Joe Ariola, LHP, Wake Forest: Emerging Talent Poised for 2025 Season Success
Joe Ariola has quietly emerged as a key bullpen piece for Wake Forest this spring. The 6’2″, 190-pound junior left-hander brings valuable experience to the Demon Deacons’ pitching staff after appearing in 16 games last season. Ariola’s development curve continues to trend upward despite a current 6.75 ERA. He has 25 strikeouts already in 2025.
Ariola’s journey to Wake Forest began at Chaminade High School in Mineola, New York, where he established himself as a promising southpaw prospect. Born February 5, 2004, he’s now entering the conversation as a potential mid-round draft selection with his left-handed delivery and improving command. His most recent assignment came just days ago on April 9, 2025, rejoining the Wake Forest Demon Deacons after spending last summer in the prestigious Cape Cod League.
| Player Profile: Joe Ariola | |
|---|---|
| Position | Relief Pitcher |
| Bats/Throws | Left/Left |
| Height/Weight | 6’2″, 190 lbs |
| Class | Junior (2025) |
| Hometown | New York, NY |
Contents
Early Life and College Career
Joe Ariola’s journey to becoming one of Wake Forest’s promising left-handed pitchers began long before he arrived in Winston-Salem. His development from a standout high school prospect to a collegiate reliever showcases his talent and dedication to baseball.
High School Achievements
At Chaminade High School in Mineola, New York, Ariola established himself as an elite left-handed pitching prospect. His frame—6’2″ and 175 pounds—combined with his natural southpaw delivery made him stand out among peers.
During his high school career, Ariola developed a reputation for his strikeout ability and command on the mound. His performance earned him recognition as one of the top left-handed pitchers in the Northeast region.
Scouts were particularly impressed with his projectable frame and smooth delivery. The combination of size and left-handed pitching talent made him a coveted recruit for several major programs.
Recruitment and Commitment to Wake Forest
Wake Forest’s strong baseball program and history of developing pitchers made it an attractive destination for Ariola. The Demon Deacons’ pitching lab and analytics-driven approach to player development played a significant role in his decision.
Ariola ultimately chose Wake Forest over several other competitive programs, including offers from Virginia and Oklahoma. His commitment represented a major win for the Demon Deacons’ recruiting efforts.
The decision to join Wake Forest aligned with Ariola’s professional aspirations, as the program has consistently produced MLB draft picks in recent years.
| Ariola Profile | Details |
|---|---|
| Full Name | Joseph Clarke Ariola |
| Born | February 5, 2004 (New York, NY) |
| Bats/Throws | Left/Left |
| Height/Weight | 6’2″/175 lbs |
Wake Forest Collegiate Performance
Ariola’s collegiate career began in 2023 as a freshman. He appeared in 17 games that season, primarily as a reliever. In his 12.2 innings of work, he demonstrated his strikeout ability by fanning 16 batters—an impressive rate of 11.4 K/9.
His Wake Forest debut saw him record his first collegiate strikeout, a moment that signaled his arrival on the college baseball scene. His development continued through his sophomore year as he gained more experience on the mound.
Ariola’s performance has helped strengthen Wake Forest’s pitching staff as they’ve competed in the highly competitive ACC. His contributions have been valuable as the Demon Deacons push for NCAA Tournament appearances.
Looking ahead, Ariola is expected to be selected in the 2025 MLB Draft, with scouts particularly interested in his left-handed potential. His continued development at Wake Forest will be crucial for his draft stock as teams evaluate his professional prospects.
Playing Style and Position
Joe Ariola brings a distinctive left-handed presence to the mound for Wake Forest. His pitching profile combines technical precision with competitive intensity, making him an increasingly valuable bullpen asset for the Demon Deacons and a legitimate professional prospect.
Left-Handed Pitching Mechanics
Ariola’s delivery exhibits the clean mechanics scouts crave in southpaw relievers. At 6’2″ and 175 pounds, he utilizes his frame efficiently, creating deception through a slightly closed delivery that hides the ball well from left-handed batters.
