Arizona State teammates Kyle Walker and Isaiah Jackson are embracing the chance to impress scouts and fulfill lifelong dreams at the 2025 MLB Draft Combine in Phoenix.
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Walker, an infielder, transferred from Grambling State and impressed with his hitting and versatility.Jackson, an outfielder, improved his draft stock with a strong season, including 18 home runs.
Beneath the bright lights of Chase Field, two Arizona State Sun Devils — Kyle Walker and Isaiah Jackson — are making their mark at the 2025 MLB Draft Combine, showcasing the talent that earned them a spot among 322 of the nation’s top draft-eligible players.
For both, the combine is more than a showcase — it’s a chance to continue their lifelong pursuit of baseball excellence.
Now in its third year at Chase Field in downtown Phoenix, the MLB Draft Combine is being held June 17-21 and brings together 180 collegiate players and 142 high school prospects. The event is being held while the Diamondbacks are on a three-city road trip.
The event features pro-style workouts, medical and performance assessments, interviews with scouts and executives, and instruction from former MLB stars. Players take part in everything from strength testing to batting practice in front of decision-makers from every major league organization.
Walker, a 5-foot-9, 185-pound infielder, transferred to Arizona State from Grambling State and immediately became a catalyst in the Sun Devils’ lineup. He batted .353 with a .458 on-base percentage in 2025, posting 30 RBIs and 22 stolen bases while striking out just seven times all season.
His 19-game hitting streak turned around a slow start and helped power ASU’s offense during conference play.
“I take pride in just my work ethic and what I do when I come to the field — what I bring to the table, my energy, my leadership,” Walker said. “Guys feed off that, and it’s just a fun experience. I think I allow a lot of guys to have fun, and I have so much fun on the field, so it’s awesome.”
Defensively, Walker’s versatility has become a calling card. At Grambling, he recorded 114 assists and helped turn 26 double plays in 2024. At ASU, he continued to refine his game.
“Oh, it’s super important,” Walker said about his ability to play multiple positions. “You look at guys in the big leagues now who are just being able to move positions like guys like Tommy Edman. I think it’s super beneficial to be a guy you can stick here, stick there, and just, you know, be a team guy.”
For Jackson, a 6-foot-3, 220-pound outfielder from Vail southeast of Tucson, the combine is the latest milestone in a career that’s seen steady growth. Drafted by the Houston Astros in the 18th round out of high school, Jackson chose ASU to hone his skills and boost his draft stock.
It paid off: after a solid freshman campaign, Jackson exploded in 2025 with a career-high 18 home runs, 14 stolen bases, and a reputation for making highlight-reel plays in center field.
“I think defensively it kind of started to take my freshman year,” Jackson said. “So I think it’s catching every ball, making things look easy — something that kind of came out to me. I just take pride in making sure I make the hard plays look easy as well.”
Beyond the stats, Jackson has become known for his maturity at the plate and ability to lead by example.
“I think usually I just kind of lead by example as a leader,” he said. “When we have team get-togethers or being around each other, I just like having good energy around everybody. It brings everybody together. When you get along, you play better.”
Both players are using the combine to show not just their tools but their growth and adaptability.
“I think it’s just keep doing you and having fun,” Jackson said of the feedback he’s received from scouts. “They were all happy to see how my season ended. Numbers started to show a little bit more — more hits, more power. I think for me, it was just more playing my own.”
Walker, too, is embracing the opportunity to stay true to his identity while showing he can fit what teams are seeking.
“The biggest thing is just, man, I think they love hard workers,” Walker said. “If you continue to work hard and stay in your own lane and not cause problems, I think you won’t have any issues adapting, working with what scouts want to see as well as your own goals.”
For both, the location of the combine adds a layer of meaning.
“It’s kind of this cool circle moment,” Jackson said. “I grew up watching games at this park, watching Chris Young, J.J. Putz, all those guys come through here. I just think it’s really cool that I got to, in my college times, be in this combine, so I’m really excited to get going in pro ball.”
Walker agreed.
“It’s always been a dream of mine,” he said. “Truly, truly blessed to be here in this situation, in this moment right now in the combine. But it’s always been a goal of mine, and this is just another thing in the way of that — getting to that goal.”