Tennessee pitcher Liam Doyle is projected to be selected by the Los Angeles Angels in the 2025 MLB Draft.

As the 2025 MLB Draft approaches, Tennessee Volunteers’ standout left-handed pitcher Liam Doyle has caught the attention of baseball scouts and analysts nationwide. Widely regarded as one of college baseball’s premier arms this season, Doyle is projected to be an early first-round pick, with many experts pointing to the Los Angeles Angels as his likely landing spot. This article dives deep into Doyle’s background, on-field performance, pitching arsenal, and why he fits perfectly with the Angels’ organizational needs and draft strategy.

Early Career and Journey to Tennessee

Liam Doyle’s story is one of steady growth and resilience. Born in 2004 and raised in Derry, New Hampshire, Doyle first made headlines during his high school career at Pinkerton Academy, where he dominated at the prep level with a blazing fastball and sharp secondary pitches. After high school, he committed to Coastal Carolina University, where he made an immediate impact during his freshman year in 2023, showing glimpses of his future potential with an impressive strikeout rate.

However, Doyle’s college journey hasn’t been a straight line. After his freshman year, he transferred to Ole Miss for the 2024 season. Though he showed flashes of brilliance, inconsistency and a higher ERA suggested that he was still in the process of refining his craft. In a strategic move to maximize his development and exposure, Doyle transferred again — this time to the University of Tennessee, a program with a strong baseball pedigree and a supportive environment for pitchers.

This move proved pivotal. Since joining the Volunteers, Doyle has elevated his game to an entirely new level. Tennessee’s coaching staff helped him hone his mechanics, develop his secondary pitches, and build endurance. As a result, Doyle quickly became the Friday night ace for the Vols, leading their pitching staff in strikeouts and innings pitched.

On-Field Performance and Statistics

Doyle’s 2025 campaign at Tennessee has been nothing short of spectacular. With an ERA consistently hovering between 2.39 and 2.84 and a strikeout-to-walk ratio that ranks among the nation’s best, he’s established himself as one of the top pitchers in college baseball.

One of the most impressive metrics that stands out is his strikeout rate. Doyle averages nearly 18 strikeouts per nine innings pitched, a figure that places him at or near the top nationally. Through approximately 95 innings this season, he has accumulated over 160 strikeouts, showcasing his ability to overpower hitters with both velocity and movement.

His WHIP (walks plus hits per inning pitched) sits comfortably below 1.00, indicating that Doyle limits baserunners effectively. This control and dominance translate into a high strikeout-to-walk percentage — a critical metric for projecting success at the professional level.

Doyle’s peak performance came during a combined no-hitter for Tennessee in the Super Regional, where he pitched 5⅔ innings with 13 strikeouts before handing the ball off to his bullpen. His composure in high-pressure situations, such as elimination games and postseason appearances, highlights his mental toughness — a quality MLB teams prize highly in their draft selections.

Pitching Arsenal: A Look at Doyle’s Tools

Liam Doyle’s success stems largely from his impressive pitching arsenal, which features a fastball, splitter, and slider that keep hitters off balance.

• Fastball: Doyle’s fastball sits consistently in the mid to upper 90s, touching 99-100 mph on occasion. His fastball features elite spin rates and impressive vertical and horizontal movement, allowing him to generate a high swing-and-miss rate on this pitch alone. The pitch is his go-to weapon and often sets up his secondary offerings.
• Splitter: Perhaps his most devastating secondary pitch, Doyle’s splitter moves sharply downward and away from hitters, generating swings and misses at a rate that rivals his fastball. Clocked in the mid-80s, the splitter provides a change of speed and trajectory that confounds hitters who time his fastball.
• Slider: While the slider isn’t as dominant as his fastball or splitter, Doyle uses it effectively to jam hitters or get weak contact. Its sharp break and occasional late movement add another layer to his pitching mix.

Scouts praise Doyle’s ability to maintain velocity deep into games and his willingness to attack hitters early in counts. His mechanics, though somewhat effortful, have been refined enough to suggest durability and effectiveness at the professional level.

Why the Los Angeles Angels?

Many draft analysts have projected Liam Doyle as a top-10 pick for months. As the draft approaches, the consensus among insiders is that the Los Angeles Angels are in prime position to select him.

The Angels hold the second overall pick in the 2025 MLB Draft, and their organizational philosophy fits perfectly with Doyle’s profile. Over recent drafts, the Angels have favored college pitchers who can rapidly progress through the minor leagues and provide frontline starting pitching for the big league club within two to three years.

Doyle’s college experience and polished skill set make him an ideal candidate for this approach. Additionally, the Angels’ pitching staff is in a phase where they could use a high-upside left-handed starter to complement their current rotation. His ability to miss bats, especially with his fastball and splitter, aligns with the team’s emphasis on power pitching.

Moreover, the Angels have a history of drafting and developing successful pitchers from the SEC, which boosts confidence in Doyle’s ability to transition smoothly into pro ball. His maturity, competitive edge, and proven track record in high-pressure collegiate environments are all factors that make the Angels’ selection a logical fit.

Potential Challenges and Risks

Like any pitching prospect, Liam Doyle isn’t without risks. Some scouts have noted that his mechanics rely on a higher-effort delivery, which could raise concerns about long-term durability. Additionally, his early college years showed some inconsistency, indicating that his success is still contingent on continued mechanical refinement and health.

Another factor to consider is the transition from college to pro ball. While Doyle’s strikeout numbers are elite, the adjustment to facing professional hitters — who have better plate discipline and power — will be a key hurdle. How quickly Doyle can adapt his pitch sequencing and command will influence his future success.

However, his recent track record of improvements, combined with Tennessee’s coaching and strength and conditioning program, suggest that Doyle is on the right path to managing these risks effectively.

What Lies Ahead

If selected by the Angels, Liam Doyle will likely start his professional career in High-A or Double-A, where his combination of velocity and command could help him rise quickly through the system. Given the Angels’ developmental track record, Doyle has a strong chance to reach the majors within two to three years.

Once in the big leagues, Doyle’s ceiling is that of a frontline starter — potentially an ace — thanks to his electric fastball and devastating splitter. The Angels would benefit from adding a reliable left-handed starter to pair with their star pitchers, helping the team compete in a tough American League West division.

For Tennessee fans, Doyle’s draft selection would also be a point of pride, showcasing the program’s ability to develop professional-level talent. His success serves as an inspiration to young players in the Volunteers’ program and cements Tennessee’s reputation as a rising force in college baseball.

Liam Doyle’s journey from New Hampshire high school standout to college star at Tennessee has been marked by perseverance, development, and a steady climb to the top of MLB draft boards. His powerful fastball, devastating splitter, and strong strikeout numbers have earned him rightful recognition as a top pitching prospect for the 2025 MLB Draft.

With the Los Angeles Angels poised to make a splash early in the draft, Liam Doyle is widely viewed as their ideal pick — a talented, polished left-handed arm capable of contributing to the franchise’s future success.

As the draft draws near, all eyes will be on Doyle, whose poised demeanor and electric stuff promise a bright professional career ahead. For Doyle, the opportunity to join the Angels could be the next chapter in a journey that began on the baseball fields of New Hampshire and now aims for the pinnacle of Major League Baseball.