Maple Ridge's Cameron Leiter Makes Waves as Dodgers' Second-Round Pick

Maple Ridge, Canada - In an exciting turn of events for baseball enthusiasts, Cameron Leiter, a promising pitcher from Maple Ridge, was drafted by the Los Angeles Dodgers on July 13, 2025. Selected in the second round as the 65th overall pick, Leiter’s journey to this significant moment has been paved with dedication and a legacy of familial ties to the sport. As he expressed his enthusiasm about joining a major league organization, it’s clear that his ambition is as strong as his fastball.

Leiter, now 21, has deep roots in baseball, coming from a family that includes notable pitchers like his uncle Al Leiter and cousins Mark and Jack Leiter, currently holding positions in major league teams. This family background has fostered not only a love for the game but also a wealth of knowledge that Leiter is keen to leverage. He shared his pride in his family’s achievements, stating, “I value the knowledge and experience they pass down.” His parents, Kurt and Nicole, have been equally supportive, celebrating his persistent hard work and recent success.

A Path to the Pros

Before his selection, Leiter played college baseball at Florida State, where he had a standout sophomore season. Despite a shoulder injury that kept him off the mound since March 2024, he managed to achieve a commendable 4.63 ERA with 56 strikeouts in just 35 innings of play. This performance not only demonstrated his potential but also contributed to Florida State’s history, as this was the first time three Seminole players were selected in the first two rounds of the MLB Draft—a notable achievement for the university’s baseball program.

Leiter’s trajectory in baseball began in his youth; he played for the Ridge Meadows Royals and the Langley Blaze before moving to the U.S. at age 15 to further his career. His versatility was evident as he participated in hockey and basketball during his early years, but it was baseball that captured his heart around Grade 8. His transition from UCF to Florida State only sharpened his skills, where he gained recognition as a unanimous All-AAC selection after his freshman year.

The MLB Draft Landscape

This year’s draft also brought some interesting statistical tidbits. The slot value for the 65th overall pick is a staggering $1,349,100. In relation to the larger picture, this draft highlights the growing competition among teams and the potential for players like Leiter to make an impact. The MLB draft has seen an influx of talented players, with metrics readily available for tracking their progress over the years on platforms like MLB.com, which allows fans to filter player statistics by draft year and performance categories.

As for Leiter, while his journey has been met with challenges, including his shoulder injury, he remains optimistic about making a significant contribution to the Dodgers. “Baseball is tough, but performing well leads to team success,” he remarked, reflecting a mindset that many aspiring athletes, especially those in the esteemed company of his family, can relate to.

With aspirations set high and a strong support system at his back, Cameron Leiter is one to watch as he embarks on this exciting new chapter of his career in Major League Baseball.

For more details on Cameron Leiter’s draft journey, you can visit Vernon Morning Star and USA Today. Additional statistics on MLB draftees can also be explored at MLB.com.