The Golden Spikes Award are always one of the highlights of the college baseball season. While the winner is still a few months away, the anticipation among fans grows as the names of the major candidates are revealed.
The New Candidates for the Golden Spikes
USA Baseball unveiled its midseason watch list for the Golden Spikes Award, and it couldn’t have created more of a buzz. It just so happens that the list has changed quite a bit from the one released before the season began, suffice it to say that the top 10 has six new members.
The familiar Jamie Arnold and Aiva Arquette, possible No. 1 picks in the 2025 MLB Draft, remain in this privileged group, as do fellow prospects Weiwa Aloy (Kansas, Jr.) and Tyler Bremner (UC Santa Barbara, Jr.).
Here’s a look at the newest members of the top 10:
Kade Anderson
A 20-year-old left-handed pitcher, Kade Anderson is in his second season at LSU. In 10 games as a starter, he has six wins and just one loss, averaging 5.7 innings per outing. He has struck out 91 batters and walked just 13 in 57.1 innings. His ERA is 3.92.
Max Bayles
Max Byles is also a pitcher and 20 years old, but in his case he throws right. He is in his second season with the Santa Clara Broncos, with whom he has played 10 games in 2025, seven as a starter.
He has struck out 72 batters in 44.2 innings, and has walked 18. He has allowed 37 hits, including four home runs, and his ERA is 3.83 with two wins and four losses.
Trey Beard
Another talented left-handed pitcher, Trey Beard is in his second season with the Florida Atlantic Owls. His season has been spectacular, with six wins without a loss in 10 appearances, all as a starter.
In 58.1 innings, he has struck out 92 batters and allowed just 18 earned runs for a 2.78 ERA.
Drew Burress
Drew Burress plays outfield for Georgia Tech, with whom he has two seasons. In 2025 he has played 37 games and has been fundamental for his team, with 53 hits, 32 of them extra bases (12 home runs). He has driven in 46 runs, has struck out only 25 times, has received 33 walks and his BA is .361.
Alex Calarco
Alex Calarco is the star catcher for the University of Maryland. A 22-year-old senior, Calarco is in his second season with the Terrapins, but 2025 has been his breakout year in college baseball.
He has hit 13 home runs in 38 games, more than in his previous three seasons combined. He has driven in 49 teammates and his BA is .284. He has received 29 walks and has struck out 36 times.
KEEP READING: Who’s Winning the Race for the No. 1 Seed in College Baseball?
Cam Cannarella
A 21-year-old outfielder, Cam Cannarella is in his third season with Clemson. In 38 games, he has 42 hits and a BA of .313. He has scored 42 runs and driven in 25. He has more walks (38) than strikeouts (28).
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