2025 NCAA Baseball Portal Thread

[BigDawg81]

It seems like the Portal gets started earlier every year. We already have a player to declare that he is entering the portal.

Stanford Infielder Temo Becerra has entered the portal.
.341 BA with 1 HR on the season.

[Quaoarsking]

Important to hire O'Connor or whoever ASAP and have him get to work.

If it's O'Connor, Virginia is not projected to make a Regional (despite a 14-10 ACC record), so get him started the day after the brackets come out. If it's someone else, hopefully we can announce sooner rather than later.

[BigDawg81]

They got time. I want to get hire right then rush it and make the wrong one. I’m curious to see what A&M does with their coach. I hope they give him 1 more year. The portal doesn’t officially opens until after the regional. That’s plenty of time.

[The Federalist Engineer]

Assuming Lemons' star recruits are Fake commitments as usual.

(1) Need a Catcher that can Catch the ball and hits alright.
(2) Need a 1B. A Big Grad that can do damage.
(3) Need a SS.
(4) Need 5 Portal veteran Pitchers. Hungate, Simmons, Ligon, Sullivan, and Williams will leave big holes.
(5) Need a CF, see how OBrien develops

[BigDawg81]

Assuming Lemons' star recruits are Fake commitments as usual.

(1) Need a Catcher that can Catch the ball and hits alright.
(2) Need a 1B. A Big Grad that can do damage.
(3) Need a SS.
(4) Need 5 Portal veteran Pitchers. Hungate, Simmons, Ligon, Sullivan, and Williams will leave big holes.
(5) Need a CF, see how OBrien develops
If O’Brien could only hit .270 then he is the everyday CF

[bulldogcountry1]

It seems like the Portal gets started earlier every year. We already have a player to declare that he is entering the portal.

Stanford Infielder Temo Becerra has entered the portal.
.341 BA with 13HRS on the season.

In the portal before the season ends?

Stanford site says .341 BA with 1 HR.

[Santiago]

For hypothetical only, does anyone think one of our coaching candidates will/or can bring a couple of players/signees with them to MSU?

- Virginia recruits to MS?
- Georgia recruits , recruited by Coggin? That sounds more likely since he almost had Dakota Jordan to Georgia along with Alford.
- Anyone else?

[StarkVegasSteve]

For hypothetical only, does anyone think one of our coaching candidates will/or can bring a couple of players/signees with them to MSU?

- Virginia recruits to MS?
- Georgia recruits , recruited by Coggin? That sounds more likely since he almost had Dakota Jordan to Georgia along with Alford.
- Anyone else?

Any coach is going to have 2-3 recruits and probably 1-2 portal guys but whoever the new coach is will have to attack the portal for 3-5 everyday starters and probably at least 2 weekend rotation guys.

[Santiago]

Any coach is going to have 2-3 recruits and probably 1-2 portal guys but whoever the new coach is will have to attack the portal for 3-5 everyday starters and probably at least 2 weekend rotation guys.

Are we looking at approx 5 million for the cycle in NIL ? Both retaining and recruiting players.

[Saltydog]

Nolan Stevens is your 1B if he comes back.........He's been MIA for a month now.........

[Coach34]

Are we looking at approx 5 million for the cycle in NIL ? Both retaining and recruiting players.

Right now- it's around 2-3MM. I'm not saying someone wont write a check- but thats the word as to where we are right now

[StarkVegasSteve]

Are we looking at approx 5 million for the cycle in NIL ? Both retaining and recruiting players.

Around that. Had a pretty big pledge in the last couple of weeks that will help get us to that number.

[Coach34]

Around that. Had a pretty big pledge in the last couple of weeks that will help get us to that number.

more good news

[Santiago]

Around that. Had a pretty big pledge in the last couple of weeks that will help get us to that number.

A Big Thank You to all those making it happen. If you are on the board, thank you.

[BigDawg81]

In the portal before the season ends?

Stanford site says .341 BA with 1 HR.

You?re correct. I read the wrong stat line. It has been corrected.

[Tbonewannabe]

If O’Brien could only hit .270 then he is the everyday CF

So far he hasn't proven he can hit 0.270 during the midweek much less SEC.

[Tbonewannabe]

Any coach is going to have 2-3 recruits and probably 1-2 portal guys but whoever the new coach is will have to attack the portal for 3-5 everyday starters and probably at least 2 weekend rotation guys.

Does the new coach pull a Jay Johnson at LSU and basically bring the majority of a CWS team with him?

[Santiago]

Does the new coach pull a Jay Johnson at LSU and basically bring the majority of a CWS team with him?

I wonder if that can be part of buyout negotiations

[Todd4State]

Does the new coach pull a Jay Johnson at LSU and basically bring the majority of a CWS team with him?

We'll see. Hopefully we don't M-State it up and agree to not poach players in exchange for a slightly lower buyout.

[BigDawg81]

Ohio OF Ben Slanker has entered the portal. Slanker, 6-1, 195, was a 1st Tm All-MAC slugger, hitting .302 w/ 9 doubles, 21 HRs and 69 RBI + 41 BB/38 K and 1.142 OPS. He will be a hot commodity.

[StarkVegasSteve]

WE. NEED. OUTFIELDERS.

[Pancho]

this

[DawgFromOxford]

WE. NEED. OUTFIELDERS.

And a catcher

[Ranchdawg]

We need portal players to come to State that will play their normal positions. Not bring in guys that have never played or played very little outfield and expect them to play outfield at this high level of the game.

[CaptainObvious]

We need guys thst can play defense that will also put our Punch and Judy hitters.....err....I mean batters on the bench or out the door. Tired of SS & 2B who can hit my 2 month old granddaughters weight!

[Pancho]

that goes hand in hand with the eval part of recruiting. the previous coach was not good in this area

[confucius say]

WE. NEED. OUTFIELDERS.

Will chance come back for his final year? Doubt he has any professional prospects, but he's engaged so he may be ready to move on.

[Coach34]

We need guys thst can play defense that will also put our Punch and Judy hitters.....err....I mean batters on the bench or out the door. Tired of SS & 2B who can hit my 2 month old granddaughters weight!

Your 2 month old granddaughter weighs 3 bills? Both our SS and 2B guys are outhitting Hines and Stallman right now from an average standpoint?

[The Federalist Engineer]

Wonder how small program coaches view Summer League baseball now?

