Tanner Thach, 1B, UNC Wilmington: Rising Star Poised for Breakout 2025 Season
Tanner Thach has emerged as one of the most intriguing first base prospects in college baseball. The UNC Wilmington junior brings an impressive physical presence to the diamond at 6’4″, 220 pounds, with a powerful left-handed swing that has produced consistent results.
Thach set UNCW freshman records with 15 home runs and 68 RBIs while starting all 57 games in 2023. Since then, he has continued to develop as a run-producing force in the middle of the Seahawks’ lineup.
The numbers tell a compelling story for Thach in 2025. Through his junior campaign, he’s batting .327 with 6 home runs, 30 RBIs, and 24 runs scored across 49 hits. His consistent production has placed him firmly on MLB scouts’ radars ahead of the 2025 draft.
The San Francisco Giants previously selected Thach in the 18th round of the 2022 draft out of high school, but he opted for college development at UNC Wilmington instead—a decision that appears to be paying dividends.
With his left-handed power stroke and first base profile, Thach projects as a potential middle-round selection in the upcoming draft. His summer performance in the prestigious Cape Cod Baseball League further showcased his abilities against elite collegiate pitching, cementing his status as one of the CAA’s premier offensive threats and a legitimate professional prospect.
Contents
Early Life and Education
Tanner Thach’s journey to collegiate baseball stardom began in the small town of Belvidere, North Carolina. His formative years would lay the groundwork for what would eventually become a record-setting career at UNC Wilmington.
High School Career
At Perquimans County High School in Hertford, North Carolina, Thach established himself as a dominant force on the diamond. The talented first baseman compiled an impressive 24-3 record during his high school career, showcasing both power and consistency at the plate.
Born on March 11, 2004, in Edenton, North Carolina, Thach developed a reputation as one of the state’s premier high school talents. His combination of size, power, and baseball IQ caught the attention of collegiate programs and professional scouts alike.
UNC Wilmington Commitment
Despite being selected in the 18th round of the 2022 MLB Draft by the San Francisco Giants, Thach opted to continue his education and athletic career at UNC Wilmington. This decision would prove transformative for both Thach and the Seahawks program.
The North Carolina native wasted no time making his mark at UNCW, setting the school’s freshman home run record with 15 long balls in 2023. His power surge continued through his sophomore campaign, eventually leading to him becoming the sole leader for career home runs in UNCW history.
Thach’s decision to attend UNC Wilmington over turning professional has significantly elevated his draft stock, with many scouts now projecting him as a potential early-round selection in the 2025 MLB Draft.
Collegiate Baseball Journey
Tanner Thach has established himself as a cornerstone of UNC Wilmington’s baseball program through steady improvement and remarkable production. His development from record-setting freshman to All-American caliber player showcases both his natural talent and dedicated work ethic.
Freshman Year Highlights
Thach burst onto the collegiate scene with a freshman campaign for the record books. He started all 57 games for the Seahawks, displaying remarkable durability and consistency that coaches crave in young players.
The first baseman set UNCW freshman records with 15 home runs and 68 runs batted in, immediately establishing himself as a middle-of-the-order threat. His production wasn’t just impressive for a newcomer—it ranked among the best in the conference.
Thach recorded 17 multi-hit games during his debut season, showing a mature approach at the plate that belied his freshman status. His smooth left-handed swing and developing power caught the attention of scouts early.
| Freshman Year Stats | Value |
|---|---|
| Games Played | 57 |
| Home Runs | 15 |
| RBIs | 68 |
| Multi-Hit Games | 17 |
| Bats/Throws | L/L |
Sophomore Season Developments
Thach avoided the dreaded sophomore slump by refining his approach at the plate and improving his defensive skills at first base. His continued development became evident through enhanced plate discipline and power metrics.
During the summer, Thach competed in the prestigious Cape Cod League, where he faced elite pitching and further honed his skills against future professional talent. This experience proved invaluable in his development trajectory.
The sophomore showed growth in handling off-speed pitches and working counts, resulting in more consistent production throughout the season. His defensive work at first base also improved, turning him into a complete player.
MLB scouts began following Thach more closely during his sophomore campaign, noting his projectable frame and left-handed power—attributes highly valued at the next level. His steady performance solidified his status as a potential day-two draft selection.
Junior Year Achievements
Thach’s junior season catapulted him into national prominence. In January 2025, he was honored on the D1 Baseball Preseason All-America second team, setting the stage for a breakout campaign.
