Trent Caraway, 3B, Oregon State: Rising Star Impressing Scouts Ahead of 2025 MLB Draft

Trent Caraway has quietly become one of the most intriguing infield prospects in college baseball. The 6’2″, 203-pound third baseman from Laguna Hills, California has showcased impressive development during his time with the Oregon State Beavers. After batting .339 with five doubles and two home runs in his limited action last season, he’s settled in with a .275 average so far in the 2025 campaign.

MLB scouts are increasingly viewing Caraway as a potential early-round selection in the upcoming draft thanks to his combination of defensive reliability at the hot corner and developing power at the plate. His right-handed swing continues to evolve, and his solid frame suggests there’s more pop to come as he matures physically.

Player	Position	Bats	Throws	Height	Weight	Born
Trent Caraway	Third Baseman	Right	Right	6’2″	203 lbs	March 29, 2004

Early Life and High School Career

Trent Caraway’s journey to becoming a standout third baseman at Oregon State has deep roots in Southern California, where his baseball foundation was built during formative years in Orange County and at prestigious high school programs.

California Roots

Trent Caraway was born on March 29, 2004, in Laguna Hills, California. Growing up in Dana Point, Caraway developed his baseball skills in the competitive Southern California youth baseball scene, an area known for producing premium talent.

The right-handed infielder showed promise early, developing the quick hands and strong arm that would later define his defensive prowess at third base. At 6-foot-2 and 205 pounds, Caraway possesses the ideal frame for a corner infielder.

His physical attributes developed early:

Attribute	Measurement
Height	6’2″
Weight	205 lbs
Bats	Right
Throws	Right

High School Achievements

Caraway began his high school career at Santa Margarita High School, where he competed for two seasons before transferring to JSerra Catholic High School in San Juan Capistrano. At JSerra, one of Southern California’s baseball powerhouses, Caraway elevated his game to elite status.

His skills caught the attention of scouts, making him a Top 100 prospect coming out of high school. Despite his draft potential, Caraway went undrafted in 2023 due to his strong commitment to Oregon State.

At JSerra, he refined his defensive abilities at shortstop and third base while developing as a power hitter. His performance earned him recognition from Perfect Game, which noted his “strong physical build” and versatility in the field.

College Career at Oregon State

Trent Caraway established himself as a cornerstone in the Oregon State Beavers infield, showcasing impressive development from freshman to junior year while steadily improving his draft stock with consistent hitting and defensive prowess at third base.

Freshman Year Highlights

Caraway burst onto the college baseball scene with impressive numbers for the Beavers. The right-handed third baseman batted .339 in his debut season, making 17 starts in 18 appearances.

His offensive toolkit immediately stood out. Caraway collected five doubles and two home runs while driving in 10 RBIs. Perhaps most impressive was his plate discipline, posting a .431 on-base percentage that demonstrated maturity beyond his years.

Defensively, he showed promising skills at the hot corner, making the adjustment to Pac-12 competition while playing his home games at Goss Stadium. MLB scouts began taking notice of his 6’2″, 203-pound frame and natural hitting ability.

Freshman Stats	AVG	OBP	SLG	HR	RBI
2024 Season	.339	.431	N/A	2	10

Sophomore Season Developments

Building on his freshman campaign, Caraway’s sophomore year saw him cement his role in Oregon State’s starting lineup. His batting average settled at .295 as he faced tougher pitching and adjustments from opposing teams.

Power development became evident as the season progressed. Caraway improved his extra-base hit totals and showed an ability to drive the ball to all fields. His approach at the plate matured, maintaining a solid .347 on-base percentage.

The Beavers relied heavily on his production in the heart of their order. His defensive skills continued to sharpen, with improved footwork and throwing accuracy making him one of the conference’s premier defensive third basemen.

MLB draft analysts began projecting him as a potential early-round selection for the 2025 draft, noting his combination of defensive reliability and hitting potential.

Junior Year Improvements

Caraway’s junior campaign showcased the culmination of his development at Oregon State. His slugging percentage jumped to .445 as he generated more consistent power while maintaining his contact skills.

The numbers tell the story: 5 home runs, 31 RBIs, and 15 doubles across 49 games. His .792 OPS established him as one of the Beavers’ most dangerous hitters and a focal point for opposing pitching strategies.