Cape Cod All Stars is a buffet for SEC portal poachers.

[CaptainObvious]

Your 2 month old granddaughter weighs 3 bills? Both our SS and 2B guys are outhitting Hines and Stallman right now from an average standpoint?

I'm talking about the guys they replaced that Lemonis was so hard headed about playing before his weak lineups and lazy style got him canned!

[Pancho]

I'm talking about the guys they replaced that Lemonis was so hard headed about playing before his weak lineups and lazy style got him canned!

some of us knew what you meant. good job capn

[StarkVegasSteve]

Will chance come back for his final year? Doubt he has any professional prospects, but he's engaged so he may be ready to move on.

A lot like Hines, I'm ready for him to move on. He's played hard for us but we can upgrade at all 3 outfield positions and we need to.

[BigDawg81]

EKU Leading hitter AJ Groenevald (.300/2/14) and leading arm, RHP Burkley Bounds, have each entered the Portal. Bounds made 18 appearances in 2025.

[BigDawg81]

Butler OF Jack Moroknek is another big portal addition. The graduate transfer an All-Big East Selection hit .372 with 16 doubles, 18 HR and 57 RBI in '25. Also had a 1.145 OPS

[Todd4State]

Wonder how small program coaches view Summer League baseball now?

Cape Cod All Stars is a buffet for SEC portal poachers.

It could definitely change the dynamic of who plays in that league. It may very well become very transfer player oriented.

Most of the top of the line prospects play for Team USA if they are selected and that has been the way it has been for years.

[Todd4State]

WE. NEED. OUTFIELDERS.

We may need a lot more than that once the coaching staff is settled.

[confucius say]

A lot like Hines, I'm ready for him to move on. He's played hard for us but we can upgrade at all 3 outfield positions and we need to.

I would have agreed with you at one time. But not now. He's hitting .339 and even higher in sec play. He is second on the team in stolen bases and is a good defender, albeit with a meh arm. I hope he comes back.
Frei has another year also.

[Todd4State]

I would have agreed with you at one time. But not now. He's hitting .339 and even higher in sec play. He is second on the team in stolen bases and is a good defender, albeit with a meh arm. I hope he comes back.
Frei has another year also.

I would suspect that Chance comes back unless the coach doesn't want him for some reason which would be suprising.

He's a pretty solid player who will be a fifth year senior and playing at MSU is his dream. I guess someone might draft him and take a flyer on him. If he leaves that is the most likely reason why.

[basedog]

I would suspect that Chance comes back unless the coach doesn't want him for some reason which would be suprising.

He's a pretty solid player who will be a fifth year senior and playing at MSU is his dream. I guess someone might draft him and take a flyer on him. If he leaves that is the most likely reason why.

Big yes on Chance, he has gotten better every year, we need him back.

[BrunswickDawg]

We need guys thst can play defense that will also put our Punch and Judy hitters.....err....I mean batters on the bench or out the door. Tired of SS & 2B who can hit my 2 month old granddaughters weight!

Punch and Judy? We ended the season 3rd in the SEC in BA, 2nd in 2B, 5th in HR, 4th in SLG and broke our single season HR record.
In SEC games only, we are 2nd in BA, SLG, OBP, RS, Hits, & 2b and 3rd in HR

[Pancho]

Punch and Judy? We ended the season 3rd in the SEC in BA, 2nd in 2B, 5th in HR, 4th in SLG and broke our single season HR record.
In SEC games only, we are 2nd in BA, SLG, OBP, RS, Hits, & 2b and 3rd in HR

Imagine what our record would be had Lemo not blown roughly 7-8 total wins by not knowing who should play where etc. That is why he is gone.

[Coach34]

Imagine what our record would be had Lemo not blown roughly 7-8 total wins by not knowing who should play where etc. That is why he is gone.

100%

Cost us a host spot

[The Federalist Engineer]

Imagine what our record would be had Lemo not blown roughly 7-8 total wins by not knowing who should play where etc. That is why he is gone.

Two more SEC wins, you host. The South Carolina loss that was catalyzed by Cupp's error is memorable.

The 11-13 loss to Oklahoma. Good pitchers were used but a 9-hole hitter jacked Williams for a 2 Run Homer. That shitty player went 3-5, scored 3 and with 3 RBI that day. It's one thing for Bo Jackson, Dylan Crews, Frank Thomas or Alex Bregman to hurt you but not a random and marginal player.

[Quaoarsking]

If we had 8 more SEC wins, we're probably the #1 overall seed.

[StarkVegasSteve]

If we had 8 more SEC wins, we're probably the #1 overall seed.

And the REALLY sad thing. Those 8 wins are so easy to find:

1. Texas Game 1-Up 5-3 going into the 7th and try to stretch Pico an additional inning. Backfires and they score 5 in the 7th and win 8-7

2. Oklahoma Game 2-5 errors

3. LSU Game 1- Up 6-2 and bullpen can't get anyone out.

4. LSU Game 2- Left 12 on base with 10 being in scoring position

5. South Carolina Game 1- 2 errors on Cupp that costs us the game

6. Florida Game 1- Up 3-2 going into the 6th and take Pico out too early and the bullpen can't get anyone out

7. Florida Game 2- Up 6-3 going into the 7th and for the second straight day the bullpen can't get anyone out.

8. Auburn Game 1- We leave Pico in too long and he gives up a run that was the difference.


I honestly left 3-4 games off the list that I also could've added.

[Turfdawg67]

And the REALLY sad thing. Those 8 wins are so easy to find:

1. Texas Game 1-Up 5-3 going into the 7th and try to stretch Pico an additional inning. Backfires and they score 5 in the 7th and win 8-7

2. Oklahoma Game 2-5 errors

3. LSU Game 1- Up 6-2 and bullpen can't get anyone out.

4. LSU Game 2- Left 12 on base with 10 being in scoring position

5. South Carolina Game 1- 2 errors on Cupp that costs us the game

6. Florida Game 1- Up 3-2 going into the 6th and take Pico out too early and the bullpen can't get anyone out

7. Florida Game 2- Up 6-3 going into the 7th and for the second straight day the bullpen can't get anyone out.

8. Auburn Game 1- We leave Pico in too long and he gives up a run that was the difference.


I honestly left 3-4 games off the list that I also could've added.