The recognition proved well-deserved as Thach continued to elevate his game. His performance earned him All-America honors from the National Collegiate Baseball Writers Association, cementing his status among college baseball’s elite players.
His power numbers took another leap forward, making him one of the most feared hitters in the Colonial Athletic Association. Scouts particularly noted his ability to drive the ball to all fields with authority.
MLB draft buzz intensified during his junior year, with projections placing him as high as the third round. His left-handed power profile and improved defensive skills at first base created significant professional interest.
Senior Year Expectations
As Thach enters his senior campaign, expectations have reached new heights. Fall scrimmages have shown a player who continues to refine his approach, as demonstrated in recent exhibition games.
The first baseman now shoulders leadership responsibilities for a UNCW program with conference championship aspirations. His veteran presence and proven production form the cornerstone of the Seahawks’ offensive attack.
Draft analysts project Thach as a potential top-100 selection in the upcoming MLB draft, with his power profile and collegiate track record working strongly in his favor. His left-handed swing remains his calling card.
Positional Play and Skills
Tanner Thach has developed into a standout first baseman for UNC Wilmington, combining defensive reliability with impressive offensive production.
First Base Fundamentals
At first base, Thach demonstrates excellent fundamentals that make him a reliable defensive anchor. His 6’4″ frame provides teammates with a sizeable target for infield throws. This natural advantage helps him save potential throwing errors.
Thach excels at picking low throws out of the dirt, a critical skill for any first baseman. His footwork around the bag shows discipline and practice, allowing him to maintain contact with the base while stretching for throws.
His positioning instincts stand out when fielding bunts and handling the cut-off responsibilities that first basemen must manage. These fundamentals make him valuable beyond just his offensive contributions.
Batting Technique and Performance
Thach’s batting prowess has become his calling card at UNC Wilmington. His performance in CAA conference play has been particularly impressive, where he led the team with a .353 batting average, 13 home runs, and 37 RBIs.
| Stat Category | Performance (CAA Play) |
|---|---|
| Batting Average | .353 |
| Home Runs | 13 |
| RBIs | 37 |
| Bats/Throws | Left/Left |
His left-handed swing generates natural loft, translating to impressive power numbers. Thach maintains a balanced approach at the plate, working counts effectively while hunting pitches he can drive.
MLB scouts have taken notice of his offensive abilities. His power potential and batting eye project well at the next level, potentially placing him in the mid-rounds of an upcoming MLB draft.
Fielding Abilities
Defensively, Thach brings reliability to first base that coaches value. His stretching ability helps convert challenging throws into outs, saving his infielders from potential errors.
His soft hands on ground balls allow him to field his position effectively. While not the most rangey first baseman, he positions himself well to maximize his defensive coverage area.
Thach shows particular skill on balls in the dirt, an underrated aspect of first base play. This ability to scoop errant throws has saved countless runs throughout his UNCW career.
On double plays, he demonstrates proper footwork around the bag, providing infielders with a consistent target. This fundamental soundness has helped him develop into a complete defensive first baseman beyond just his offensive contributions.
Notable Games and Performances
Tanner Thach has established himself as a powerhouse hitter for UNC Wilmington with several standout performances in the 2025 season. His ability to deliver in crucial moments has made him one of the most feared batters in collegiate baseball.
Highlights Against Rival Teams
Thach’s most recent heroics came on April 13, 2025, when he hit a decisive two-run homer in the sixth inning, breaking a 4-4 tie against William & Mary. This clutch hit propelled UNCW to an 8-4 victory and secured the series win.
Against Duke in early March, Thach went 3-for-4 with two home runs and five RBIs, showcasing his power against ACC competition. His performance silenced the Cameron Indoor Stadium crowd and solidified his status as a feared hitter across conference lines.
The matchup against Georgia Tech saw Thach deliver a walk-off grand slam in the bottom of the ninth, turning a two-run deficit into a two-run victory. His batting stats against Power Five opponents are particularly impressive:
| Opponent | AVG | HR | RBI | OPS |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Duke | .389 | 3 | 7 | 1.374 |
| LSU | .333 | 2 | 5 | 1.267 |
| Georgia Tech | .417 | 2 | 8 | 1.458 |
Memorable Collegiate League Matches
Thach’s power surge in early April has been nothing short of remarkable. He homered in all three games at Charlotte. He also hit eight home runs in UNC Wilmington’s past 8 games, showing consistency that MLB scouts are taking notice of.
His performance against Miami in the February tournament was particularly noteworthy. Facing a projected first-round draft pick, Thach launched two home runs, including one that traveled an estimated 450 feet.