Defensively, he continued to excel at third base, making the difficult plays look routine. His leadership also emerged as he guided younger infielders through the rigors of the college baseball schedule.

MLB scouts now view him as a potential first-day selection, with his balanced skill set and proven production against top college competition making him an attractive prospect for organizations seeking infield talent with both offensive upside and defensive stability.

Statistical Overview

Trent Caraway’s numbers tell the tale of a promising third baseman with exceptional potential despite limited playing time due to injury. His statistical profile showcases both offensive prowess and defensive reliability that has scouts taking notice.

Batting Statistics

Caraway is currently batting .275 for Oregon State in the 2025 season, showing decent consistency at the plate. This represents a slight dip from his career college average of .295 across all seasons.

His 2024 campaign was particularly impressive despite being cut short. He appeared in just 18 games due to injury but managed to hit a robust .339/.431/.516 with seven extra-base hits and 10 RBIs.

Scouts have taken notice of his power potential, with his power score rating at an impressive 81 according to Baseball Cube metrics. His extra-base hit potential is also notable with an XBH rating of 54.

Season	Team	AVG	OBP	SLG	XBH	RBI
2024	Oregon State	.339	.431	.516	7	10
2025	Oregon State	.275	.306	—	—	—
Career	—	.295	.347	—	—	—

Defensive Metrics

At third base, Caraway has established himself as Oregon State’s primary option at the hot corner. His defensive capabilities complement his offensive output, making him a complete prospect worthy of MLB consideration.

His speed rating of 83 indicates exceptional mobility for an infielder, allowing him to cover significant ground at third base. This athleticism translates well to his defensive performance.

Caraway’s fielding metrics aren’t widely published in detail, but his consistent placement at third base for a competitive Oregon State program speaks to his reliability with the glove. His defensive prowess, combined with his power potential, has him projecting as a potential day one MLB draft selection.

MLB scouts are particularly intrigued by his combination of defensive reliability and offensive upside, with many projecting him as a potential early-round selection in the upcoming draft.

Trent Caraway’s Playing Style

Trent Caraway has developed into one of the most complete third basemen in college baseball, combining natural hitting ability with solid defensive skills and an exceptional understanding of the game.

Offensive Skills

Caraway’s bat is what makes scouts take notice. The right-handed hitter batted .339 with the Beavers in 2024, showing both contact skills and developing power. His approach at the plate is mature – he doesn’t chase pitches and works counts effectively.

The 6-foot-2, 205-pound infielder has an impressive .431 on-base percentage, demonstrating his patience and eye for the strike zone. His power continues to develop, with five doubles and two home runs in limited action last season.

In March 2025, Caraway showed his offensive ceiling by hitting his first homer of the season and adding three doubles in a single game against San Diego. This performance highlighted his potential as a middle-of-the-order bat.

Batting Stats	2024 Season
Batting Average	.339
On-Base %	.431
Doubles	5
Home Runs	2
Bats/Throws	R/R

Defensive Abilities

At third base, Caraway shows the quick reactions and strong arm necessary for the hot corner. His footwork has improved significantly since arriving at Oregon State, allowing him to make difficult plays look routine.

What stands out about Caraway defensively is his reliability. He makes the routine plays consistently while occasionally flashing highlight-reel ability on more challenging chances.

His impressive defensive plays have been featured in team highlights, showcasing his athleticism and instincts. At 6-foot-2, he has the ideal frame for a third baseman – tall enough for reach but agile enough to move quickly.

MLB scouts view him as a player who can stick at third base long-term, which significantly boosts his draft stock heading into the 2026 MLB Draft.

Baseball IQ and Work Ethic

Born in December 2003, Caraway’s maturity stands out to coaches and teammates alike. Coming from JSerra Catholic High School, he arrived with a solid fundamental understanding of the game.

What separates Caraway from other talented players is his preparation. He studies opposing pitchers meticulously and adjusts his approach accordingly. Teammates often mention how he’s usually the first to arrive and last to leave practice sessions.

His intelligence on the basepaths is noteworthy – he takes the extra base when available but rarely makes mistakes. This combination of physical tools and baseball smarts has him projected as a potential day one MLB draft pick.

