Ike Irish, a standout catching prospect from St. Mary’s Prep (Mich.), honored his commitment to Auburn, seeking the best environment to refine his game in 2022.
In two years, Irish has transformed into one of college baseball’s premier hitters, showcasing a blend of skill and potential that has scouts projecting him as a likely first-round pick in the 2025 MLB draft.
Irish is a 6-foot-2, 200-pound left-handed hitting catcher known for his advanced offensive tools. With simple mechanics and a quick, efficient swing, he consistently drives the ball into the gaps. His exceptional contact skills and low strikeout rate set him apart. Ahead of his junior season, Irish has focused on refining his swing, aiming to generate more lift and tap into additional power.
Defensively, Irish has made significant progress behind the plate during his time at Auburn. His best attribute defensively is his above-average arm strength. He has worked diligently to improve his receiving skills and remains focused on further growth in that area. Irish will be Auburn’s starting catcher this spring. He also has experience playing a corner outfield spot.
Learn about Irish’s development throughout college, expectations for the 2025 season and his overall experiences in college.
You also can listen to the interview with Ike Irish via Spotify here.
This interview is sponsored by Nan’s Naughty and Nice cocktail mix. Make sure to check out their award-winning Bloody Mary mix and newly released margarita mixes by visiting their website.
Dan Zielinski III has covered the MLB draft for 10 years. He has interviewed 580 of the top draft prospects in that period, including four No. 1 overall picks. Multiple publications, including Baseball America, USA Today, MLB.com, The Arizona Republic and The Dallas Morning News, have quoted his work, while he has appeared on radio stations as a “MLB draft expert.” Follow him on Twitter @DanZielinski3.