For #6, had we left Pico in and lost... would that've become a "left Pico in too long" like #1 & 8?? ****

[Coach34]

It's easy to say that had we settled on this line-up by SEC play- we would have won 3 more games- been 18-12 in the SEC- and hosting

[Coursesuper]

It's easy to say that had we settled on this line-up by SEC play- we would have won 3 more games- been 18-12 in the SEC- and hosting

I?d have to agree here. The constant lineup changes never let anyone settle in an d Cupp cost us a least 2 on his own.

[BigDawg81]

Bradley’s Bobby Atkinson, has entered the Transfer Portal. Atkinson finished 2025 w/ .332 average. Also had 19 doubles, 7 HR, 42 RBI and 32BB/32K w/ 1.038 OPS.

[BigDawg81]

Wichita State Josh Livingston, who hit .283 w/ 15 HR, 48 RBI enters the portal

[BravesDoggy]

If we had 8 more SEC wins, we're probably the #1 overall seed.

Oh good grief. 23 wins might would win us the SEC? Ya think. You guys ran off the only coach in the program that has won 20 in the SEC. Cholk and Cohen had one each. Stop acting like that is the norm for MSU baseball because it?s not.

[99jc]

Oh good grief. 23 wins might would win us the SEC? Ya think. You guys ran off the only coach in the program that has won 20 in the SEC. Cholk and Cohen had one each. Stop acting like that is the norm for MSU baseball because it?s not.

I smell a 17ing REBEL

[BigDawg81]

Belmont LHP Ethan Harden, who had a 2.45 ERA in 19 app -- .202 OBA enters the portal

[Todd4State]

And the REALLY sad thing. Those 8 wins are so easy to find:

1. Texas Game 1-Up 5-3 going into the 7th and try to stretch Pico an additional inning. Backfires and they score 5 in the 7th and win 8-7

2. Oklahoma Game 2-5 errors

3. LSU Game 1- Up 6-2 and bullpen can't get anyone out.

4. LSU Game 2- Left 12 on base with 10 being in scoring position

5. South Carolina Game 1- 2 errors on Cupp that costs us the game

6. Florida Game 1- Up 3-2 going into the 6th and take Pico out too early and the bullpen can't get anyone out

7. Florida Game 2- Up 6-3 going into the 7th and for the second straight day the bullpen can't get anyone out.

8. Auburn Game 1- We leave Pico in too long and he gives up a run that was the difference.


I honestly left 3-4 games off the list that I also could've added.

Troy being one of those. The Governor's Cup was another one. Not only should we not have lost that game- we probably should have blown them out. We left, Sullivan, Pruitt who probably shouldn't have pitched at all if we're being honest here, and McPherson in too long and we didn't walk Furniss to set up a double play.

But to your point and mine- most of our losses are because we couldn't manage the pitching staff. And the South Carolina game we lost with Cupp you can certainly question why he was playing at that time as well.

Which is why it's really surprising to me that we made Parker the interim and not Jake.

[Todd4State]

Belmont LHP Ethan Harden, who had a 2.45 ERA in 19 app -- .202 OBA enters the portal

Any relation to Jon?

[BravesDoggy]

I smell a 17ing REBEL

Definitely not a rebel. Just calling out the stupid comment. The dude literally said if we had won 23 SEC games we might have been the overall #1 seed. NO SHIT.

and I pointed out that we have only won 20+ games FOUR times in our history. If you can?t handle that then call me a rebel. But some of you get your panties in a bunch over the stupidest shit that is said and then call people rebs

[The Federalist Engineer]

This dude is not in the portal but this dude is what the baseball portal is about:

Brady Ballinger of Kansas -1B sophomore- already transferred once from Southern Nevada.

A Big 12 slugger but was mauler at Southern Nevada too, hit 431. Need a 1B. Nolan Stevens can play 1B, but Stevens is good athletically for RF.

https://kuathletics.com/sports/baseball/roster/brady-ballinger/16147

[Pancho]

Oh good grief. 23 wins might would win us the SEC? Ya think. You guys ran off the only coach in the program that has won 20 in the SEC. Cholk and Cohen had one each. Stop acting like that is the norm for MSU baseball because it?s not.

I could have won with that team. Hell you might have as well. That season isn't the reason lemo is unemployed.

[Coursesuper]

This dude is not in the portal but this dude is what the baseball portal is about:

Brady Ballinger of Kansas -1B sophomore- already transferred once from Southern Nevada.

A Big 12 slugger but was mauler at Southern Nevada too, hit 431. Need a 1B. Nolan Stevens can play 1B, but Stevens is good athletically for RF.

https://kuathletics.com/sports/baseball/roster/brady-ballinger/16147

I very highly doubt Stevens will be back.

[BigDawg81]

UCA 3B Bryce Cermenelli has entered the Transfer Portal. Cermenelli, 5-9, 185, hit a whopping .395 with 16 BB/16 K in 152 at bats this past season. All-ASUN honoree.

[The Federalist Engineer]

UCA 3B Bryce Cermenelli has entered the Transfer Portal. Cermenelli, 5-9, 185, hit a whopping .395 with 16 BB/16 K in 152 at bats this past season. All-ASUN honoree.

He is listed at 5-9, probably with extra-long mud cleats and two hats on. From the pictures 5-6 160 lbs.

This said, if he plays for Erlander, this dude will bash 12 HRs and become a Mini Christian Moore that the whole SEC will hate.

Back in 1990, MSU made Omaha with Pete and David Mitchell as starting players. They were about this size. David Mitchell had the big job of replacing Jody Hurst in Center Field.

[BigDawg81]

PurdueBaseball 1B Logan Sutter. Sutter, 6-1, 215, finished the 2025 season with a .367 average, 15 homers, 62 RBIs and a 1.180 OPS. He also had 36 BB/37Ks for the Boilermakers.

[Pancho]

We'll be in the dark on most of these guys until we have a captain of the ship

[BigDawg81]

We got our first one to leave. Landis Davili has entered the transfer portal

[Pancho]

a competent staff will cull several

[Coursesuper]

a competent staff will cull several

It?s going to be a roster flip. With the portal it?s going be open season on the current roster and we will be spending large to keep and build another.

[Pancho]

other than Ace, who would we spend to retain?

[Coursesuper]

other than Ace, who would we spend to retain?

