2025 MLB Draft Profile: Ike Irish

2025 MLB Draft Profile: Ike Irish

Hit: 60 | Power: 55 | Run: 40 | Arm: 55 | Field: 45 | Overall: 55

Next up on our list is potentially our first catcher from Auburn Ike Irish. Irish has been a late riser as we get closer to the draft, and it’s easy to see why. With the offensive production he’s shown and potential to be a catcher, many teams are likely hoping to add Ike Irish to their farm system. Let’s see if this rise is justified.

The thing that immediately jumps out to you and me is the 60 hit grade, giving that a big boost was his play this last spring, where he slashed  .364/.469/.710 and hit 13 homers in 28 games.

With a solid 6’2 frame, you can see how effortlessly smooth that swing is. Irish has also shown an ability to hit the ball hard to all parts of the field and not get pull-happy. I worry that sometimes the swing looks a little long and he doesn’t get his hands through quick enough, which could be an issue with increased velocities.

Also worrying was the lack of power he showed with wood bats in the Cape Cod League, hitting just two home runs in 62 games. Irish also had a tendency to hit ground balls quite a lot during this stretch. This could become an issue at higher levels if not addressed.

Ike Irish, though, is far from the only prospect to suffer that fate, so I’m willing to give him time on that. He’s shown 20-25 home run power before, and overall, hits the ball hard very often. So even if all that power doesn’t transfer with wood bats, you have a solid hitter with Ike Irish.

The big deal with Ike Irish is the fact that he could be a catcher. I’ve been cautious not to say he’s just a catcher for good reason. Because ever since fracturing his right scapula in March, Irish has been primarily playing right field. With many scouts believing that playing in right could further maximize his hitting potential.

He moves well enough and has the arm to hold it down in right field with maybe a little extra work. However, teams will always be looking for the next catching prospect who can also hit at an elite level.

Some teams are going to look at this kid and believe he’s the next Joe Mauer. Not going to say I believe that or even that we should say it. However, I do see some parallels, especially if Irish decides to stick behind the dish.

Ike Irish does have the potential to be just that. The glove will likely never be elite, even behind the dish. With a long release working against a relatively strong arm. But if Irish can be the hitter I think he can be, that won’t matter in the slightest.

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Whoever drafts Irish will attempt to have him play catcher. But when it’s all said and done, I do believe Ike Irish will be a corner outfielder. Seems like he grades out better there, and he likely won’t want to endure the grind MLB catchers have to deal with.

Even if that is the case, you are potentially getting an elite hitter with Ike Irish. Which will be enough for a team to take a chance on him somewhat early in the first round.

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