Diamondbacks Draft Louisville RHP Patrick Forbes No. 29

Pitcher Patrick Forbes of the University of Louisville was selected as the 29th overall pick in the first round of the 2025 MLB Draft by the Arizona Diamondbacks. Forbes, a right-hander known for a fastball that can reach the upper 90s and a well-regarded slider, transitioned from a two-way player to a full-time pitcher in his college career, finishing his latest season with a 4.42 ERA and 117 strikeouts over 71.1 innings. Despite a flexor strain that caused him to miss some starts, Forbes showed strong performance down the stretch and was one of the top strikeout leaders nationally in college baseball. His draft selection marks him as the highest Louisville player drafted since 2021 and the 106th Louisville player drafted since 2007. The Diamondbacks acquired the pick as compensation after losing Christian Walker to free agency, and Forbes' high ceiling makes him a significant addition to their prospects. Additionally, Forbes had been linked to the Los Angeles Dodgers in mock drafts, but ultimately was chosen by Arizona.