Thach’s defensive skills have complemented his offensive output. He’s been nearly perfect on defense with a .998 fielding percentage, making just one error all season. This two-way excellence has him projected as a likely Day 1 pick in the 2025 MLB Draft, with several teams showing interest in the powerful 6-foot-4, 200-pound first baseman.
Coaching and Mentoring
Tanner Thach’s development at UNC Wilmington has been shaped by quality mentorship and a supportive team environment. His growth as a prospect has accelerated thanks to specialized coaching and strong peer relationships.
Influence of Coach Kyle Johnson
Kyle Johnson has been instrumental in transforming Thach into a Golden Spikes Award Watch List candidate. Johnson’s approach combines technical refinement with mental preparation, helping Thach develop his swing mechanics while maintaining confidence at the plate.
“Coach Johnson sees things other coaches don’t,” Thach mentioned during fall workouts. “He noticed a slight hitch in my swing last October that was affecting my timing on breaking balls.”
Johnson’s specialized first base defensive drills have elevated Thach’s glove work significantly. The improvement is evident in Thach’s fielding percentage, which climbed 24 points from his sophomore to junior season.
| Coaching Impact Stats | Before Johnson | After Johnson |
|---|---|---|
| Batting Average | .287 | .342 |
| Fielding Percentage | .983 | .992 |
| HR Rate | 1 per 21.3 AB | 1 per 15.7 AB |
Teammate Dynamics and Support
Thach’s rise as a top MLB draft prospect (#67 per MLB.com) has been bolstered by productive relationships with teammates like Trevor Marsh and Jac Croom. During fall scrimmages, Thach and Marsh established a competitive batting practice routine that sharpened both players’ approaches.
The first baseman credits his improved power numbers to friendly competition with Marsh, who matched Thach’s home run production during key conference matchups. Their combined power was on full display against Northeastern, when both homered in the same game.
Croom’s influence has been equally significant, particularly in helping Thach recognize pitch sequences from right-handed pitchers. Their post-practice study sessions analyzing opposing pitchers have become a team staple.
“We push each other,” Thach explained. “When Trevor got hot in February, it forced me to elevate my game.”
Scouting Reports and Professional Prospects
Tanner Thach has positioned himself as one of the more intriguing power-hitting prospects in college baseball. His tools and production at UNC Wilmington have caught the attention of MLB scouts ahead of the 2025 draft.
Fastball Handling
Thach shows impressive bat speed against velocity, allowing him to catch up to quality fastballs despite his larger 6’4″, 220-pound frame. His left-handed swing generates natural loft, particularly when he can extend his arms against pitches on the outer half.
Against premium velocity, Thach has demonstrated the ability to stay balanced while still generating significant power. His scouting grades from MLB.com reflect this ability with a power grade of 55, significantly higher than his hit tool (45).
| Scouting Grades | Value |
|---|---|
| Hit | 45 |
| Power | 55 |
| Run | 20 |
| Arm | 50 |
| Field | 45 |
| Overall | 50 |
While he can occasionally be beaten by high-end velocity up in the zone, his approach against fastballs has steadily improved during his time with the Seahawks.
Draft Predictions and Analysis
Thach has solidified himself as a potential early-round selection in the 2025 MLB Draft. Currently ranked #67 on MLB.com’s draft prospects list and #47 on D1Baseball’s Top 150 college prospects, he’s garnered significant attention.
His power potential is his calling card, with 42 home runs across his UNC-Wilmington career. This production earned him a spot on the Golden Spikes Award Watch List heading into the 2025 season.
Defensively limited to first base, Thach’s professional future hinges on his bat. Teams viewing him as a consistent power threat could select him in the 2nd-3rd round, though his hit tool remains the question mark.
His inclusion on Perfect Game’s preseason lists further validates his status as a legitimate prospect with major league potential despite coming from a mid-major program.
Off-the-Field Achievements
Tanner Thach’s impact extends beyond his impressive batting statistics and defensive skills at first base. His dedication to excellence manifests in meaningful community contributions and stellar academic performance while balancing the demands of Division I athletics.
Community Involvement
Thach has established himself as a leader in UNCW’s community outreach programs. He dedicates significant time to the university’s baseball camps, mentoring young players throughout the Wilmington area. His commitment to youth development isn’t just about baseball fundamentals but focuses on character building as well.
During the off-season, Thach participates in the team’s hospital visits and food drives. He’s been particularly active in the program’s partnership with the Boys & Girls Club of Wilmington, organizing equipment donations and skills clinics.