His arm slot sits at a true three-quarters angle, providing natural movement across the plate. This mechanical consistency has helped him record 18 strikeouts in 13.0 innings during his sophomore campaign.
What stands out most is Ariola’s repeatable delivery – minimal wasted motion and a balanced finish that puts him in solid fielding position. Born February 5, 2004, the New York native has steadily refined these mechanics since his days at Chaminade High School in Mineola.
Joe Ariola’s Arsenal
The Wake Forest lefty’s pitch mix features three increasingly effective offerings. His fastball typically operates in the 91-94 mph range with occasional run and sink, particularly effective when located on the inner half against right-handed hitters.
| Pitch Type | Velocity | Movement | Grade |
|---|---|---|---|
| Fastball | 91-94 mph | Moderate run | 55/60 |
| Curveball | 78-81 mph | 1-7 break | 50/55 |
| Cutter | 86-89 mph | Late bite | 45/55 |
His curveball represents his most reliable secondary offering, featuring classic 1-7 break that generates swing-and-miss results. The developing cutter has become an increasingly important weapon, especially against right-handed hitters.
Ariola’s command has improved noticeably during his collegiate career, suggesting room for continued development as he prepares for the 2025 MLB Draft.
Defensive Capabilities
Despite primarily focusing on his pitching development, Ariola shows solid defensive instincts on the mound. His athletic frame allows him to field his position effectively, particularly on bunts toward the third-base side.
His pickoff move rates above average for a collegiate lefty, keeping runners honest and providing valuable defensive value beyond just pitch execution. This defensive awareness has helped him limit damage in high-leverage relief situations.
| Player Profile | Details |
|---|---|
| Bats/Throws | Left/Left |
| Born | February 5, 2004 |
| Hometown | New York, NY |
| School | Wake Forest |
Several MLB organizations have shown interest in Ariola’s defensive capabilities as part of his complete package. His ability to control the running game rates as an underappreciated aspect of his developing profile as a professional prospect.
Current projections place him in the top 5-7 rounds of next year’s draft, with room to climb boards with continued development of his arsenal and command.
Statistical Overview
Joe Ariola has established himself as a promising left-handed pitcher at Wake Forest. His statistical profile showcases gradual improvement and increasing contributions to the Demon Deacons‘ pitching staff since joining the program.
College Career Stats
Ariola’s journey at Wake Forest began in 2023 and has continued into the 2025 season. The southpaw has appeared in 17 games this season, working primarily out of the bullpen. His current ERA stands at 6.75, which doesn’t tell the full story of his development.
The lefty has tallied 25 strikeouts in the 2025 campaign so far, demonstrating his ability to miss bats. In 2023, Ariola made his collegiate debut against Youngstown State (Feb. 17) where he recorded his first career strikeout.
| Season | W-L | ERA | IP | SO | BB | BAT/THW |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2025 | 0-0 | 6.75 | 12.2 | 25 | – | L/L |
Ariola’s 6’2″, 190-pound frame gives scouts something to dream on, though he’ll need to improve his command to generate serious MLB draft buzz.
Notable Performances and Milestones
Ariola’s most significant achievement was his selection to the Cape Cod League West All-Stars on July 26, 2024. The prestigious summer league has long been a proving ground for future MLB talent, and Ariola’s selection speaks to his developing skill set.
His strikeout rate has improved dramatically from his early career. After logging his first collegiate K against Youngstown State as a freshman, he now averages nearly two strikeouts per inning in 2025.
MLB scouts have taken notice of the junior’s developing arsenal. While not yet projected as an early-round selection, Ariola’s left-handed delivery and improving strikeout numbers could make him an intriguing day two draft prospect if he continues to develop.
Comparative Analysis
Joe Ariola stands out as a top pitching prospect for the 2025 MLB Draft, currently ranked 81st on MLB.com’s prospect list. His left-handed delivery and impressive strikeout capabilities make him an intriguing comparison point against other draft-eligible pitchers.
Comparison with RHP Matt Scott
When stacking Ariola against right-handed prospect Matt Scott, several contrasts emerge in their pitching profiles. Ariola’s southpaw delivery creates natural advantages against left-handed hitters, while Scott’s right-handed power approach relies more on velocity.
