Riley Quick Makes Crimson Tide History in 2025 MLB Draft
It was a monumental night in Tuscaloosa and across the Alabama baseball community, as right-handed pitcher Riley Quick became the first Crimson Tide player in over a decade to be selected in the first round of the Major League Baseball Draft. The Minnesota Twins, recognizing both talent and potential, used the 28th overall pick of the first round to make Quick a part of their future. The announcement sparked immediate celebration across the Alabama campus, among teammates, coaches, fans, and family who had followed Quick’s journey from a local standout to one of college baseball’s most reliable aces.
For Riley Quick, the selection was a dream realized — a moment that capped off years of effort, setbacks, and determination. “This is everything I’ve worked for,” he said following the announcement. “Wearing the Alabama jersey taught me discipline, toughness, and how to compete at the highest level. Now, I’m ready to carry those lessons with me to the big leagues.”
**A Journey Rooted in Alabama Grit**
Quick’s path to the major leagues was forged in the crucible of SEC baseball, where the lights shine bright, the hitters swing harder, and every game feels like a playoff battle. Originally from Birmingham, Alabama, Quick was a highly regarded two-sport athlete in high school, also excelling as a football player. But it was on the pitcher’s mound where his natural ability truly stood out. With a fastball that climbed into the upper 90s and a presence that commanded respect, he quickly gained national attention.
When he committed to Alabama, expectations were high. Over the course of his college career, he not only met those expectations — he exceeded them. By the time his junior season rolled around, Quick had matured into one of the best pitchers in the SEC. In 2025, he posted a 2.88 ERA over 92.1 innings pitched, struck out 102 batters, and limited opponents to a .206 batting average — all while facing some of the toughest lineups in the country. His combination of velocity, control, and pitch variety made him a nightmare for opposing hitters.
But beyond the stats, it was Quick’s leadership and poise that truly set him apart. He became Alabama’s Friday night starter — a role reserved for the most dependable arm on the roster — and embraced the pressure that came with it. Head coach Brad Bohannon described him as “a competitor in every sense of the word. Riley didn’t just pitch — he competed. Every outing. Every pitch. And he made our entire program better by example.”
**Draft Night Glory**
Draft night brought the national spotlight, and Quick was ready. Surrounded by family and friends in his hometown, he watched as team after team passed on names. Then, finally, the Twins made their move. With the 28th overall pick, they selected Riley Quick, making him Alabama’s first first-rounder since 2013. The room erupted. Quick embraced his parents, tears in his eyes, as he tried to absorb the moment. “It’s surreal,” he said in his post-draft interview. “You work your whole life for something like this, and then it finally happens. I’m just so thankful.”
The Minnesota Twins were drawn to Quick’s polish and upside. Their front office praised his delivery, mound presence, and SEC pedigree. “He’s pitched in pressure-packed environments his entire college career,” one Twins scout said. “You can’t teach that. He’s got frontline starter potential.”
**What Riley Brings to the Twins**
At 6-foot-4 and 215 pounds, Quick has the frame to handle a full MLB workload. His pitching arsenal includes a lively four-seam fastball that can hit 96–97 mph, a sinking two-seamer, a tight slider that serves as his out pitch, and an evolving changeup that keeps hitters guessing. His command of all four pitches makes him a high-floor prospect with a potentially high ceiling.
Beyond the raw tools, Quick is praised for his mental toughness. Whether it was bouncing back after a rough outing or pitching deep into extra innings, he showcased the kind of resilience that scouts crave. “He’s calm, he’s confident, and he wants the ball when it matters most,” said his college pitching coach Jason Jackson. “That’s not something you teach — that’s who he is.”
**Alabama Baseball Reaps the Benefits**
Quick’s success doesn’t just boost his career — it elevates the entire Alabama baseball program. His first-round selection is a testament to the Crimson Tide’s development system and its ability to prepare players for the professional ranks. Younger players now have a model to follow, and future recruits have tangible proof that Alabama can serve as a launching pad to the MLB.
Coach Bohannon acknowledged the moment’s significance: “This is huge, not just for Riley, but for our entire program. When young athletes see someone like Riley succeed, it raises the standard. It shows that if you work hard and trust the process, big things can happen.”
**What’s Next for Quick?**
Following the draft, Quick is expected to report to the Twins’ rookie development program. There, he will begin adjusting to the rhythms of professional baseball — more travel, deeper scouting reports, and a higher level of competition. If all goes as planned, Quick could debut with the Twins’ Double-A affiliate later this summer.
While the Twins will likely be cautious with his innings early on, there’s already speculation among analysts that Quick could be a big-league contributor by 2026. His ability to throw strikes and handle pressure make him a candidate for fast-track development.
**A Farewell to Crimson — But a Legacy Remains**
As Riley Quick trades in his Alabama crimson for Minnesota’s navy and red, he leaves behind a powerful legacy. His journey has inspired teammates, thrilled fans, and reminded everyone of the special moments college sports can deliver. He didn’t just play for Alabama — he became part of its sports identity.
And while his days in Tuscaloosa are over, the impact of his time there will echo for seasons to come. Every time a young pitcher steps onto the mound at Sewell-Thomas Stadium and dreams of going pro, they’ll think of Riley Quick — the hometown star who made it big.
Congratulations, Riley. Your story is just beginning.
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