After years of speculation and setbacks, Clemson’s All-American outfielder finally heard his name called during the MLB draft on Sunday.
Cam Cannarella is heading to the Miami Marlins with the 43rd overall pick, closing out the first round of the 2025 MLB draft.
Cannarella became the highest-drafted Tiger since Max Wagner in 2022, who went 42nd overall to the Baltimore Orioles. He’s also the first Clemson player who Miami has selected since Kris Harvey in 2005.
Entering the night, Cannarella was ranked No. 27 by ESPN and No. 36 by MLB Pipeline.
Despite undergoing offseason surgery to repair a torn labrum, the 6-foot, 185-pound junior led Clemson in both batting average (.353) and slugging percentage (.530) during the 2025 season. While not fully at 100%, he still managed a productive year, though his power numbers dipped to a career-low five home runs and just six stolen bases.
“Cannarella possesses some of the best bat-to-ball skills in the Draft, making line-drive contact to all fields from the left side of the plate,” a scouting report on MLB.com said. “He has some bat speed but lacks physicality, so there’s some question if he’ll have more than modest pull power and max out at 12-15 homers per season. He’s a no-doubt center fielder who covers plenty of ground with his quickness and efficient routes.”
Cannarella’s defense helped set him apart from many prospects with multiple highlight reel, game-saving catches during his career. One of his most iconic moments was during last year’s super regionals against Florida, when he made a leaping, over-the-shoulder catch — reminiscent of Willie Mays — to preserve a 10th-inning tie. In the same game, Cannarella also launched a game-tying, three-run homer in the ninth.
This year’s NCAA Clemson Regional provided another stage for Cannarella to shine. He sparked a three-run inning against USC Upstate with a two-run double, and later tied the game against West Virginia with a clutch two-run homer.
He closed his Clemson career on a 22-game hitting streak and a 44-game on-base streak. Over 178 games, Cannarella posted a .360 career batting average with 23 home runs, 54 doubles, eight triples, 159 RBIs, a .551 slugging percentage and a .453 on-base percentage.
The Marlins’ farm system now ranks near the middle of the league, which is a significant improvement from just a few years ago. With the franchise in rebuilding mode, they’re focused on developing young talent to build a strong foundation for the future.
This makes the Marlins an ideal landing spot for Cannarella. Unlike a big-market team stacked with star power, Miami offers a clearer path to the big leagues and the opportunity for him to grow without a high-profile name blocking his way.
Doug Kingsmore Stadium will feel a little emptier without Cannarella, but flights to Miami are easy, and this star is worth the trip.