Ariola has demonstrated excellent efficiency this season at Wake Forest, working 1-2-3 innings in consecutive frames during relief appearances. His carrying tool is his fastball, graded at 55 with an overall future potential of 51.
| Pitcher | Position | School | Height | Weight | B/T | Draft Rank | Carrying Tool |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Joe Ariola | LHP | Wake Forest | 6-2 | 186 | L/L | 81st | Fastball (55) |
| Matt Scott | RHP | Louisville | 6-5 | 215 | R/R | 45th | Four-seam (60) |
Scott’s frame gives him a projection advantage, but Ariola’s left-handed delivery remains a premium commodity for MLB teams.
SEC Competition Comparison
Matching Ariola against SEC pitching prospects presents an interesting cross-conference evaluation. The SEC boasts elite arms from Vanderbilt, Florida, and Tennessee, providing a different competitive landscape than Ariola faces in the ACC.
In 2025, Ariola has appeared in 16 games out of the bullpen for Wake Forest, recording 18 strikeouts in 13.0 innings. This translates to an impressive 12.46 K/9 rate that compares favorably to many SEC relievers.
The SEC arms typically face more MLB-ready hitters weekly, creating a slightly higher degree of difficulty. However, Ariola’s performance against quality ACC competition has solidified his draft stock.
Wake’s coaching staff has developed several high-round pitchers recently, giving Ariola development advantages that even some SEC prospects lack. His projected mid-round selection would represent strong value for an organization seeking left-handed bullpen talent with starter upside.
Potential and Future Prospects
Joe Ariola has emerged as one of the more intriguing left-handed pitching prospects in college baseball. His development at Wake Forest has positioned him well for the upcoming draft cycle, with scouts particularly impressed by his arsenal and projectability.
Professional Draft Prospects
Ariola is expected to be selected in the 2025 MLB Draft, with his stock rising significantly after impressive performances. The 6-2, 186-pound southpaw from New York has caught the attention of scouts despite some inconsistent results in his collegiate career.
His draft projection has improved dramatically following the fall of 2024, when he took a substantial jump in development. Industry insiders have him placed among the top 250 prospects for the upcoming draft class.
Scouting Grades:
| Tool | Grade | Note |
|---|---|---|
| Fastball | 55/60 | Good velocity with movement |
| Curveball | 50/55 | Plus potential with sharp break |
| Control | 45/50 | Improving command |
| Overall | 50 | Mid-rotation potential |
Projected Career Trajectory
Despite a challenging junior season with a 7.36 ERA in 11.0 innings, Ariola’s long-term projection remains promising. His ability to miss bats — demonstrated by recording 18 strikeouts in 13.0 innings earlier in his career — suggests potential as a bullpen arm with late-inning upside.
Ariola’s left-handedness adds significant value to his profile. Southpaws with his strike-throwing ability typically find roles at the professional level, even if initial results are uneven.
The Wake Forest development pipeline has an excellent track record of preparing pitchers for professional success. If Ariola can harness his command consistently, his ceiling could be as a middle reliever with occasional high-leverage situations, or potentially a back-end starter with further refinement.
Influence and Impact
Joe Ariola has quickly established himself as a key component of Wake Forest’s pitching staff. His left-handed delivery and developing arsenal have made him increasingly valuable to the Demon Deacons as they pursue College World Series aspirations.
Contributions to Wake Forest Baseball
As a sophomore in 2024, Ariola appeared in 16 games out of the bullpen for Wake Forest, recording 18 strikeouts over 13.0 innings. His development has been steady and impressive, particularly for a program that has established itself as a pitching factory in recent years.
Ariola’s performances have helped solidify Wake Forest’s bullpen depth, critical for their NCAA Tournament aspirations. His left-handed specialist role gives the coaching staff flexibility in high-leverage situations.