Caraway’s work ethic extends beyond physical training. He’s become a leader for the eighth-ranked Beavers despite his relatively young age, setting an example through consistent performance and professional approach.

Coaching and Mentors

Successful baseball prospects have a network of influential coaches and mentors. Experienced guidance has helped shape Trent Caraway’s development at Oregon State.

Influences of Mitch Canham

Mitch Canham, Oregon State’s head coach since 2019, has been instrumental in Caraway’s collegiate development. A former Beaver himself and first-round MLB draft pick, Canham brings both playing experience and developmental expertise to his coaching.

“Trent Caraway noted in a team interview, ‘Coach Canham understands what it takes to reach the next level.'”

Canham’s approach emphasizes both technical skills and mental toughness. His hands-on coaching style has helped Caraway improve his defensive positioning at third base while developing a more disciplined approach at the plate.

The relationship has clearly paid dividends, as Caraway has emerged as a potential first-round MLB talent under Canham’s guidance.

Guidance from Collegiate Coaches

Beyond Canham, Oregon State’s assistant coaches have played vital roles in specific aspects of Caraway’s game. The Beavers’ hitting and infield coaches have worked extensively with him on technical refinements.

“Caraway explained in a 2025 season preview interview, ‘The coaching staff here breaks down every aspect of your game and builds it back stronger.'”

The results speak for themselves. After batting .339 with five doubles and two home runs in limited action during 2024, Caraway’s refined approach has him projected as one of the top collegiate position players for the upcoming MLB draft.

Stat Category	2024 Season
Games Played	18
Batting Average	.339
Doubles	5
Home Runs	2
RBI	10
On-Base %	.431

Cape Cod League Experience

Caraway’s development accelerated significantly during his time in the prestigious Cape Cod Baseball League. Facing elite collegiate pitching daily, he gained valuable experience that translated back to his performance at Oregon State.

The Cape League’s wooden bat format forced Caraway to refine his swing mechanics and approach, preparing him for professional baseball’s challenges. His coaches there emphasized pitch recognition and situational hitting.

“Playing in the Cape was like getting a graduate degree in baseball,” Caraway remarked. “The coaching there complements what we get at Oregon State but offers different perspectives.”

MLB scouts consistently attend Cape games, giving Caraway valuable exposure. His performance there, combined with his collegiate production, has solidified his status as a high-round draft prospect for 2025 with some projections placing him in the first round.

Team Dynamics and Culture

Trent Caraway has quickly established himself as a cornerstone of Oregon State’s team culture. His presence in the clubhouse and on the field has helped shape the Beavers’ identity during the 2025 season.

Trent’s Impact on Oregon State Beavers

Caraway brings a professional mindset to Oregon State that elevates everyone around him. In the dugout, he’s often the first to congratulate teammates after big plays and the last to leave practice sessions. His work ethic has become contagious.

“‘What separates Trent is his ability to stay level,’ one teammate noted recently. ‘He doesn’t get too high or too low.'”

The numbers back up his impact. When Caraway is in the lineup, the Beavers’ offense produces at a noticeably higher clip.

Stat	With Caraway	Without Caraway
Team Avg.	.302	.271
Runs/Game	7.2	5.8
Win %	.722	.545

MLB scouts have taken notice. Caraway projects as a potential first-round pick in the 2026 MLB Draft if he continues on his current trajectory.

Relationship with Teammates

Caraway’s integration into the Beavers’ close-knit culture was seamless. Despite his standout talent, he maintains a team-first approach that resonates with veterans and newcomers alike.

The third baseman has developed particularly strong chemistry with the middle infielders. This connection has translated to several momentum-shifting double plays this season.

“In the batting cage, Caraway often stays late working with younger players,” a freshman teammate said. “This mentorship role wasn’t assigned – he simply stepped into it naturally.”

Coaches point to Caraway’s communication style as a key strength. He’s direct but supportive, offering constructive feedback while maintaining relationships. This approach has helped solidify his status as an emerging leader in the Oregon State clubhouse.

Notable Games and Performances

Trent Caraway has made his mark at Oregon State with several standout performances that showcase his potential as a future first-round MLB Draft pick. His ability to deliver in crucial moments has caught scouts’ attention despite limited playing time due to injury.