Young pitchers and a few more. Have to re-recruit signees also.

[The Federalist Engineer]

other than Ace, who would we spend to retain?

Field players: Frei is a hitter. Stevens is ready to hit a new level. Chance will hit 380 next year. All solid players.

Pitchers: Foster, Burns, Duke Stone, McP, OLeary, and Booth. It would be great to keep Siary, Williams, and Davis. Is Loftin healed?

[Todd4State]

Field players: Frei is a hitter. Stevens is ready to hit a new level. Chance will hit 380 next year. All solid players.

Pitchers: Foster, Burns, Duke Stone, McP, OLeary, and Booth. It would be great to keep Siary, Williams, and Davis. Is Loftin healed?

Why Booth? If he didn't play at all this year it's hard to believe that he is going to help going further.

I think our biggest concern with Siary and Williams is going to be the draft.

[Todd4State]

Young pitchers and a few more. Have to re-recruit signees also.

A lot of our signees are from Mississippi so that helps. Some of them are definite draft risks though.

[The Federalist Engineer]

Why Booth? If he didn't play at all this year it's hard to believe that he is going to help going further.

I think our biggest concern with Siary and Williams is going to be the draft.

We have a good history with "Mr. Alabama Baseball" winners. If he's recovering TJ, he's coming back as Superman.

Also, he is a dual position prospect

[KB21]

https://x.com/WyattWheeler_NL/status/1928164854520479768

This is one I was hoping would get into the portal. He's apparently going to stay at Missouri State though.

[msstate7]

Anyone from Virginia likely to follow BOC here?

[HoopsDawg]

Anyone from Virginia likely to follow BOC here?

Keep an eye on Eric Becker.

[msstate7]

Keep an eye on Eric Becker.

He has some great numbers. Would be a huge pull

[HoopsDawg]

He has some great numbers. Would be a huge pull

Reese and Becker on the left side would be the best in the country.

[maroonmania]

Reese and Becker on the left side would be the best in the country.

Wish I knew what happened to Reese during the regional. He had been so hot at the plate but looked terrible all weekend during the regional. He had a couple of hits I think but really didn't look the same.

[HoopsDawg]

Wish I knew what happened to Reese during the regional. He had been so hot at the plate but looked terrible all weekend during the regional. He had a couple of hits I think but really didn't look the same.

2 tough lefties for FSU. barreled a couple of balls that were caught. Tough regional.

[BravesDoggy]

Wish I knew what happened to Reese during the regional. He had been so hot at the plate but looked terrible all weekend during the regional. He had a couple of hits I think but really didn't look the same.

Operator won?t you put me on thru?..

[StarkVegasSteve]

Operator won?t you put me on thru?..

Yea a little worried about Ace now. Was not until earlier today. There is some thought that he may follow Jake wherever he ends up. You cannot be held hostage by one player though.

[Bullsy]

Ace following Jake is not too worrisome. There are strong rumors LSU has a deal with Reese already.

[StarkVegasSteve]

Ace following Jake is not too worrisome. There are strong rumors LSU has a deal with Reese already.

They made an offer(just like Tennessee, LSU, Arky, UGA, Ole Miss, etc). We can easily match or exceed any offer so it will come down to how quickly he can cultivate a relationship with the new staff.

[basedog]

Jake is a good recruiter, I have no idea about his relationship with Ace, but I wish Jake all the best, same for Parker if he is gone also.

[StarkVegasSteve]

Jake is a good recruiter, I have no idea about his relationship with Ace, but I wish Jake all the best, same for Parker if he is gone also.

I had a player parent, and a recruit parent, tell me OM weekend that the reason we got over 50% of our roster was the assts. The kids loved Park and Jake. Now, as with A&M, you can't let the players determine hires. But it does speak to the types of people and recruiters both those guys are.

[Thick]

UVA had 9 players hit the portal this morning.

[StarkVegasSteve]

UVA had 9 players hit the portal this morning.

We are looking at a few of them.


Tomas Valincius
James Nunnallee
Henry Ford-although he is a huge draft risk

[KB21]

Our old friend Hollis Porter is in the portal after hitting 21 HRs for Maryland this season.

[StarkVegasSteve]

Our old friend Hollis Porter is in the portal after hitting 21 HRs for Maryland this season.

He's either going to hit a HR or strike out. Struck out 79 times this year. A whopping 34% K rate. To put that into perspective, Hunter Hines only struck out 60. And he only struck out 74 last year when we thought he K'd every other AB. It's Dakota Jordan with a fraction of the athleticism. If McMullan thinks he can fix him then I guess go for it because he only had 2 errors at 1B all year so maybe you can fix the bat to not swing at anything and everything.

[gtowndawg]

If we do get the Wake Forest pitching coach, they have a pitcher named Matthew Dallas that was a big recruit from my son's school (Briarcrest). He signed with Tennessee and then transferred to Wake. Not sure how he did this year but maybe he comes closer to Memphis if his pitching coach comes?

[StarkVegasSteve]

If we do get the Wake Forest pitching coach, they have a pitcher named Matthew Dallas that was a big recruit from my son's school (Briarcrest). He signed with Tennessee and then transferred to Wake. Not sure how he did this year but maybe he comes closer to Memphis if his pitching coach comes?

We were on him last year too. He was pretty good for them this year, but he's a definite draft risk.

[gtowndawg]

We were on him last year too. He was pretty good for them this year, but he's a definite draft risk.

Interesting, thanks.

[KB21]

Ace following Jake is not too worrisome. There are strong rumors LSU has a deal with Reese already.

LSU just got a 3B portal addition from Brayden Simpson out of High Point.

[StarkVegasSteve]

LSU just got a 3B portal addition from Brayden Simpson out of High Point.

LSU is not my worry with Ace. His dad thought he was unsafe at Houston so I can guarantee you Baton Rouge is worse, his words on that not mine. I am more worried about Arkansas, OM, or Texas.

[Cowbell]

LSU is not my worry with Ace. His dad thought he was unsafe at Houston so I can guarantee you Baton Rouge is worse, his words on that not mine. I am more worried about Arkansas, OM, or Texas.

Hearing different so hope something changes soon.

[HoopsDawg]

LSU just got a 3B portal addition from Brayden Simpson out of High Point.

Simpson will sign pro if offer is decent.

