As the 2025 college baseball season approaches, Black College Nines highlights rising HBCU baseball players. We identify which players made the most significant improvements from the summer and fall seasons, as well as those we believe are poised to excel during the upcoming season.
Bethune-Cookman has several players to monitor this spring.
Jorge Gonzalez-Febo had one of the best falls from a position player. Febo will see action at both infield corner positions and possibly in the outfield as well. As a sophomore, he has grown on and off the field and has stepped into a leadership role this fall. The ability to hit for power and average is something that Febo displayed this entire fall season. B-CU is looking for him to continue his progression as he should hit in the middle of the order this upcoming season.
Righthanded pitcher Carlos Jazmin made good strides this fall for Bethune-Cookman. His fastball was up to 94 MPH with a good slider. As a sophomore, he will be counted on to pitch in high-leverage situations and this experience will only assist in his development.
Senior righthanded pitcher Yoansell Diaz made arguably the biggest jump this fall from his mound presence, the ability to pound the zone and compete, but as well with his velocity in his fastball. Yoansell was up to 92 and compliments his fastball with a really good breaking ball along with a solid feel for a changup. Yoansell will be counted on to pitch in late innings for the Wildcats.
Michael Rodriguez is a lefthanded hitting sophomore who had a tremendous summer playing in the Appalachian League sponsored by USA Baseball and MLB. Michael was named to the Appy League All-Star team after hitting .312 and ranked in the top 15 in doubles (6th), hits (8th), extra base hits (9th), and batting average (13th).
Pablo Torres, the reigning 2024 SWAC Closer of the Year had another good summer. Once again Pablo was invited and was able to compete for USA Baseball on its collegiate summer tour team and pitched in the prestigious Cape Cod Summer Baseball League where projected top MLB draft prospects were invited this past summer. Bethune-Cookman is looking forward to Pablo having another solid year on the mound.
Jose Fernandez is a redshirt sophomore who played this summer in the South Florida Collegiate League (SFCBL) with the West Boca Snappers. The righthand hitting atcher from Monroe College in NY was named to the all-star team for the SFCBL and also won the All-Star Homerun Derby. Jose helped the Snappers win the SFCBL Championship as well hitting .351 with 7 home runs and 33 RBIs in the wood-bat summer league. Jose also had the opportunity to play for Team Italy this past fall as well.