The Steelheads come into the 2025 season with positive vibes for the near future. The 2024 campaign saw the team improve from 63 to 70 wins, only the second time in franchise history that the 70 win mark was reached. The 2024 season continued to graduate some of the young talent this organization has accumulated as a reward for being so bad for so long.
Pitching
Zach Anderson continued his successful career to date, reaching the 50 win mark, with a 14-12 record with a 3.76 ERA and a 4.9 WAR. He is the ace of the staff and should be the rock of the Steelhead pitching for several years to come.
Jim O'Brien improved on his rookie year to win the Idaho MVP for 2024. 14-11 3.01, 5.7 WAR.
Jim Fish had a strong rookie year. 8-14 3.97 ERA, 1.9 WAR. He looks to build on that start to his career in his second season.
Eric Osborne had a successful first half season as closer, 23 saves and 4 blown. He figures to start the year as the closer.
Hitting
Bingham Klebel hit .331 with 71 walks. He did miss 40 games, but will be back amongst the batting leaders if healthy in 2025.
Mike McKinney struggled out of the gate in 2024, but finished strong with 32 home runs and 96 RBI (franchise record). He will man first base this year and likely becomes the DH in 2026.
Ed Cameron had a strong rookie season in RF. A fast riser through the Idaho system, he bullied his way into the starting lineup with a .279-10-41 season.
LF David Pegas also forced his way into the lineup - a .309 average with 29 steals in just under 500 plate appearances, he looks like a tremendous FA find for Idaho.
New Comers
Dan Dixon played half a season and improved tremendously in the latter part of the season. At 21 he is the catcher of the present and future.
Mike Minor, another young catcher, will be the backup.
Antonio Vasquez, a middle infielder was acquired from Virginia and he figures to be the primary backup at 2b, 3b, SS.
Vic Taylor will make his AFBL debut unless he has a tough spring. A 2020 5th rounder, the 23 year old Taylor is poised to be the #5 stater.
On the Farm
AAA
2021 #1 overall pick Brad Allen is knocking on the door - he is slated to start 2025 in AAA, but he showed improved power in 2024 and is likely to take over for Steve Atherton at the hot corner at some point in 2025.
Pitcher Cesar Farias figures to be promoted from AAA in 2025 as well. The 21 year old had a good season in AAA and will start there to get a little more seasoning before being promoted.
Young pithcers Tim Farley and Jim Smitjh are also knocking on the door.
AA
2022 second overall pick Loren Dobson has steadily improved while working at SS and looks to have his best minor league season. With some big league talent ahead of him at 2B, SS figures to be his best route to the big leagues.
Outfielders Reggie Hetrick and Juan Martinez are looking to build on successful 2024 seasons.
A
1B Harry Read exploded out of the gate in 2024 then suffered a torn back muscle. He looks to get back on track in 2025.
LF Jesus Hernandez and CF Jose Arroyo are young players looking to blossom in 2025.
Outlook
The ownership and management expect another jump in 2025 from 70 wins to break through the team record 72 and look for a .500 season or better. There are lots of good young talented kids coming and the immediate future is exciting in Idaho.