[Thick]

https://x.com/petenakos_/status/1929659192740401575?s=46

Any chance he?s coming to Vegas?

[ZedFedder]

https://x.com/petenakos_/status/1929659192740401575?s=46

Any chance he?s coming to Vegas?

The "do not contact" would have you believe so. A .317 hitter with 8 bombs? Yeah, you take that all day.

[Thick]

https://x.com/transferportal_/status/1929643577497587864?s=46

Need a catcher BOC!

[confucius say]

We are looking at a few of them.


Tomas Valincius
James Nunnallee
Henry Ford-although he is a huge draft risk

How is Ford draft eligible as a sophomore when he doesn't turn 21 until two weeks after the draft? What's the rule on that?

[Todd4State]

LSU is not my worry with Ace. His dad thought he was unsafe at Houston so I can guarantee you Baton Rouge is worse, his words on that not mine. I am more worried about Arkansas, OM, or Texas.

I think we can counter what those teams offer. Based on his experience this year at MSU you would have to think that we probably have the edge.

[StarkVegasSteve]

I think we can counter what those teams offer. Based on his experience this year at MSU you would have to think that we probably have the edge.

We have the edge solely because he hasn't entered the portal. Once he does, all bets are off.

[StarkVegasSteve]

Eric Becker has entered the portal. I feel pretty confident in saying he will commit in pretty short order. So that solves SS.

Really solid SS. What we were hoping Cupp would turn into.

[KB21]

How is Ford draft eligible as a sophomore when he doesn't turn 21 until two weeks after the draft? What's the rule on that?

You have to be 21 within 45 days of the draft, so that extends into August.

[BeardoMSU]

Eric Becker has entered the portal. I feel pretty confident in saying he will commit in pretty short order. So that solves SS.

Really solid SS. What we were hoping Cupp would turn into.

yep....with a "do not contact" tag, too

https://twitter.com/KendallRogers/status/1929891370061242683

[StarkVegasSteve]

Yea this is one of the few times nowadays that the no contact tag means "no contact. I know where I'm going."

[KB21]

Yea this is one of the few times nowadays that the no contact tag means "no contact. I know where I'm going."

Several of these UVA players have that designation. I feel like we are in very good shape to get Tomas Valincius, Aiden Teel, James Nunnallee, and Eric Becker. We are probably in the mix for Chone James and Chris Arroyo as well.

The non-UVA player we need to really go after is Notre Dame's Carson Tinney

[Santiago]

Several of these UVA players have that designation. I feel like we are in very good shape to get Tomas Valincius, Aiden Teel, James Nunnallee, and Eric Becker. We are probably in the mix for Chone James and Chris Arroyo as well.

The non-UVA player we need to really go after is Notre Dame's Carson Tinney

Is it Becker that has a younger brother committed to UVA or is that another player

[StarkVegasSteve]

Several of these UVA players have that designation. I feel like we are in very good shape to get Tomas Valincius, Aiden Teel, James Nunnallee, and Eric Becker. We are probably in the mix for Chone James and Chris Arroyo as well.

The non-UVA player we need to really go after is Notre Dame's Carson Tinney

We need to go after Valincius, Becker, and Teel and call it a day with UVA players unless Nunnallee wants to be a 4th outfielder or we are losing Stevens.

Do agree on Tinney. We need him BAD.

[HoopsDawg]

Is it Becker that has a younger brother committed to UVA or is that another player

Yes, his younger brother is committed to UVA but he's likely signing in the draft.

[KB21]

People are going to be shocked by what Mississippi State does in the portal this year.

[Rawdawg]

Several of these UVA players have that designation. I feel like we are in very good shape to get Tomas Valincius, Aiden Teel, James Nunnallee, and Eric Becker. We are probably in the mix for Chone James and Chris Arroyo as well.

The non-UVA player we need to really go after is Notre Dame's Carson Tinney

Valincius also has a brother that was second team all Big 10 from Illinois in the portal. It appears they want to play together. UVA Valincius would be our Friday night starter next year. And as you said, we need Tinney BAD. He entered with a no contact tag so we’ll see what happens.

[StarkVegasSteve]

People are going to be shocked by what Mississippi State does in the portal this year.

Well we need to do more than just take the UVA players. We need prime players and have the money to do it. We need to go take someone's Friday night guy. Someone like a Blake Gillespie at Charlotte or Jacob Morrison at Coastal. Go tamper and go big game hunting.

[StarkVegasSteve]

Nolan Stevens to the portal. That is a big loss.

[Commercecomet24]

Nolan Stevens to the portal. That is a big loss.

Yeah, knew that was coming for awhile, so no shock to me. Still a loss for us, but lots of options in the portal for O'connor

[HoopsDawg]

Nolan Stevens to the portal. That is a big loss.

I like Stevens a lot but can't classify as a big loss with portal options.

[maroonmania]

People are going to be shocked by what Mississippi State does in the portal this year.

Good, because I was shocked last year by what we didn't do, at least on the pitching side.

[maroonmania]

I like Stevens a lot but can't classify as a big loss with portal options.

Agree, he's a good player but in no way irreplaceable. A big loss would be not retaining Reese or Sullivan or Frei.

[AlSwearengen]

I'm not surprised by Stevens. He might make a huge jump someplace else, but I'll be surprised if we can't replace his production in the portal. He struggled with lefties, so.

[StarkVegasSteve]

Teel and Ford are done deals and will commit in short order. Obviously with Ford you have to worry about the draft but those are good pieces and Ford could be a huge piece if you got him to bypass the draft. That will leave one, potentially two, outfield spots so will be interesting to see what Bryce Chance does.

[AlSwearengen]

Aiden Harris? Looks like a top VA freshman that didn't play alot, but has alot of potential.

[confucius say]

Teel and Ford are done deals and will commit in short order. Obviously with Ford you have to worry about the draft but those are good pieces and Ford could be a huge piece if you got him to bypass the draft. That will leave one, potentially two, outfield spots so will be interesting to see what Bryce Chance does.

What about Eric Becker? Any word on him?

[ZedFedder]

We get the top UVA guys and some other pieces, and we are good to go.

[StarkVegasSteve]

What about Eric Becker? Any word on him?

Yea he is committing in short order as well. He may actually be first. I was just talking about outfielders.

[StarkVegasSteve]

We get the top UVA guys and some other pieces, and we are good to go.