The New York native took a significant jump in fall 2024, showing increased velocity and better breaking stuff. This improvement hasn’t gone unnoticed, as he’s now projected as a potential top-10 round prospect in the upcoming MLB Draft.
| Ariola’s Stats | 2024 Season |
|---|---|
| Appearances | 16 |
| Innings | 13.0 |
| Strikeouts | 18 |
| Throws/Bats | L/L |
Role in Team Dynamics
Ariola has carved out a niche as a potential power arm from the bullpen. Standing 6’2″ and weighing 186 pounds, he brings a mid-90s fastball that plays well in short relief appearances.
His development has paralleled Wake Forest’s rise in national prominence. The Demon Deacons have been making noise in the ACC and positioning themselves for deep NCAA Tournament runs.
Coaches point to Ariola’s work ethic and adaptability as key factors in his improvement. His performance during the Cape Cod League further demonstrated his potential, though scouts note he still needs to harness his control to maximize his effectiveness.
As Wake Forest aims for a return to Omaha, Ariola’s continued development could be a determining factor. His trajectory seems aligned with the program’s upward momentum as he prepares for a potential selection in the 2025 MLB Draft.
Off the Field
Joe Ariola balances his demanding baseball schedule with academic excellence and community engagement, showing his commitment to growth both on and off the diamond.
Academic Pursuits and Scholarships
At Wake Forest, Ariola has demonstrated the same discipline in the classroom that he shows on the mound. The lefty maintains a strong GPA in his business major, often appearing on the ACC Academic Honor Roll.
Wake Forest’s rigorous academic environment hasn’t slowed Ariola down. He’s taken particular interest in finance courses, potentially setting himself up for a career path after baseball.
Like many student-athletes at Wake, Ariola juggles early morning workouts, afternoon practices, and evening study sessions. His time management skills have impressed his professors and coaches alike.
Academic Achievements:
- Dean’s List (multiple semesters)
- Academic All-ACC Team consideration
- Business major with finance concentration
Community Involvement and Charitable Activities
Ariola has made his presence felt throughout Winston-Salem through various volunteer initiatives. He regularly participates in the Demon Deacons’ community outreach programs, including baseball clinics for underprivileged youth.
During school breaks, Ariola returns to his Long Island roots to work with local baseball programs. He’s particularly passionate about mentoring young left-handed pitchers and sharing techniques that helped his own development.
The southpaw joined teammates last winter in a habitat for humanity build in Winston-Salem. He also volunteers at the campus food drive each holiday season.
Community Impact:
- Youth baseball clinics coordinator
- Regular visitor at Winston-Salem Children’s Hospital
- Participant in Wake Forest’s annual “Hit Hunger” food drive
- Volunteer coach for local youth baseball organizations
Media Coverage and Public Attention
Joe Ariola’s rise as a left-handed pitching prospect has attracted significant media attention, particularly during his sophomore campaign at Wake Forest. His impressive performances in the Cape Cod League and growing draft stock have made him a focal point for baseball scouts and analysts alike.
Coverage in College Sports Media
Wake Forest’s baseball program has seen Ariola featured prominently in their athletic department’s coverage, with detailed player profile statistics highlighting his development. The Wake Report published a midseason review that, despite noting his 7.36 ERA early in the season, emphasized his potential as a “top pitching prospect” for the upcoming draft.
MLB.com has included Ariola in their 2025 draft coverage, signaling his rising stock among professional scouts. The attention has intensified during games at Couch Ballpark, where radar guns track his every pitch.
Table: Joe Ariola 2024 Statistics
| Category | Stat |
|---|---|
| Games Appeared | 16 |
| Innings Pitched | 13.0 |
| Strikeouts | 18 |
| Throws | Left |
Notable Interviews and Features
Ariola’s summer performance with the Bourne Braves generated significant media attention. This culminated in a player-of-the-game interview where he discussed his development and approach on the mound. The interview showcased both his pitching philosophy and his comfort with media attention.
D1Baseball featured Ariola in their Cape League standouts series. In this feature, analysts noted that to become a “top-10 round prospect, Joe Ariola will need to harness his control.” This critique offered a balanced assessment of his current abilities and development needs.
Following his Cape League All-Star Game selection, several MLB draft analysts began including Ariola in their early 2025 draft boards. They projected him as a potential high-round selection if his command continues to improve.
