When coach Mike Gambino arrived in Happy Valley, the former Boston College coach emphasized his desire to develop MLB players at Penn State. After zero players were drafted following his first year at the helm, three players are projected to get drafted in the 2025 MLB Draft.
Ryan Weingartner played his first two years at Saint Joseph’s, holding a batting average over .300 in both seasons while improving his slugging numbers from his freshman to sophomore season.
Weingartner joined the Nittany Lions for his junior season and despite his numbers taking a dip, he became more of a professional hitter. The Berlin, New Jersey, native’s walks took a huge jump to 44 while striking out 49 times, which is around the same amount as the years prior.
The junior shortstop broke the program record for stolen bases, stealing 30 in his first year in the blue and white. Weingartner will likely hear his name on July 14, the second day of the draft, which consists of rounds four through 20.
Infielder Ryan Weingartner (2) scores a run during the Penn State baseball Senior Day matchup against Xavier at Medlar Field at Lubrano Park on Saturday, May 17, 2025 in University Park, Pa. The Nittany Lions lost to the Musketeers 6-8.
Noah Aberegg
Metrics
Age:20
Height: 5-foot-11
Weight: 184 pounds
Bats: Right
Throws: Right
Position: Shortstop
Projected Draft Round: Fifth Round
Player Comparison: Trevor Story (BOS)
Scouting Report
Weingartner can do it all at shortstop.
The 5-foot-11 hitter didn’t necessarily have eye-popping numbers at the plate, but had a tendency to lay off pitches outside of the zone. In addition, the power remained strong, blasting double digit home runs in all three years of college, while reaching base consistently with a .398 on-base percentage across his career.
A consistent worry throughout every hitting prospect is their transition to a wooden bat. Weingartner showcased his pop with a wooden bat at the MLB Draft Combine with an average exit velocity of 98 miles per hour during the hitting portion of his showcase.
Infielder Ryan Weingartner (2) prepares to bat during the Penn State baseball game against Rider at Medlar Field at Lubrano Park on Wednesday, April 30, 2025 in University Park, Pa. The Nittany Lions defeated the Broncs 14-4.
Joey Tiger
Weingartner’s plus speed will boost his draft stock with a consistent threat to steal bases. His quickness adds intrigue to his ability to reach base, especially with steals taking a massive jump in major league offenses in recent years.
Despite being a consistent fielder with a .941 fielding percentage in his lone year at Penn State, there’s worry of him holding up at shortstop. Long-term, Weingartner could move to second base with the chance to be a flexible middle infielder for a major league squad.
Best Team Fit: Atlanta Braves
The Atlanta Braves will likely be the best fit for most shortstops in the MLB Draft.
With nine of the top 15 prospects, according to MLB.com, playing shortstop, the Braves’ No. 22 overall pick might be too late for any of the top talent at the position.
Additionally, the Braves have two shortstops in their top 30 prospects — Jose Perdomo and John Gil — but both are very young and have MLB ETA’s of 2029 and 2028, respectively.
The Braves’ long-term future at shortstop may be in their current system, but Weingartner could provide a bit more of an instant impact.
Their current shortstop, Nick Allen, has struggled to remain in the majors during his four year MLB career. An all-around shortstop, like Weingartner, could be an intriguing addition to the Braves who currently have an open window at one of the most important positions in baseball.
MORE BASEBALL COVERAGE
Penn State baseball landed another player from the transfer portal on Tuesday.
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