The other pieces are more pressing. We will get the UVA guys without trying too hard, or honestly at all. They did not go to UVA because they just love Virginia baseball and their fan base and stadium are just gosh darn awesome. They went to play for O?Connor. If we went them, we will get them.

[msudawglb]

I want to get some pitching studs to start these weekend games. It's been a while since we've had some studs. Are we getting at least 1 or 2 of those? Friday/Saturday type guys that the rest of the top tier SEC would start...

[Thick]

https://x.com/kendallrogers/status/1930006676951683281?s=46

[SteelCurtain74]

Any interest in LJ Mercurius (RHP) from UNLV? He just entered the portal. Fastball tops out at 98. Was top rated pitcher in Nevada coming out of high school. Is on the USA Collegiate Team. Looks like a good power arm to have.

[3dawgnight15]

I want to get some pitching studs to start these weekend games. It's been a while since we've had some studs. Are we getting at least 1 or 2 of those? Friday/Saturday type guys that the rest of the top tier SEC would start...

I guess Cijntje, second round, and Khal Stephen, first round, were not studly enough?

[CaptainObvious]

I guess Cijntje, second round, and Khal Stephen, first round, were not studly enough?

Without them, Lemonis would have been gone last year and we would probably have a 3rd base coach from Missouri Western JC

[StarkVegasSteve]

I want to get some pitching studs to start these weekend games. It's been a while since we've had some studs. Are we getting at least 1 or 2 of those? Friday/Saturday type guys that the rest of the top tier SEC would start...

We had two literally last year. Starting pitchers are sometimes a crapshoot. Lest we forget the gnashing of teeth about missing on Luke Holman and having to settle for a lowly Purdue transfer. Or thinking we were getting a stud in Jacob Pruitt, who was highly rated, this past portal season.

Paul Skenes and Chase Burns type players are not in the portal every year. Like do we think this Valincius guy could be good for us? Absolutely. But is it a stone cold lock that he will? No.

[maroonmania]

We had two literally last year. Starting pitchers are sometimes a crapshoot. Lest we forget the gnashing of teeth about missing on Luke Holman and having to settle for a lowly Purdue transfer. Or thinking we were getting a stud in Jacob Pruitt, who was highly rated, this past portal season.

Paul Skenes and Chase Burns type players are not in the portal every year. Like do we think this Valincius guy could be good for us? Absolutely. But is it a stone cold lock that he will? No.

Not sure who was thinking Pruitt would be stud level, but dang, he wasn't even dependable as a midweek guy. Very disappointing.

[StarkVegasSteve]

Not sure who was thinking Pruitt would be stud level, but dang, he wasn't even dependable as a midweek guy. Very disappointing.

There were a lot of people that believed he was going to be the Saturday guy. Almost every beat writer had kind of penciled him in to the weekend rotation somewhere. He was a huge disappointment. Like you said, we couldn't even count on him to be the midweek guy.

[Skydawg1]

Nolan Stevens gone.

https://x.com/nolanstevens3/status/1930319485577069033

[CaptainObvious]

Nolan Stevens gone.

https://x.com/nolanstevens3/status/1930319485577069033

Old News! Saw that one coming 2 months ago. His attitude showed he was biding time.

[KOdawg1]

Teel and Ford are done deals and will commit in short order. Obviously with Ford you have to worry about the draft but those are good pieces and Ford could be a huge piece if you got him to bypass the draft. That will leave one, potentially two, outfield spots so will be interesting to see what Bryce Chance does.

Ford is visiting Tennessee this weekend so idk how done that deal is yet..

[StateDawg44]

Sucks, but it comes with the territory.

Good luck to him.

[KOdawg1]

I think Aidan Teel is a pretty safe bet. LH hitting CF with decent speed, pop, and bat skills. Not "elite" at anything, but he's solid to good at everything.

[msudawglb]

I guess Cijntje, second round, and Khal Stephen, first round, were not studly enough?

I don't call pitchers with mid 3 ERA's studs. They were good pitchers.

[Coursesuper]

Ford is visiting Tennessee this weekend so idk how done that deal is yet..

We can match or exceed any offer that they can make, plus we have the guy he’s been playing for. He is still a huge draft risk, top 70 prospect.

[confucius say]

Luke Dotson portal

[Thick]

Ok, not happy about Dotson leaving!

[Coursesuper]

Ok, not happy about Dotson leaving!

Well then you better get ready because more are going to go. This is gonna be a roster flip.

[KOdawg1]

We can match or exceed any offer that they can make, plus we have the guy he’s been playing for. He is still a huge draft risk, top 70 prospect.
I mean, that's fine, but if he's visiting someone else, it's not a done deal.

[The Federalist Engineer]

Luke Dotson portal

Why? He wants to go DII?

MSU tried to make him a starter and closer. No opportunity to excel was barred.

[HoopsDawg]

Need to get our pitching coach announced.

[Thick]

My problem is that he can be a major asset to our pitching staff moving forward. I would like to know why he hit the portal. Was it Parker not being retained (Parker likes Dotson upside), or us not having a PC announced? It?s not like he was not utilized in several different pitching opportunities. Surely it?s not money, bc we have top 3-4 NIL in the SEC. 17!!!!

[mparkerfd20]

Cut. Is what I heard.

[HoopsDawg]

Cut. Is what I heard.

Your not cutting a lefty with his stuff.

[ZedFedder]

I never was super impressed with Dotson. He had a fastball, and that was it.

[confucius say]

It wasn't money.
He wasn't cut. But we were ok with him leaving.

[CarolinaDawgs]

It wasn't money.
He wasn't cut. But we were ok with him leaving.

Just wait until SVS chimes in with a really long paragraph and gets a Coaches history wrong. He might beg to differ

[The Federalist Engineer]

It wasn't money.
He wasn't cut. But we were ok with him leaving.

He is an alright player for a collegiate 35-man roster. As a returning Junior, this was his year to maximize himself. He must like JP or Lemons so much he can't stay.

Or he feels bad about blowing the 2-0 lead on FSU. He would have been a toasted legend had he bagged 4 or 5 scoreless innings and earned MSU a win.

I bet Wright State, slayers of Vanderbilt have some talent for the portal. Griffen Page shutout Vandy for 8 innings! Whistlers going crazy! Dotson could never face whistlers without walking the bases loaded. Then the lefty at East Carolina that shutout Florida. Both sophomores.

