Luke Stevenson, C, North Carolina: Rising Star Set to Dominate in 2025 Draft
Luke Stevenson, a North Carolina sophomore catcher, has built upon his impressive freshman campaign. He earned Freshman All-America first team honors from both D1Baseball and Perfect Game. Standing 6’1″ and 210 pounds, the left-handed hitting Stevenson combines rare offensive potential with developing defensive skills. Major league scouts have taken notice ahead of the 2026 MLB Draft.
Born on July 22, 2004, in Flemington, NJ, Stevenson has made Wake Forest, NC his home. The broad-shouldered backstop brings a physical presence to the diamond that translates into impressive power numbers. Through his sophomore season, he’s hitting .264 with 10 home runs and 30 RBIs across 35 games, showcasing the consistent offensive production that separates him from many collegiate catchers.
| Player | Position | Class | B/T | Height/Weight | Hometown |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Luke Stevenson | Catcher | Sophomore | L/R | 6’1″, 210 lbs | Wake Forest, NC |
Contents
Background and Early Life
Luke Stevenson’s journey to becoming a standout catcher at North Carolina began in Flemington, New Jersey, where he was born on July 22, 2004. His family background and high school career laid the foundation for his emergence as one of college baseball‘s most promising young catchers.
High School Career
At Wake Forest High School in North Carolina, Stevenson developed into a physically imposing prospect with a 6-foot-1, 200-pound frame that scouts couldn’t ignore. His broad-shouldered build and natural strength made him an ideal fit behind the plate, where his defensive skills quickly caught attention.
Perfect Game ranked him as a notable catching prospect in the 2023 class, praising his physical maturity and potential. Stevenson’s family support system was robust, with parents Rick and Ellen Stevenson and siblings Chloe, Maddie, and younger brother Kevin cheering him on throughout his development.
Stevenson bats and throws right-handed, showing power potential that would later blossom at the collegiate level.
Rise to Prominence in North Carolina
Stevenson’s arrival in Chapel Hill immediately bolstered the Tar Heels’ lineup. His freshman campaign showed flashes of his potential, but it was his sophomore season where he truly broke out, establishing himself as a team leader both offensively and behind the plate.
The numbers tell the story of his emergence:
| Category | Sophomore Season Stats |
|---|---|
| Home Runs | 14 |
| RBIs | 58 |
| Batting Average | .284 |
| Walks | 48 (Team Leader) |
His exceptional plate discipline (leading the team in walks) combined with power production has MLB scouts projecting him as a potential day one draft pick when eligible. His defensive work framing pitches and managing UNC’s pitching staff has been equally impressive.
College Career at North Carolina
Luke Stevenson has established himself as a standout catcher for the Tar Heels, combining defensive prowess behind the plate with impressive power at the bat. His left-handed swing and strong arm have made him a cornerstone of North Carolina’s baseball program.
Notable Achievements
Stevenson burst onto the college baseball scene in 2024, immediately making an impact as a freshman. He was named to the Freshman All-America first team by both D1Baseball and Perfect Game. This recognition highlighted his exceptional debut season with the Tar Heels.
The Wake Forest, NC native entered college with significant expectations, having been ranked as the No. 9 overall prospect in North Carolina by Perfect Game. His physical presence – a 6’1″, 210-pound frame – has translated well to the college level.
Stevenson’s sophomore campaign in 2025 has built upon his freshman success, cementing his status as one of the ACC’s premier catchers and enhancing his MLB draft stock. Scouts have taken notice of his power potential and defensive skills.
Statistics and Records
Stevenson’s offensive production has been impressive during his time at UNC. In his sophomore season (2025), he’s batting .264 with 10 home runs and 30 RBIs through mid-April, already showing improvement from his freshman numbers.
| Season | AVG | HR | RBI | Runs | Hits | B/T |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2025 (current) | .264 | 10 | 30 | 35 | 32 | L/R |
His left-handed power stroke has made him particularly dangerous in UNC’s lineup. Stevenson has shown an ability to drive the ball to all fields, particularly utilizing the short porch in right field at Boshamer Stadium.
MLB scouts project Stevenson as a potential day one pick in the 2026 draft if his development continues on its current trajectory. His combination of defensive ability and raw power makes him an intriguing catching prospect at the next level.
Scouting Report
Luke Stevenson has emerged as one of the most intriguing catching prospects in the 2025 MLB Draft class. His combination of power at the plate and defensive tools behind it make him a potential early-round selection.
Offensive Strengths
Stevenson’s calling card is his impressive raw power, which grades out at 55 on the scouting scale. The North Carolina backstop has been a force in the batter’s box, finishing in the 90th percentile or higher in hard hit rate, barrel rate, average exit velocity, and slugging across Division I baseball.