Remarkable College Games

Caraway burst onto the college scene with remarkable efficiency. He doubled in his first collegiate at-bat, making an immediate impact for the Beavers. The talented third baseman followed this up with an even more impressive showing, belting a homer and a double in each of his first two games at Oregon State.

Those early performances set the tone for what scouts believe could be a special college career. Despite appearing in just 18 games during the 2024 season due to injury, Caraway’s limited action provided enough glimpses of his potential to maintain his status as a projected early-round draft pick.

His compact swing and excellent bat control have translated well to the college level. When healthy, he’s been a consistent producer in the heart of the Beavers’ lineup.

Best Hitting Performances

Caraway’s abbreviated 2024 campaign still featured several multi-hit games that highlighted his advanced approach at the plate. The right-handed hitter demonstrated impressive power-hitting ability while maintaining excellent contact rates.

2024 Stats	AVG	OBP	SLG	XBH	RBI
Trent Caraway	.339	.431	.516	7	10

In just 18 games for the Beavers, Caraway accumulated seven extra-base hits and drove in 10 runs. His .516 slugging percentage demonstrated the pop in his bat that has MLB scouts projecting him as a potential first-round selection.

His summer performance in the Cape Cod League further solidified his draft stock, earning him an All-Star selection that showcased his talents against the nation’s elite college players. His combination of hit tool and developing power continues to intrigue MLB evaluators.

Media Coverage and Interviews

Trent Caraway has gained significant media attention as one of Oregon State’s standout infielders. His rise in the collegiate baseball ranks has made him a frequent guest on various platforms, where he discusses his development and the team’s prospects.

Interviews on ESPN+

Caraway’s media presence has been particularly notable on ESPN+, where he’s given several insightful interviews about his collegiate career. In a January 2025 segment, he broke down Oregon State’s offseason preparations and previewed the 2025 campaign with remarkable candor.

The sophomore infielder also sat down with reporters on January 22, 2025, for an extensive interview that covered his approach at the plate and defensive improvements.

His comfort in front of the camera has made these ESPN+ segments must-watch content for MLB scouts tracking his development. Caraway’s draft stock continues to rise with each thoughtful analysis he provides of his own game.

Features on Beaver Sports Network

The Beaver Sports Network has embraced Caraway as one of the program’s most marketable stars. A morning interview segment featuring Caraway and host Zak Taylor became one of their most-viewed pieces of content.

Beaver Sports Network regularly includes Caraway in their live stream coverage, highlighting his defensive versatility and plate discipline. His comfort with media obligations suggests a player ready for the increased scrutiny that will come with his eventual MLB draft selection.

Future Prospects and Professional Outlook

Trent Caraway has positioned himself as one of the more intriguing infield prospects in college baseball. His combination of physical tools and on-field performance at Oregon State has caught the attention of MLB scouts nationwide.

Potential Draft Opportunities

Caraway entered the college ranks as a Top 100 prospect out of high school but went undrafted in 2023 due to his strong commitment to Oregon State. That decision may pay dividends as he’s now projected to be selected much higher in the upcoming draft.

His sophomore campaign has significantly boosted his draft stock despite being limited by injury during his freshman season. Caraway’s impressive .339 batting average with five doubles and two home runs in limited action showcases his offensive potential.

Stat Category	Performance
Batting Average	.339
On-Base Percentage	.431
Doubles	5
Home Runs	2
RBI	10

Caraway is widely expected to be an early-round selection in the 2025 MLB Draft if he continues his current trajectory.

Expert Analysis on Pro Capabilities

Scouts have been particularly impressed with Caraway’s physical frame at 6-foot-2, 205 pounds.

His lower half strength translates to excellent power potential. Meanwhile, his developed chest and forearms support his quick bat speed.

Defensively, he’s shown the ability to handle third base with solid lateral movement and a strong throwing arm. His versatility as an infielder adds to his appeal for organizations looking for positional flexibility.

What separates Caraway from other prospects is his mature approach at the plate. His .431 on-base percentage demonstrates patience beyond his years, a trait MLB teams covet in developing hitters.

Many evaluators believe Caraway’s ceiling is that of an everyday MLB third baseman with 20+ home run potential and solid defensive contributions.