[confucius say]

I like Dotson's potential. If we are okay with him leaving, that seems to signal we have some arms coming that we like.

[ZedFedder]

I wonder if portal action picks up after these exit interviews O?Connor has done with our guys and after the introduction today.

Btw, is the event being streamed?

[StarkVegasSteve]

I wonder if portal action picks up after these exit interviews O?Connor has done with our guys and after the introduction today.

Btw, is the event being streamed?

Yes it is being streamed on SECNetwork+.

As far as commits, We may. I think we will see a couple before the weekend is over. Aiden Teel seems to be the most likely.

[AlSwearengen]

if we get back to the level that we hope to, Dotson would be a middle inning, 2 innings max type of pitcher. You don't mind keeping him, but I don't think anyone should be panicking over it.

[ZedFedder]

if we get back to the level that we hope to, Dotson would be a middle inning, 2 innings max type of pitcher. You don't mind keeping him, but I don't think anyone should be panicking over it.

This is where I am.

[KB21]

The freshman class that graduated in 2023 was the 9th rated class in the country according to D1 Baseball. I can't remember right off the top of my head where Baseball America had it. It was top 10 though.

Well, we have ZERO players left from that class.

[Homedawg]

Cut. Is what I heard.

no

[Homedawg]

It wasn't money.
He wasn't cut. But we were ok with him leaving.

this

[Lord McBuckethead]

Need a catcher that throws and rakes.
Need basically everything we can get. We will find a spot in the field for them.

[Thick]

I get it. I just liked Dotson, and Parker had stated on Bo?s show (first interview after interim HC maybe) that he liked Luke, what he brought to the table, and him progressing as a pitcher. Don?t get me wrong, I hope we are replacing him with a better player, but I thought he would stick around and be a good option next season. Have faith in the new staff, right?

[StarkVegasSteve]

Need a catcher that throws and rakes.
Need basically everything we can get. We will find a spot in the field for them.

I mean just a rough estimate we need: A C and a backup C, 1B, SS, 2-3 OFs, two weekend starters, and 3-4 relievers. That's not a small amount. Add to that, we're going to have to pay big to keep Ace and McPherson.

[State82]

Matt just said that we currently have the third most portal entries in the country at 12. I didn't realize it was that many yet. Virginia has 21 and Kentucky is second. He was quoting an article from some college baseball writer, possibly ON3.

[BravesDoggy]

Expecting Dotson to produce every year is worth about as much as Todd?s annual ?we?re going to Omaha? predictions.

[Tripp McNeely]

I mean just a rough estimate we need: A C and a backup C, 1B, SS, 2-3 OFs, two weekend starters, and 3-4 relievers. That's not a small amount. Add to that, we're going to have to pay big to keep Ace and McPherson.

Are we gonna need another 1B with Stache and Stallman coming back?

[Thick]

Expecting Dotson to produce every year is worth about as much as Todd?s annual ?we?re going to Omaha? predictions.

I think you?re wrong. A left hander throwing in the 90?s with potential to develop his off speed pitches is worth it (mid relief, short relief, maybe a midweek starter). It doesn?t matter, bc he?s gone. Moving on

[Thick]

https://www.facebook.com/share/p/14GujjGgN4E/?mibextid=wwXIfr

[The Federalist Engineer]

Matt just said that we currently have the third most portal entries in the country at 12. I didn't realize it was that many yet. Virginia has 21 and Kentucky is second. He was quoting an article from some college baseball writer, possibly ON3.

Normal stuff.

I do hope Spalitta is not on the list. I think this a good player.

[Thick]

Normal stuff.

I do hope Spalitta is not on the list. I think this a good player.

He entered today.

[KB21]

Players that I saw at the event:
Tomas Valincius
Vytas Valincius
Eric Becker
Chone James
Aiden Teel
James Nunnallee

[CaptainObvious]

Players that I saw at the event:
Tomas Valincius
Vytas Valincius
Eric Becker
Chone James
Aiden Teel
James Nunnallee

Did you get your picture taken with them?

[Homedawg]

Normal stuff.

I do hope Spalitta is not on the list. I think this a good player.

He has no position

[KB21]

Did you get your picture taken with them?

No, but I did snap a photo of Justin Parker and realized after the fact that Tomas Valincius, Eric Becker, and James Nunnallee were in the photo.

[StarkVegasSteve]

Players that I saw at the event:
Tomas Valincius
Vytas Valincius
Eric Becker
Chone James
Aiden Teel
James Nunnallee

I have a pretty good feeling, call it a certainty, that 5 of those 6 will commit in pretty short order.

[Cowbell]

No, but I did snap a photo of Justin Parker and realized after the fact that Tomas Valincius, Eric Becker, and James Nunnallee were in the photo.

Thanks for sharing that on Twitter

[The Federalist Engineer]

Players that I saw at the event:
Tomas Valincius
Vytas Valincius
Eric Becker
Chone James
Aiden Teel
James Nunnallee

That's a very interesting Portal Class of the experience and upper class D1 players. Chon James is a C but not the starter, used as DH, and All ACC freshman. Vytas Valincius Is an Illinois player and former huge Recruit for USCe. Good numbers, 2nd Team All Big Ten.

[StarkVegasSteve]

To the surprise of no one, Ross Highfill has entered the portal.

[bigbub50]

Burns announces he is back. He has the stuff. He was coming off injury from a few years ago. He could take a huge leap forward. Didnt park say in pre season that he had friday night stuff.

[mparkerfd20]

News of all those leaving. Past time for news on those coming.

[Homedawg]

Burns announces he is back. He has the stuff. He was coming off injury from a few years ago. He could take a huge leap forward. Didnt park say in pre season that he had friday night stuff.

Got a Friday night slider w what is currently Thursday morning command. Hope he takes a jump.

[Coursesuper]

Got a Friday night slider w what is currently Thursday morning command. Hope he takes a jump.

Truth!

[StateDawg44]

To the surprise of no one, Ross Highfill has entered the portal.

https://media4.giphy.com/media/v1.Y2lkPTc5MGI3NjExcDlndTRyMWZlenlsM2QwYjZzN3FjMnh lcGI4dHlyMXMwM3N1YnVreCZlcD12MV9pbnRlcm5hbF9naWZfY nlfaWQmY3Q9Zw/3ornkbEo4MuwPYcISY/giphy.gif

[bigbub50]

McPherson back. I bet Charlie is meeting with these guys and transfers on campus now hashing out the cash. Other big fish we are waiting on that’s on campus. Ace, foster, Sullivan, Frye, chance, stallman.

