What Baseball Recruiting Metrics Do I Need for Each College Level?
The complete guide to D1, D2, D3, NAIA & JUCO requirements
Every family asks the same question: "Is my athlete good enough for Division I? Division II? JUCO?" Numbers give you a reality check. This guide breaks down exactly what coaches expect at each level.
Pitcher Metrics by Level
| Metric |
D1 (Power 5) |
D1 (Mid-Major) |
D2 |
NAIA |
D3 |
JUCO |
| Fastball Velocity |
88-95+ mph |
85-90 mph |
82-88 mph |
80-86 mph |
78-84 mph |
80-86 mph |
| Secondary Pitches |
2-3 plus |
2 solid |
1-2 developing |
1-2 |
1-2 |
1-2 |
| Command |
Locates all |
Both sides |
Throws strikes |
Throws strikes |
Throws strikes |
Throws strikes |
| ERA (HS/JUCO) |
<1.50 |
1.50-2.50 |
2.00-3.00 |
2.50-3.50 |
2.50-3.50 |
2.00-3.50 |
Hitter Metrics by Level
| Metric |
D1 (Power 5) |
D1 (Mid-Major) |
D2 |
NAIA |
D3 |
JUCO |
| Exit Velocity |
95+ mph |
90-95 mph |
88-92 mph |
85-90 mph |
82-88 mph |
85-90 mph |
| Batting Average (HS) |
.400+ |
.350-.400 |
.350+ |
.325+ |
.300+ |
.350+ |
| Home Runs (season) |
8-12+ |
5-8 |
3-6 |
2-5 |
2-4 |
3-6 |
| OBP |
.500+ |
.450+ |
.425+ |
.400+ |
.375+ |
.425+ |
Infielders
| Metric |
D1 (Power 5) |
D1 (Mid-Major) |
D2 |
NAIA |
D3 |
JUCO |
| Arm Strength |
85-95 mph |
82-88 mph |
80-85 mph |
78-82 mph |
75-80 mph |
78-84 mph |
| 60-Yard Dash |
6.4-6.7 sec |
6.7-6.9 sec |
6.8-7.1 sec |
6.9-7.2 sec |
7.0-7.3 sec |
6.9-7.2 sec |
| Home to 1B (L) |
4.0-4.2 sec |
4.2-4.3 sec |
4.2-4.4 sec |
4.3-4.5 sec |
4.3-4.5 sec |
4.2-4.4 sec |
| Home to 1B (R) |
4.1-4.3 sec |
4.3-4.4 sec |
4.3-4.5 sec |
4.4-4.6 sec |
4.4-4.6 sec |
4.3-4.5 sec |
Outfielders
| Metric |
D1 (Power 5) |
D1 (Mid-Major) |
D2 |
NAIA |
D3 |
JUCO |
| Arm Strength |
90-100 mph |
87-92 mph |
85-90 mph |
82-87 mph |
80-85 mph |
82-88 mph |
| 60-Yard Dash |
6.3-6.6 sec |
6.6-6.8 sec |
6.7-7.0 sec |
6.8-7.1 sec |
6.9-7.2 sec |
6.8-7.1 sec |
Catchers
| Metric |
D1 (Power 5) |
D1 (Mid-Major) |
D2 |
NAIA |
D3 |
JUCO |
| Pop Time |
1.8-1.95 sec |
1.95-2.05 sec |
2.0-2.1 sec |
2.05-2.15 sec |
2.1-2.2 sec |
2.05-2.15 sec |
| Arm Strength |
80-85+ mph |
78-82 mph |
75-80 mph |
73-78 mph |
70-75 mph |
73-78 mph |
| Blocking |
Elite |
Above avg |
Solid |
Solid |
Developing |
Solid |
Academic Requirements
| Level |
Core Courses |
GPA (min) |
SAT (avg) |
ACT (avg) |
| NCAA D1 | 16 | 2.3 | 1200-1400+ | 24-30+ |
| NCAA D2 | 16 | 2.2 | 1100-1300 | 22-28 |
| NCAA D3 | Varies | Varies | 1200-1500+ | 24-34+ |
| NAIA | HS + 2.0 | 2.0 | 950-1180 | 18-24 |
| JUCO | HS diploma | Open | Not required | Not required |
The "Money Tool" Rule
Sometimes one elite tool gets you recruited even if other numbers are average:
- Pitcher: Fastball 90+ mph
- Catcher: Pop time 1.95 or below
- Center Fielder: 60-yard 6.5 or faster
- Corner Infielder: Exit velocity 90+ mph
- Outfielder: Arm strength 90+ mph
What Coaches Really Look For
- Projectability (will you add velo/size?)
- Baseball IQ (do you know the game?)
- Competitive mindset (how do you handle failure?)
- Coachability (do you take instruction well?)
- Hustle (do you run everything out?)
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