FSU Baseball: 3 players to watch throughout fall ball

FSU baseball played two scrimmages this past weekend in Pensacola, both against the Auburn Tigers. The Noles lost both games, losing the first 4-1 and the second 9-5, but there is hope for this team, that is only a few months removed from a deep College World Series run. Here are the three best players to watch in the coming weeks and months as the season sneaks upon us.

1. Jaime Arnold

Arnold was easily the best pitcher for the Noles last season, and he is back for more in 2025. Arnold was 11-3 with a 2.98 ERA last season, and was a major part of that deep CWS run. Arnold did not pitch in either of the scrimmage games, but did pitch a scrimmage last Thursday. The bullpen is going to be a weak spot on the team so the starting pitching will have to try and replicate their success from last year, and a lot of that will depend on Jaime Arnold. Look for him to lead the starting pitching into the coming season and start strong.

2. Drew Faurot

With FSU losing plenty of talent on the offensive side of the ball in James Tibbs III and Cam Smith, players like Drew Faurot will have to step up in 2025. Faurot did it all last year for the Noles, playing shortstop, second base, and centerfield throughout the 2024 campaign. Faurot was extremely underrated in the FSU lineup last year, slashing .286/.348/.465. Faurot flew under the radar a bit as Tibbs, Smith, and Marco Dinges were the hitters to worry about, but now Faurot will the hitter to watch for FSU. Faurot will look to take the next step for the FSU offense.

3. Noah Sheffield

The son of legendary slugger Gary Sheffield, Noah Sheffield is entering his freshman season at Florida State. Sheffield is an infielder and has that smooth swing just like his dad. Sheffield played in game two against Auburn and hit an RBI single and a ground-rule double to left-center field. Sheffield looked great swinging the bat and provided some good offense for FSU. On the defensive side, Sheffield bobbled a routine fly ball in the field. Sheffield is one of the young stars that should get to see game action this year, and he will no doubt be fun to watch.

Florida State baseball will be back in action when they play more exhibition games against Alabama on October 26th at Dick Houser.