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Free, baseball-only recruiting standards — from position benchmarks to scholarship rules to camp vetting. Verified, current, and never hidden behind a login.

The CSN Baseball Standards

Last verified September 14, 2026

Baseball-only benchmarks by division, published in full and dated — not hidden behind a login. Where public figures conflict with each other, CSN publishes one number and states the range.

Experience profile by level

Level	Travel ball	Accolades	Varsity starting seasons
D1	3–4 years, high-level	Multiple All-Conference / All-Area / All-State	3–4
D2	2–3 years, high-level	Multiple All-Conference / All-Area; All-State possible	2–3
D3 / NAIA	2–3 years	Multiple All-Conference / All-Area	1–2
JUCO	2–3 years	Multiple All-Conference / All-Area	1–2

Benchmarks by position

Level	Fastball velocity	Repertoire	ERA	K / BB
D1	84+ consistently; top end 95+	Command of 3 pitches	Under 2.00	≥1 K/IP; under 1 BB per 2 IP
D2	82–90+	1 off-speed + 1 additional, to spots	Under 3.00	~1 K/IP; ~1 BB per 2 IP
D3 / NAIA	77–82	1 off-speed + 1 developing	Under 4.00	Roughly 1:1 K:BB
JUCO	80 consistently	Fastball + one usable secondary	Under 4.00	≤1 K/IP

CSN correction: the commonly published D3 ERA range (2.50–3.50) contradicts the same organization's internal figure (under 4.00). CSN publishes under 4.00 — a 3.60 D3 arm is not disqualified.

What each level actually is

Arrives polished. Position players hold at least 4 of the 5 tools. Pitchers command three pitches at velocity and throw volume innings. Most come from large high schools and elite travel programs.

In the South and West, functionally an extension of D1. In the North, a notch below. Many D2 rosters are assembled from players D1 programs passed on after the early signing period.

The most physically consistent rosters of any level. The strongest D3 programs recruit athletes who just miss at the least selective D1 level. Heavy recruiting starts at the top of senior year.

NAIA

The widest spread in college baseball. The top compares to low D1; the bottom compares to low D3. Never treat 'NAIA' as a single tier.

JUCO

Also wide. The most selective JUCOs recruit mid-to-upper D1 talent. Lower programs take tools without polish — often the correct academic reset as much as an athletic one.

The five tools, graded

1. Arm strength

Arm speed, exchange, release, accuracy

2. Range / fielding

Body control, footwork, quickness, double-play actions

3. Speed / base running

First-step quickness, top-end speed

4. Power

5. Hitting for average

Balance, bat speed, explosion, all-fields approach, swing length

The D1 bar: at least 4 of 5 tools. Pitchers are graded separately on arm speed, balance, strike consistency, movement, mechanics and velocity.

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