15 Lubbock Area Baseball Players to Watch in 2025

Ryder Starkey, Jr, Shortstop, New Home

Starkey was a powerhouse at the plate in 2024, delivering a stellar .441 batting average with a .479 on-base percentage and an eye-popping .835 slugging percentage. He racked up 56 hits, including 19 doubles, 8 triples, and 5 home runs, while driving in 45 runs and scoring 52 times. His ability to hit for both power and average made him one of the most dangerous bats in the lineup.

Gerrit Boschma, Jr, First Baseman, Shallowater

Boschma posted a .526 batting average with a .599 on-base percentage and an .845 slugging percentage, proving his ability to hit for both average and power. Boschma racked up 61 hits, including 16 doubles, 6 triples, and 3 home runs, while driving in 44 runs and crossing the plate 42 times.

Jake Qualia, Sr, Pitcher/Third baseman, Lubbock-Cooper

A dominant presence on the mound, Qualia was named the District 4-5A co-Pitcher of the Year after a stellar 2024 campaign. He posted an impressive 8-2 record with a microscopic 0.77 ERA, racking up 82 strikeouts over 73 innings while issuing just seven walks—showcasing his elite control. Qualia also contributed at the plate, hitting .292 with a .383 on-base percentage and a .425 slugging percentage. He totaled 11 doubles, a triple, and a home run, driving in 29 runs and scoring 15 times.

Ryder Watkins, Sr, First Baseman, New Home

A key offensive weapon, Watkins delivered a standout 2024 season, proving to be a consistent threat at the plate. He hit an impressive .435 with a .525 on-base percentage and a .609 slugging percentage, showcasing his ability to get on base and drive the ball with authority. Watkins racked up 50 hits, including 11 doubles, three triples, and a home run, while driving in 42 runs and scoring 36 times. 

Gavin McPherson, JR, Second Baseman, Lubbock-Cooper Liberty

McPherson’s elite speed and ability to get on base made him a game-changer throughout the 2024 season. He posted a .479 batting average with a .602 on-base percentage, constantly putting pressure on opposing defenses. His speed was on full display with 34 stolen bases, 4 doubles and 7 triples. McPherson also drove in 17 runs and crossed the plate 42 times.

Seth Mayberry, Jr, Outfielder, Plainview

A disciplined and productive hitter, Mayberry put together an impressive 2024 season, batting .405 with a .516 on-base percentage and a .622 slugging percentage. His ability to make consistent contact was evident, striking out just 10 times in 74 at-bats while racking up 10 doubles and 3 triples. Mayberry also contributed 20 RBI, 28 runs, and 12 stolen bases, proving to be a well-rounded offensive threat.

Graham Stanford, Sr, Utility, New Home

Stanford showcased his versatility in 2024, contributing both as a catcher and outfielder while also taking the mound. He hit an impressive .408 with a .605 on-base percentage and a .539 slugging percentage, tallying 6 doubles, 2 triples, 12 RBI, 32 runs, and 29 walks. On the mound, Stanford threw 19⅔ innings, going 2-0 with a 2.49 ERA and striking out 33 batters.

Mason Marmolejo, Sr, Shortstop/Pitcher, Ropes

A dynamic two-way talent, Marmolejo was a force in 2024, earning district Offensive MVP honors and an all-state selection. At the plate, he hit an impressive .462 with a .545 on-base percentage and a .654 slugging percentage, collecting 10 doubles, 2 triples, and 2 home runs while driving in 23 runs. His speed was a game-changer, swiping 45 bases and constantly pressuring defenses. Marmolejo also made an impact on the mound, posting a 2.66 ERA with 50 strikeouts over 21 innings.

Cade Lyon, Sr, Catcher/Pitcher, Morton

Lyon’s 2024 season was marked by consistency and clutch performances, both at the plate and on the mound. He hit an impressive .517, collecting 2 home runs and 25 RBI while recording a hit in 20 of 24 games. Lyon was equally reliable on the mound, finishing with a 7-4 record and a solid 0.488 ERA. His defensive prowess was also on display, boasting a .972 fielding percentage.

Holden Phillips, Sr, Second Baseman, Frenship

Phillips showcased strong all-around skills in the 2024 season, earning first-team all-district honors for his offensive contributions. He hit .304 with a .371 on-base percentage, collecting 31 hits, including 6 doubles, 2 triples, and 2 home runs. Phillips was a key run producer, driving in 22 RBI and crossing the plate 26 times. His plate discipline stood out, striking out just twice in 2024, highlighting his ability to make consistent contact.

Cassler Wicks, Pitcher, Lubbock Cooper Liberty

Wicks had a solid 2024 season on the mound, earning first-team all-district honors for his consistent performance. He pitched 59 innings, striking out 45 batters and posting a 4.247 ERA. Wicks allowed 36 earned runs and finished with a 1.618 WHIP and a 0.61 ERA. 

Brayden Gurney, Sr, Shortstop/Pitcher, Shallowater

Gurney had a standout 2024 season, excelling both as a hitter and on the mound. At the plate, he batted .354 with a .473 on-base percentage and a .434 slugging percentage, collecting 35 hits, including six doubles and a triple. He drove in 27 RBI and crossed the plate 30 times. On the mound, Gurney was dominant, finishing with a 10-2 record and a 1.34 ERA. He struck out 87 batters while walking just 25 in 73 innings, and opponents managed only a .183 batting average against him.

Daniel Gonzales, Sr, Outfielder, Denver City

Gonzales had an outstanding 2024 season, earning first-team all-district honors for his consistent performance at the plate. He posted an impressive .391 batting average with a .417 on-base percentage, proving to be a reliable and steady contributor in the lineup.

Chip Green, Sr, Third Baseman, Littlefield

Green delivered a strong 2024 season, hitting .412 with a .488 on-base percentage, showcasing his ability to consistently reach base and generate offense. He collected nine doubles and drove in 21 RBI, while also contributing 10 stolen bases, highlighting his speed and versatility.

Bode Franklin, Sr, Pitcher/Outfielder, Ropes

Franklin was a standout performer on the mound and at the plate during the 2024 season. On the mound, he posted an 8-4 record with a dominant 1.62 ERA, striking out 101 batters over 60⅓ innings, showcasing his ability to overpower hitters. At the plate, he batted .464 with a .516 on-base percentage and a .500 slugging percentage, contributing one double, 16 RBI, and 4 stolen bases.