With the 183rd pick (sixth round) in the 2025 MLB Draft, the Arizona Diamondbacks selected right-handed pitcher Sawyer Hawks. Hawks was ranked as the No. 225 prospect by MLB.com and is the fifth Commodore taken off the board this week. 

Originally from Lakeland, Florida, Hawks began his career as a pitcher at the Air Force Academy. After seeing limited action in his freshman season, Hawks came into his own as a sophomore. He led the Falcons’ pitching staff with a 2.84 ERA in 22 appearances, adding eight saves and 70 strikeouts across 50.2 innings. This stellar season landed him on the All-Mountain West Second Team.  

Hawks then decided to enter the transfer portal, eventually choosing the Vanderbilt Commodores to continue his athletic and academic career. His first season was bumpy as he only made five appearances and missed most of the season with an elbow injury.  

He catapulted himself into the draft conversation in his senior season and solidified himself as one of the best bullpen arms in the nation. Retooling his pitch arsenal to include his typical 92-94mph fastball alongside a low-80s slider, a mid-80s changeup and a sneaky mid-70s curveball, Hawks became dominant. 

In 2025, the righty held a 1.60 ERA across 18 appearances, striking out 59 batters across 45 innings of work. He also notched eight saves, none bigger than his two-inning save against Ole Miss to secure Vanderbilt’s fifth SEC tournament title. He earned multiple All-American honors and an All-SEC Second Team selection following the regular season. 

The 6’4” right-hander has proven to be an efficient bullpen arm. However, with his improved control and expanded arsenal, Hawks may get the opportunity to play meaningful games as a starter at the next level.  

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