his combination of hitting prowess and defensive versatility.

Comparative Analysis with Contemporaries

Ethan Conrad quickly established himself as one of the premier college outfielders before his season-ending shoulder injury. His extraordinary batting performance put him in elite company among 2025 draft prospects.

Performance Compared to Peers

Conrad’s .372/.495/.744 slash line with seven homers in just 21 games was truly elite before his season-ending shoulder surgery. These numbers outpaced several notable contemporaries including Oregon’s Jace Laviolette and Alabama‘s Marek Houston through the first quarter of the season.

Conrad’s power metrics particularly stood out. His .744 slugging percentage would have ranked among the top five nationally if he had enough at-bats to qualify.

Player	School	AVG	OBP	SLG	HR	RBI	Bats/Throws
Ethan Conrad	Wake Forest	.372	.495	.744	7	19	L/R
Marek Houston	Alabama	.331	.437	.612	8	24	R/R
Jace Laviolette	Oregon	.345	.461	.698	9	28	L/L

What’s remarkable is how Conrad translated his Marist success to the ACC. He was ranked 16th on Baseball America’s latest 2025 draft board, ahead of several players with longer Power 5 résumés.

Rivalries and Notable Matchups

Conrad’s abbreviated season featured standout performances against UNC Wilmington and Alabama. Against the Crimson Tide, he went 5-for-11 with two homers directly outperforming Houston in their head-to-head weekend series.

His competition with Ethan Holliday (Stillwater HS) and Seth Hernandez for draft position creates an interesting dynamic among 2025 draft prospects. While Holliday is currently projected higher, Conrad’s college production gives him the edge in performance against advanced competition.

Conrad particularly shined against ACC rival pitchers, including notable at-bats against Ryan Prager. He went 2-for-3 with a double against the highly-touted lefty before his injury.

His former teammate at Marist, Joe Ariola, has commented that Conrad “was always the guy who elevated his game against the best opponents.”

Ethan Conrad’s Draft Prospects and Future

Ethan Conrad has positioned himself as one of the premier prospects for the upcoming MLB draft despite his recent setback. His combination of power and hitting ability has scouts projecting him as a potential first-round selection.

Projection for the 2025 Baseball Season

Unfortunately, Conrad’s 2025 season at Wake Forest has been cut short. The talented outfielder will undergo season-ending shoulder surgery, a significant blow to both his team and draft preparations. Before his injury, Conrad was absolutely raking, posting a robust slash line of .372/.495/.744 with seven home runs in just 21 games.

Despite this setback, Conrad’s draft stock remains high. He was ranked 16th on Baseball America’s latest 2025 draft board, a testament to his impressive skill set and potential.

Player Profile: Ethan Conrad

Attribute	Details
Position	Outfield
Bats/Throws	Left/Left
College	Wake Forest
Draft Projection	First Round (2025)
Key Strength	Power hitting

Potential MLB Teams and Interest

Multiple MLB organizations with early first-round picks are likely keeping tabs on Conrad despite his injury. Teams that prioritize college hitters with power potential, such as the Pirates, Marlins, and Rockies, could target him if he falls slightly in the draft due to health concerns.

Conrad has been on MLB teams’ radar since his impressive summer season prior to this year. His combination of hitting prowess and outfield skills makes him a potential key piece for any MLB organization looking to bolster their farm system.

The shoulder surgery might create some questions, but given modern medical advances and his age, most scouts believe Conrad can make a full recovery. This temporary setback shouldn’t significantly impact his long-term projection as a future big-league contributor.

Conrad’s Influence Beyond the Diamond

Ethan Conrad’s impact extends far beyond his impressive stats at Wake Forest. His commitment to community service and growing personal brand have positioned him as one of college baseball’s most recognizable names.

Community Engagement

Conrad has established himself as a fixture in the Winston-Salem community during his time at Wake Forest. He spends off-seasons organizing youth baseball clinics, focusing on underserved neighborhoods where access to quality coaching is limited.

The standout outfielder dedicates roughly 15 hours monthly to volunteer work at local food banks, something he started during his freshman year.

“The platform I have isn’t just for show,” Conrad explained after a recent community service event. “Using baseball to connect with kids and make a difference – that’s what matters most.”

His initiative to collect used baseball equipment for donation has provided gear for over 200 young players in the area. Wake Forest’s athletic department has recognized his efforts with their Community Impact Award in consecutive years.