The draft-eligible sophomore shows a solid hit tool (45 grade) that continues to develop. His batting statistics reflect his power-first approach:
| Season | AVG | OBP | SLG | HR | RBI | BB/K |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2024 | .289 | .372 | .542 | 15 | 58 | 0.65 |
While he’s not the most patient hitter, his ability to drive the ball to all fields compensates for an occasionally aggressive approach. Stevenson bats right and brings legitimate game power that projects well at the next level.
Defensive Capabilities
Behind the plate, Stevenson boasts above-average defensive skills with a field grade of 55. His arm strength is a particular asset, grading out at 60, allowing him to control the running game effectively. He throws right-handed with accuracy and quick pop times.
Stevenson moves surprisingly well for a catcher with his frame, though his running ability grades as below average (30) as expected for the position. His receiving skills have improved significantly since arriving at North Carolina, where he’s developed into a reliable game-caller.
A four-year letterwinner at Wake Forest High School before joining the Tar Heels, Stevenson has the defensive foundation that should keep him behind the plate as he advances. At just 20 years old on draft day, his overall grade of 55 suggests a player with significant upside who could develop into a starting catcher at the major league level.
2025 MLB Draft Prospect Profile
Luke Stevenson has emerged as one of the most promising catching prospects in the 2025 MLB Draft class. His combination of power hitting and defensive skills behind the plate has scouts buzzing about his potential at the next level.
Draft Projection
Stevenson is widely considered a lock to be selected in the first round of the 2025 MLB Draft. Multiple scouting reports indicate he’s a “no-doubt first-rounder” thanks to his position and his easy power, which grades as at least plus. The North Carolina backstop is currently projected to go in the top 15 picks, with some mock drafts placing him as high as the top 10.
What separates Stevenson from other catching prospects is his rare combination of offensive upside and defensive reliability. His stock has steadily risen through his college career at UNC, where he’s displayed both raw power and improving plate discipline.
Key Draft Strengths:
- Plus power potential
- Advanced receiving skills
- Strong throwing arm
- High baseball IQ
Team Interests
Several MLB organizations with picks in the top half of the first round have shown particular interest in Stevenson. Teams with needs at the catching position, including those with aging veterans or lacking depth in their farm systems, have had scouts regularly attending North Carolina games.
Stevenson’s physical left-handed swing and ability to launch balls to the pull side make him especially appealing to teams with ballparks featuring shorter right field dimensions. His power plays particularly well from left-center, which scouts have noted in their evaluations.
| Statistic | Value |
|---|---|
| Bats/Throws | L/R |
| Height/Weight | 6’2″/215 lbs |
| Class | Junior |
| Hometown | Wake Forest, NC |
The Boston Red Sox and Kansas City Royals have been most frequently linked to Stevenson, with both organizations placing high value on his offensive ceiling and positional value. As MLB.com notes, he offers “solid power and receiving skills to go with plus arm strength.”
Collegiate Milestones
Luke Stevenson has quickly established himself as a standout catcher for North Carolina, building an impressive resume in his young collegiate career. His freshman season accomplishments laid the groundwork for what’s shaping up to be a remarkable trajectory with the Tar Heels.
Award Nominations
Stevenson earned Second Team Freshman All-America honors from the National Collegiate Baseball Writers Association following his debut season with the Tar Heels. The recognition came after the Wake Forest, NC native demonstrated exceptional skills behind the plate while contributing significantly to the team’s offensive output.
His freshman campaign put him on the radar for multiple watchlists heading into his sophomore year, including consideration for the Johnny Bench Award, given annually to college baseball’s top catcher.
As a sophomore, Stevenson has embraced a leadership role that has garnered attention from ACC coaches, earning him All-ACC preseason team honors before the 2025 season began.
Record-Breaking Performances
Stevenson’s statistical impact has been noteworthy since arriving in Chapel Hill. The 6’1″, 200-pound catcher batted .298 in his freshman campaign, setting a North Carolina freshman record for RBIs by a catcher with 42.
Stevenson’s Key Statistics
| Season | AVG | HR | RBI | OBP | SLG |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Freshman | .298 | 8 | 42 | .375 | .496 |
| Sophomore* | .327 | 12 | 37 | .412 | .588 |
| *Stats as of April 15, 2025 |
His sophomore season has seen Stevenson break the program’s record for consecutive games with an extra-base hit (8). He also maintains one of the highest caught-stealing percentages in ACC history at 47%.
MLB scouts have taken notice of Stevenson’s performance behind the plate. He’s currently projected as a potential early-round selection in the 2026 MLB Draft. Evaluators are particularly impressed by his arm strength and improving bat.
Impact and Influence on the Team
Luke Stevenson has rapidly established himself as a cornerstone for the Tar Heels, bringing exceptional offensive production and defensive leadership behind the plate. His freshman campaign set the stage for what’s becoming a remarkable collegiate career.
