The Shark Tank of College Baseball Recruiting

I recently got a call from a high school player.

He had one offer — from a mid-major Division I program.

A good school, in a good conference.

I asked him how I could help.

He told me he wanted to go to a Power 4 school.

He said he’d be fine not playing much his first few years if it meant being at that level — with the hope of earning a starting spot by his junior year.

There were some things he was missing.

I never judge players for their goals. Everyone has their own vision for what they want out of the game.

But I asked him a question I ask every player:

"What’s your end goal with baseball?"

He said, “To play in the MLB.”

So I asked,

“Has anyone from the conference that offered you made it to the MLB?”

He said, “Yes.”

Got it.

The Reality Check

I told him:

“Look, here’s the thing.

Let’s say you do get an offer from a Power 4 school.

If you’re not contributing your first two years, you’re not suddenly going to start as a junior.

It doesn’t work that way.

Think of it like Shark Tank.

You’ve got an offer from one of the sharks.

You don’t have to take it — you can shop around and see if another shark gives you a better deal.

"But the risk is, the one who already made you an offer might pull it.”

The Harsh Truth

Here’s what most players don’t realize:

Coaches have the power right now.

With 34-man rosters, they’re going to be extremely selective about the high school players they take.

That’s why most schools are being patient with the 2027 class.

As one Division I recruiting coordinator told me:

“We can’t afford to miss on any high school players.”

What That Means for You

The college baseball landscape has never been harder to navigate — and never been more complicated.

If you take one thing away from this, make it this:

✅ Go where you trust the coaches.

✅ Go where you feel wanted the most.

The name on the jersey doesn’t get you to pro ball — development, opportunity, and fit do.

Final Thought

If you’re unsure what your best path looks like — whether that’s a D1, D2, D3, JUCO, or NAIA — that’s what I help players figure out every day.

My job isn’t just to help you get seen.

It’s to help you make the right decision once you are.