🎯 The Big Picture: Key Draft Details
Ryan Wideman—an outfielder who committed to Clemson through the transfer portal on June 11—was taken 99th overall in the third round of the 2025 MLB Draft by the San Diego Padres . That selection carries an initial slot-value of $773,100 .
MLB.com ranked Wideman as the No. 146 prospect, while ESPN slot him at No. 205, marking his draft position as a strong overachievement.
—
📈 Rapid Rise Through the Ranks
JUCO Beginnings
Wideman’s baseball journey began modestly: he spent two seasons at Georgia Highlands College, where he became a two-time JUCO All‑American and led his team to the JUCO World Series . His JUCO success provided the springboard to Division I baseball.
Western Kentucky Standout
Transferring to Western Kentucky for his junior season, Wideman exploded onto the radar with a line of .398/.?/.652, complemented by 10 home runs, 20 doubles, six triples, 68 RBIs, and 45 stolen bases—a single-season school record . His performance earned him both Conference USA Newcomer of the Year and Player of the Year, plus All‑American recognition .
Statistically, he led the league in hits, triples, total bases (159), and stole 45 bags .
—
🏹 Clemson Connection & Family Legacy
Before the draft, Wideman had committed to Clemson, set to join the Tigers for the 2025–26 season . Yet his MLB draft selection offers a traditional crossroads: pursue the professional route immediately or fulfill his college eligibility.
Clemson holds personal significance for Wideman—his father Tom played basketball at Clemson (1995–99), and his mother Whitney is a Clemson alum and former athletic staff member . This legacy makes the decision even more poignant, weighing family ties and immediate opportunity.
—
🗓️ Draft-Day Moment & Reaction
On draft night (July 13, 2025), Wideman expressed gratitude and flexibility, telling WNKY, “I’m excited for wherever that is…This has been a dream of mine, so I’m not going to be picky…” .
He’s clearly ready for the professional grind and deeply appreciative of his family: “I’m going to hug my family and just thank them…” .
Reports from Cincinnati-based CBS Sports confirm his selection position as the 99th pick , echoed by ESPN’s draft tracker .
—
⚾ What This Means for the Padres
The Padres are known for clever value-picking, and Wideman fits that mold. Originally projected to go late second to fourth—MLB.com at 146 and ESPN at 205—getting him at 99 is a steal.
The bonus slot of $773,100 provides them negotiating power while securing a high-upside athlete with strong hit tools, power, and speed. His plate discipline (23 walks vs. 47 strikeouts) and high on-base metrics (.466 OBP) are the kind of analytics-friendly profile pro teams covet
📊 Skill Set Breakdown
Hitting: Elite contact rate between JUCO and Division I; .398 average in 2025.
Power: 10 homers and 20 doubles in WKU’s conference, plus six triples demonstrate multi-gap power.
Speed & Athleticism: 45 stolen bases and top Conference USA marks for total bases/triples.
Plate Discipline: Walks outpaced strikeouts, a promising sign for pitch development.
Character & Adaptability: Embracing the pros and Clemson commitment shows mental resilience and flexibility.
🧭 Decision Time: NCAA vs Pros
Wideman must now decide:
Option Pros Cons
Sign with Padres Begin pro career, pro coaching, draft bonus, earlier development path Leaves Clemson early, faces minor-league grind
Attend Clemson Continue college legacy, boost draft stock, develop in ACC Risk of injury or performance changes, delayed pro start
Given his draft slot and bonus, the smart money leans towards him signing—particularly since his ranking is significantly higher than original projections.
🌟 Future Outlook
Farm System Fit: Likely begins in Single-A, with potential for rapid promotion due to his advanced plate skills and athleticism.
Timeline: If all goes well, might reach Double-A by 2026–27 and Triple‑A by 2028, targeting a 2029 MLB debut.
Ceiling: Realistic future is a five-tool center fielder or top-of-order bat with speed and power. Optimization hinges on hitting consistency and defensive growth.
📝 In Summary
Ryan Wideman’s selection by the San Diego Padres at No. 99 in the 2025 Draft marks a landmark point in his career. From JUCO dominance to breaking records at Western Kentucky, capped by a legacy tie to Clemson, his story is one of consistent upward momentum. The Padres got a clear-value pick, and Wideman now faces a life-altering decision with exciting possibilities ahead.
As draft analysts noted, this pick could end up being a Post-Slot steal, one that pays dividends for years in San Diego’s outfield pipeline. Wideman’s talent, athleticism, and disciplined approach set him up for success—whether he moves quickly through the minors or uses college in Charlotte to grow further.
Whether he signs or heads to Clemson, Ryan Wideman is a name to watch. The coming weeks and months will reveal which path he chooses—and if he begins the next chapter with the Padres in short order.