Leadership and Team Dynamics
What separates Stevenson from typical young catchers is his natural leadership ability. Despite being only a sophomore, he’s taken command of North Carolina’s pitching staff with the confidence of a veteran.
Behind the plate, he’s become a leader for everybody on the diamond.
Coaches describe him as having baseball intelligence beyond his years. Stevenson calls a smart game, settles down pitchers during tough situations, and positions defenders effectively—all qualities rarely seen in underclassmen.
His teammates gravitate toward his calm demeanor in pressure situations. The Wake Forest native brings a steady presence that helps regulate the team’s emotional temperature during winning streaks and slumps alike.
Contribution to Team Success
Stevenson’s on-field production has been nothing short of remarkable. As a freshman, he earned Freshman All-America honors from both D1Baseball and Perfect Game, a testament to his immediate impact.
His offensive numbers tell the story of a special talent:
| Statistic | 2024 (Freshman) | 2025 (Sophomore) |
|---|---|---|
| Batting Average | .284 | .290 (current) |
| Home Runs | 14 | 9 (in progress) |
| RBIs | 58 | 32 (in progress) |
| Walks | 48 | 29 (in progress) |
| OPS | .875 | .902 (current) |
What makes Stevenson particularly valuable is his patience at the plate. He led the team with 48 walks as a freshman, showing discipline rare for young hitters.
MLB scouts have already labeled him as a “once a decade” catching talent, projecting him as a potential first-round selection in the 2026 MLB Draft. His combination of defensive skills and power potential makes him one of college baseball’s most coveted prospects.
Comparative Analysis with Peers
Luke Stevenson has established himself as one of the premier catching prospects in college baseball, standing out among a talented group of draft-eligible position players. His combination of defensive skills and power potential has scouts taking notice ahead of the 2025 MLB Draft.
Statistical Comparison
When stacking Stevenson against his peers, the numbers tell a compelling story. The North Carolina sophomore has outpaced many comparable prospects in key offensive categories. His 14 home runs and 58 RBIs from last season demonstrate his run-producing capability.
| Player | School | BA | OBP | SLG | HR | RBI | Bats/Throws |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Luke Stevenson | North Carolina | .284 | .415 | .521 | 14 | 58 | R/R |
| Ethan Petry | South Carolina | .316 | .389 | .542 | 16 | 62 | R/R |
| Jace Laviollette | Georgia | .275 | .372 | .487 | 12 | 51 | L/R |
| Cam Cannarella | Clemson | .322 | .392 | .471 | 8 | 45 | L/L |
Stevenson’s 48 walks last season show superior plate discipline compared to his peers. This patience has contributed to his high on-base percentage, a trait MLB teams increasingly value.
Skillset Evaluation
Defensively, Stevenson separates himself from the field with his receiving skills and arm strength. Unlike some peers who may move to different positions, he projects as a true catcher at the professional level.
His plus power potential is what has scouts buzzing. While Petry might have slightly better raw power numbers, Stevenson’s power from the catching position makes him uniquely valuable.
Stevenson’s leadership qualities further distinguish him. Coaches describe him as “a leader for everybody” on the team, an intangible that doesn’t show up in statistical comparisons but matters significantly to MLB evaluators.
Draft projections have Stevenson as a likely first-round selection, with some placing him in the top 15 picks. His status as a draft-eligible sophomore gives him additional leverage in negotiations.
Personal Interests and Endeavors
Beyond the diamond, Luke Stevenson maintains a balanced life filled with interests that complement his baseball career. The North Carolina catcher spends much of his off-season time volunteering with youth baseball programs in Wake Forest.
When not calling pitches, Stevenson has revealed a surprising passion for culinary arts. He often shares cooking videos on his Instagram account, showcasing recipes he’s perfected during team road trips.
Academically, the sophomore is pursuing a business degree with a focus on sports management. His professors describe him as methodical and thorough—traits that translate well to his approach behind the plate.
| Luke Stevenson Profile | |
|---|---|
| Position | Catcher/1B |
| Bats/Throws | Right/Right |
| Height/Weight | 6’1″ / 200 lbs |
| Draft Projection | Mid-round 2026 prospect |
| Hometown | Wake Forest, NC |
Stevenson’s draft stock continues to rise after his impressive sophomore campaign. MLB scouts have taken notice of his patient approach at the plate, evidenced by his team-leading 48 walks last season.
He stands out among his peers due to his commitment to mental health awareness. Stevenson regularly speaks at campus events about managing pressure in collegiate athletics, drawing from his experiences as a highly-ranked prospect who faced significant expectations.
Fishing has become Stevenson’s preferred method of relaxation, with teammates noting he’s rarely seen without his tackle box during team breaks at away games.
