Three Raiders Selected in MLB Draft, Four More Sign Pro Contracts

ATLANTA — The 2025 MLB Draft has officially wrapped, and once again, Northwest Florida State had a strong showing, with multiple current and former players hearing their names called—or signing contracts—as they take the next step in their baseball careers.

This year, three former Raiders were selected among the more than 600 players drafted. Leading the way were twin brothers Kyson and Malachi Witherspoon, who became the highest and third-highest draft picks in program history, respectively. Kyson was selected 15th overall in the first round by the Boston Red Sox, while Malachi followed in the second round at No. 62 overall, selected by the Detroit Tigers.

During their lone season in Niceville, Kyson made an immediate impact, going 6-2 with a 3.10 ERA and 72 strikeouts across 17 appearances, earning First Team All-Panhandle Conference honors. While Malachi's stats weren't as flashy (9.87 ERA in 13 appearances), his electric fastball, sharp breaking ball, and impressive 12.46 K/9 quickly caught the attention of professional scouts.

Following their time at NWF, the Witherspoon's transferred to the University of Oklahoma, where both continued to develop. Kyson emerged as a dominant starter, finishing with a 3.16 ERA and 210 strikeouts over two seasons. He was named a Consensus First Team All-American by D1Baseball, Perfect Game, and the NCBWA, and was a semifinalist for the Golden Spikes Award. Malachi also showed continued growth, recording a 5.23 ERA and 119 strikeouts while maintaining elite velocity and sharp movement on his pitches.

On Day Two of the draft, another former Raider joined the pro ranks. Joel Sarver, a right-handed pitcher, was selected in the 17th round (No. 513 overall) by the Arizona Diamondbacks. Sarver pitched for NWF from 2021 to 2022, recording a 4.19 ERA and 94 strikeouts over 23 appearances before transferring to UNC-Charlotte. While with the 49ers, he made 23 appearances across three seasons, notching a 2-1 record with 33 strikeouts.

In addition to the three draftees, three more Raiders inked free-agent contracts. Former players Kendrey Maduro and Scott Muddler, along with current players Qrey Lott and Thomas Conrad, all signed professional deals following the draft. Maduro signed with the Los Angeles Angels, Muddler with the Atlanta Braves, and Lott with the San Diego Padres.

Maduro, a two-year starter for the Raiders from 2023–2024, slashed .293/.567/.393 with 27 home runs and 92 RBIs. After transferring to UCF for his junior year, he posted a .259 average with a .336 OBP, adding a home run and 10 RBIs.

Muddler, who played catcher for the Raiders in 2022 and 2023, appeared in 76 games and hit .311 with 68 hits, 30 walks, and 52 RBIs. At Oklahoma, he continued to produce, batting .276 with a .371 OBP, 60 hits, six home runs, and 46 RBIs over 74 games.

Lott has spent the last two seasons at NWF, showing flashes as a freshman and breaking out in a big way in 2025. He batted .371 with a .482 on-base percentage and .555 slugging, adding 85 hits, 12 home runs, and 60 RBIs. Lott also led the nation in hit-by-pitches with 29, earning Panhandle Conference Player of the Year and First Team All-FCSAA honors.

Conrad, a freshman right-handed pitcher, delivered an outstanding debut season for the Raiders. Leading the Northwest Florida rotation, he posted a 7-4 record with a 2.73 ERA across 14 appearances, racking up 59 strikeouts along the way. His standout performance earned him First Team All-Panhandle Conference honors and a spot on the All-FCSAA Team.

The 2025 draft and signing period marks yet another banner moment for the Raiders program, reinforcing its status as a pipeline to the pros and a national powerhouse in the junior college baseball world.