Brand Endorsements and Media Presence

Conrad’s social media following has exploded since his breakout summer performance, attracting several NIL deals with baseball equipment manufacturers and local businesses. His Instagram account documents both his athletic achievements and community work.

Despite his season-ending shoulder surgery, Conrad has maintained his media presence through podcast appearances and guest commentary spots on college baseball broadcasts.

Several MLB teams have consulted with Conrad on social media strategy for their minor league affiliates. His approach combines authentic baseball content with glimpses of his community work.

Draft Prospects:

Category	Details
Current Ranking	#16 on Baseball America’s 2025 Draft Board
Projection	Early-to-mid first round despite injury
Position	OF/1B
Bats/Throws	L/R
Key Strength	Power to all fields, plate discipline

Conrad’s agents confirm multiple MLB organizations remain highly interested despite his injury setback, with his character references frequently mentioned in scouting reports.

Coaching Perspectives

The coaching staff at Wake Forest has been instrumental in Ethan Conrad’s development as a top MLB prospect. His progress has been closely monitored by head coach Tom Walter and hitting coaches who have helped refine his approach at the plate.

Tom Walter’s Insights

Head coach Tom Walter has been effusive in his praise of Conrad‘s development. “Ethan possesses that rare combination of power and patience that makes scouts take notice,” Walter said during a mid-season press conference.

Walter has been particularly impressed with Conrad’s work ethic. The outfielder routinely arrives early for additional batting practice and stays late to work on his defensive positioning.

“His commitment to improvement sets him apart,” noted Walter. “When you combine natural talent with that level of dedication, you’ve got something special.”

The Wake Forest skipper believes Conrad has first-round potential in the 2025 MLB Draft. His ability to hit for both average and power while playing solid defense makes him a complete package.

Comments from Jamie Arnold and Tyler Bremner

Hitting coach Jamie Arnold has played a crucial role in Conrad’s offensive development. “We’ve worked extensively on his bat path and timing mechanisms,” Arnold explained. “His swing efficiency has improved dramatically since he arrived on campus.”

Conrad’s batting statistics reflect this improvement:

Season	BA	OBP	SLG	HR	RBI	BB/K
2023	.278	.342	.462	7	34	0.63
2024	.325	.412	.573	15	51	0.96

Assistant coach Tyler Bremner focuses on Conrad’s defensive abilities. “Ethan has the arm strength and range to handle any outfield position,” Bremner said. “His routes to the ball have become more efficient, and his baseball IQ gives him excellent jumps.”

Bremner also highlighted Conrad’s leadership qualities. “He leads by example and has become a mentor to our younger outfielders.”

Ethan Conrad’s Collegiate Legacy

Ethan Conrad has established himself as one of the most impactful baseball talents in recent Wake Forest history. His journey from Marist to becoming a premier power hitter for the Demon Deacons has left an indelible mark on the program’s record books and culture.

Historical Standings and Records

Conrad’s statistical dominance at Wake Forest has been nothing short of remarkable. The 6’3″, 220-pound outfielder slashed an impressive .372/.495/.744 with seven home runs in just 21 games before his 2024 season was cut short due to a shoulder injury requiring surgery.

Conrad’s rise began at Marist, where he established himself as a legitimate prospect. He entered the transfer portal as the top available bat last offseason.

Stat Category	Performance	Ranking
Batting Average	.372	Top 10 ACC (2024)
Slugging %	.744	Top 5 ACC (2024)
OPS	1.239	Top 5 ACC (2024)
Exit Velocity	110+ mph	Elite Tier

His 6.5-second 60-yard dash time combined with his power metrics have made him one of the most complete offensive threats in collegiate baseball.

Conrad’s Place in Wake Forest Lore

Conrad has cemented himself as a pivotal figure in Wake’s baseball renaissance, despite his abbreviated time in a Demon Deacons uniform. His transfer represented a watershed moment for the program’s recruiting prowess under current leadership.

Conrad’s impact extends beyond campus. He has excelled in collegiate summer leagues between his college seasons, further enhancing his reputation as one of the nation’s premier outfield talents.

MLB scouts consistently rank Conrad among the elite draft prospects for 2025. Before his injury, Baseball America had him ranked 16th on their 2025 draft board. His recovery timeline puts him on track to potentially improve that standing with a strong 2025 campaign.

Wake Forest’s recent investments in baseball facilities and analytics have created the perfect environment for Conrad’s talents to shine. Many program insiders believe his ceiling remains untapped.