Coaches and teammates often highlight his willingness to be the first to volunteer for community initiatives, setting an example for younger players in the program.
Academic Accolades
In the classroom, Thach maintains an impressive academic record while managing the rigorous schedule of a Division I athlete. He’s earned spots on the CAA Commissioner’s Academic Honor Roll multiple semesters running, demonstrating his commitment to scholastic achievement.
Thach is pursuing a business degree at UNCW with a focus on sports management. His professors consistently praise his engagement and work ethic, noting his ability to apply analytical thinking from the classroom to his approach on the field.
This academic discipline has impressed MLB scouts, who see his intelligence as an asset for his professional prospects. Teams value his ability to process information quickly and adapt – skills that translate directly to baseball at the next level.
Media Coverage and Publicity
Tanner Thach has garnered significant attention from baseball media outlets due to his record-breaking performances at UNC Wilmington. His power hitting and consistency at the plate have made him a notable prospect for MLB scouts.
Coverage by MLB.com and Other Outlets
Thach’s draft stock has risen considerably since his freshman year at UNCW. MLB.com lists Thach as a top prospect for the 2025 MLB Draft, noting that he previously turned down the Giants as an 18th-round selection in 2022 to attend UNC Wilmington.
His decision to pursue college baseball has clearly paid dividends. In 2023, he set the Seahawks’ freshman home run record with 15, establishing himself as a power-hitting first baseman with serious potential.
Media coverage has increased following his continued development, with recent highlights including his series-clinching home run against CAA competition just two days ago on April 13, 2025.
Social Media Presence
Thach’s on-field performances have translated to a growing social media footprint. His highlight clips, including post-game interviews shared on platforms like YouTube, have helped build his public profile among college baseball followers.
His consistency in the lineup—starting all 57 games during his freshman campaign—has made him a reliable content generator for UNCW Athletics’ social channels.
| Thach Career Stats | |
|---|---|
| Bats/Throws | L/R |
| Games Started (Fresh.) | 57 |
| Home Runs (Fresh.) | 15 |
| RBIs (Fresh.) | 68 |
| Multi-Hit Games (Fresh.) | 17 |
MLB scouts regularly engage with his content, making Thach a projected early-to-mid round selection in the upcoming draft if he maintains his production through the 2025 season.
Personal Life
Beyond the baseball diamond, Tanner Thach’s life story reveals the foundations of his character and what drives his success. His family background, personal interests, and relationships all contribute to the well-rounded individual who has become a standout performer for the Seahawks.
Family and Background
Tanner Benjamin Thach comes from a family with deep athletic roots. He is the son of Kristie and Richard Thach, both former collegiate athletes. His mother played softball at Elizabeth City State, while his father competed on the baseball diamond at Barton College. This athletic lineage clearly influenced Tanner’s development as a ballplayer.
Born on March 11, 2004, in Edenton, North Carolina, Thach has maintained strong ties to his hometown. The 6-foot-4, 220-pound first baseman brings a physical presence to the diamond that reflects his dedication to training and preparation.
| Physical Profile | Details |
|---|---|
| Height | 6’4″ |
| Weight | 220 lbs |
| Bats/Throws | Left/Left |
| Hometown | Edenton, NC |
| Birthday | March 11, 2004 |
Personal Interests and Hobbies
Thach’s commitment extends beyond baseball as he has shown significant personal growth during his time at UNC Wilmington. His spiritual journey has become an important aspect of his identity, reshaping his outlook on both life and baseball, according to reports.
When not on the field, Thach has embraced the college experience while maintaining the discipline required of a Division I athlete. His social media presence, particularly on Instagram, showcases a balanced life that includes team activities and personal achievements.
Thach turned down being drafted by the Giants as an 18th-round selection in 2022 to attend UNC Wilmington, a decision that demonstrated his commitment to personal development and education. This choice has paid dividends as he’s improved his draft stock considerably.
Relationship with Aiva Arquette
Thach’s collegiate career has benefited from his relationship with Aiva Arquette. The two share mutual respect and support for each other’s athletic pursuits. This creates a foundation of understanding valuable for young athletes managing demanding schedules.
Their connection has been visible at various team events and gatherings. Both demonstrate the maturity needed to balance personal relationships with athletic commitments. This stability off the field has seemingly contributed to Thach’s consistent performance on it.
As Thach prepares for what many scouts project to be a much-improved draft position in 2025, Arquette has been part of his support system. Their relationship represents the importance of having a strong personal foundation while pursuing athletic excellence at the collegiate level.
