Mason Neville has made it clear — he’s not just another bat in Oregon’s lineup this season, he is a force to be reckoned with.
On a crisp February afternoon at PK Park, the junior outfielder set the tone for what has been a standout campaign, launching two home runs, driving in four runs and scoring four times in a 12-3 routing of Rhode Island. It wasn’t just an early-season power surge, but rather a glimpse into the kind of player Neville has become.
Now, deep into the 2025 season, he has been one of Oregon’s most reliable offensive weapons. The 6-foot-3, 210-pound slugger has posted a .329 batting average through 20 games, collecting 10 home runs, 23 RBIs and seven doubles. His ability to get on base — bolstered by 15 walks — combined with his speed (five stolen bases) has made him a consistent threat.
“I am really just continuing with my process, if that makes sense, just continuing to get better in all aspects of my game and mature at the plate,” Neville said about his success this season. “Just really honing in on the mental side of baseball and continuing to develop that, and obviously getting bigger, faster and stronger in the off-season.”
His improved approach at the plate has fueled his rise in production. After transferring from Arkansas following a quiet freshman season, Neville found his footing in Eugene, Oregon, earning honorable mention All-Pac-12 honors in 2024 with a .268 average and 16 home runs. This year, he has taken another leap, which he credits in whole to the Oregon coaching staff.
“There are very few coaches in the country that care about their guys the way that the coaching staff here does, and I noticed right away and saw it as a fit. I knew I was in good hands when I transferred over here, and any success I’ve had here so far is just a product of that — having your coaches believe in you and trust in you,” Neville said. “It’s easy to go put work in when you feel good and you want to, but on those days with bad weather or you’re not feeling the best, just having coaches like that really helps.”
His offensive surge hasn’t just caught the attention of opposing pitchers either — it’s put him firmly on the radar of MLB scouts. Initially, the Cincinnati Reds drafted in the 18th round in 2022, Neville is now a potential early-round selection in the upcoming draft. His blend of power, athleticism and defensive versatility makes him one of the more intriguing center field prospects in college baseball.
His ability to deliver in high-pressure moments also shows particular notice. In a recent series against USC, Neville homered twice and hit .333 over the weekend. Against Utah Tech, he posted a three-hit performance, continuing his trend of stepping up when the Ducks need him most.
“I’ve always wanted to be in those moments. I think that’s what sports is all about. So being in those high-pressure situations, or game on the line situations, is what, in my opinion, I live for,” Neville said. “If you go out there and kind of just break it down and minimize it and don’t make the moment too big, I think it gives you the best chance for success.”
But while the draft buzz grows, Neville remains focused on the present. Oregon has positioned itself as a contender in the Big Ten race, and Neville’s production will be crucial in determining just how far the Ducks can go this season.
“It’s tough. Sometimes, the pressure can get to you, and baseball is a game of failure. I think the best way to go about it is to just focus on your team and your team’s success. I feel like that takes all the outside noise away from it. When you go to the field every day, or you play games and just really focus on winning that game, you don’t really focus too much or care about your individual stats a whole lot,” Neville said.
With conference play in full swing, Neville’s role will only continue to grow. Whether it’s delivering a clutch hit, flashing his glove in the outfield or swiping a key base, he’s proving himself as one of Oregon’s most dynamic players.
“This program hasn’t been there since 1954 — that was the last time they went to Omaha, and we’ve been right on the cusp of going there the past couple of years, even before I transferred here. So that’s definitely the goal: make that the standard. That is our standard, and I think we have the team to do it.” Neville said.
