Kaufman Looking Forward To The College Experience At Princeton

Brady Kaufman RHP / SS / Tri-Valley, OH / 2025

DRESDEN - The idea of playing college baseball has always been there for Brady Kaufman. But it wasn’t until the summer of 2023 that the realization of what needed to happen hit home.

“If you look at college players, everyone is built,” the Tri-Valley senior related. “I weighed 170 at the time. After that I really worked hard with winter workouts and was always in the cages. Getting stronger and more consistent was big for me.”

The strong work ethic proved effective for the 67th-ranked 2025 in Ohio, who is now a Princeton University commit.

“Interest with Princeton started when I pitched in Georgia against the number one team in the country at the time,” related Kaufman, a 6-2 and 195-pounder these days. “There were 25 to 30 D-I coaches there and that’s when Princeton first saw me. I pitched well and after that they talked to my head coach and then were in contact with me. With an Ivy, a lot of it is just getting into the school. I sent them my transcripts and once they were in they called and offered.”

Additional offers were also on the table, but the Ivy League school in New Jersey was the first to offer Kaufman as a two-way player.

“That was a big part of my decision, along with getting a Princeton degree,” explained Kaufman, whose list of schools included Navy, Evansville, USC Upstate, North Carolina A&T and Akron. “Number one with Princeton was the coaches. I feel I connected with them right away. I can see myself playing for them for four years.”

Going to a prestigious university in the Ivy League was also a huge consideration.

“They just got ranked the number one school in the country,” Kaufman said. “There’s a chance I could get drafted there, but if baseball doesn’t work out I can take my degree and get any job.”

The 17-year-old made an impression on Princeton.

“My projectability and competitiveness on the mound, they love that about me,” Kaufman noted.

An improved game was a big part of so many colleges being intrigued about the 26th-ranked 2025 right-handed pitcher in Ohio.

“I’ve played baseball all the way up and, honestly, I’ve always had the idea of playing college baseball,” Kaufman related. “Last summer I was topping at 88 and not getting many looks, but this past spring I hit 92 and was in the 90s every game and I knew it was becoming a reality.”

His recruiting process took off a year ago.

“It all started with the State Games last fall,” Kaufman said. “I got a bunch of recognition from that. I also did a lot on my own. I put myself out there to hundreds of schools.”

His father along with summer coach Travis Gray are credited with being his biggest influences in becoming a commit to Princeton.

“I see myself being a leader there,” Kaufman noted. “They see how well that I interact with teammates.”

But the challenges will be enormous as a two-way player and student at Princeton, where Kaufman, who carries a 3.95 unweighted GPA, plans to major in economics.

“Academically, it’s going to be challenging balancing it with baseball,” Kaufman admitted. “I’m good with time management, so I don’t see that it’s going to be a struggle, but it will definitely be challenging.”

A commitment was “just a big relief” according to the senior at Tri-Valley.

“My recruitment went on all summer, so it was pretty stressful,” Kaufman explained. “I did a ton of research and I’m happy with my decision. I’m glad where I decided to go.”

With a commitment in hand, anticipation is high for Kaufman when it comes to being a student-athlete at the university located seven hours from home.

“I’m excited about the experience and connecting with all the guys,” Kaufman concluded. “I’ve talked with some of them and they said it’s different at Princeton, but in a good way. I’m looking forward to that experience.”