[StarkVegasSteve]

James Nunnallee has committed

[bigbub50]

Lots of Virginia transfers committing according to the twitters.

[38843dawg]

James Nunnallee has committed

Tomas Valincius and Chone James also.

[The Federalist Engineer]

Burns announces he is back. He has the stuff. He was coming off injury from a few years ago. He could take a huge leap forward. Didnt park say in pre season that he had friday night stuff.

JP said that Burns is a "Superstar" in the making.

The dudes that were called out were:

Burns, Foster, and Duke Stone. They were called the future SEC staff. Honestly, seems that McP is ahead of all them them as of this writing. McP would be my top Candidate for Fridays in 2026 from players currently on the roster.

[HoopsDawg]

Tomas Valincius and Chone James also.

If TV makes the expected jump from freshman to sophomore, he and Foster will battle it out for the Friday spot with the loser being the Saturday or Sunday guy.

[The Federalist Engineer]

Are we gonna need another 1B with Stache and Stallman coming back?

Update: https://x.com/VytasValincius?ref_src=twsrc%5Egoogle%7Ctwcamp%5Es erp%7Ctwgr%5Eauthor

Vytas Valincius is the brother of the LHP starter Tomas Valincius that is (updated) Officially a DOG.

https://fightingillini.com/sports/baseball/roster/vytas-valincius/14773

6-4 220lb and was a primarily 1B in High School, but a OF for Illinois.

348 hitter, 33K and 22BB

[HoopsDawg]

Update: https://x.com/VytasValincius?ref_src=twsrc%5Egoogle%7Ctwcamp%5Es erp%7Ctwgr%5Eauthor

Vytas Valincius is the brother of the LHP starter Tomas Valincius that is (updated) Officially a DOG.

https://fightingillini.com/sports/baseball/roster/vytas-valincius/14773

6-4 220lb and was a primarily 1B in High School, but a OF for Illinois.

348 hitter, 33K and 22BB

I think he could play LF or 1B for us.

[cheewgumm]

The pitching staff is gonna be disgusting.

[Commercecomet24]

The pitching staff is gonna be disgusting.

Yep

[Coursesuper]

Yep

Need more quality depth to go with this front line. But it looks very nice so far.

[Coursesuper]

Yep

Valincius kid has almost a 1.3 whip as a freshmen, wow.

[bigbub50]

Valincius kid has almost a 1.3 whip as a freshmen, wow.

Lefty that can hit 94 on the gun. Wipe out slider.

[Commercecomet24]

Valincius kid has almost a 1.3 whip as a freshmen, wow.

He's a good un! Reminds me of the Polk days. Ron always seemed to have a nasty lefty in his rotation.

[Commercecomet24]

Need more quality depth to go with this front line. But it looks very nice so far.

Agreed, but looks like all the ducks are starting to align for us.

[StarkVegasSteve]

So just to recap so some don't have to scroll through the thread, we have picked up:

Tomas Valincius-LHP UVA
Vytas Valincius-OF/1B Illinois
Chone James-UT UVA
James Nunnallee-OF UVA


And I wouldn't be shocked if Eric Becker(SS) and Aidan Teel(OF),both from UVA, don't announce in pretty short order as well.

[TNDawg35]

I think he could play LF or 1B for us.

I hope Sully comes back and is our everyday 1B.

[Santiago]

They had to have enjoyed seeing a sample last night of our enthusiasm for baseball. I saw a twitter video of our fans ringing cowbells and cheering them as some of the recruits walked near home plate.

[StarkVegasSteve]

They had to have enjoyed seeing a sample last night of our enthusiasm for baseball. I saw a twitter video of our fans ringing cowbells and cheering them as some of the recruits walked near home plate.

I'm sure the fact that their coach is now here and we probably upped their NIL didn't hurt either.

[Santiago]

I'm sure the fact that their coach is now here and we probably upped their NIL didn't hurt either.

yeah if one likes those things ***
Just mean, for their first tour of MSU and Starkville, having fans cheer for you. Doesn't hurt

[The Federalist Engineer]

So just to recap so some don't have to scroll through the thread, we have picked up:

Tomas Valincius-LHP UVA
Vytas Valincius-OF/1B Illinois
Chone James-UT UVA
James Nunnallee-OF UVA


And I wouldn't be shocked if Eric Becker(SS) and Aidan Teel(OF),both from UVA, don't announce in pretty short order as well.

Something I like with UVA coaches is that geographically, they are Eastern, Northern, and Southern. Transfers for MSU are typically Memphis, Samford, and other southern schools. The new staff should have relationships to pull-in Maryland, Pennsy, and Jersey Portal and Transfer kids.

The parents in these areas are paying more for grade-school tuition than MSU tuition, rent, and food. Getting an MSU baseball scholly, is like a $40K per year gift in many cases. Imagine being a Villanova player with 60K tuition and now you can play baseball for MSU with $0 tuition.

[Pancho]

what is the latest on our portal catcher possibilities?

[Coursesuper]

what is the latest on our portal catcher possibilities?

One committed today.

[StarkVegasSteve]

what is the latest on our portal catcher possibilities?

Chone James committed today, but I would imagine we'll keep looking. We currently have zero catchers on the roster so we need AT LEAST 2-3 out of the portal.

[KB21]

James can also play 2B.

[Pancho]

I was under the impression that James was a 2nd baseman. what about eh catcher from ND?

[StarkVegasSteve]

I was under the impression that James was a 2nd baseman. what about eh catcher from ND?

James can play everywhere. He's more utility than anything.

[KB21]

I haven?t seen anything connecting us to him.

There is a freshman catcher from UNC Asheville who we are in on. I think his name is Ryland Stockton.

[bigbub50]

We are basically forming an all star team from Virginia and our squad. Some of our guys are going to get processed. Some from Virginia are not going to be offered. Like it or not, this is a business now. Some of the uncommitted Virginia guys are huge draft risks as well. Chance, Frei, and Sulli could also go pro.

[Pancho]

I am interested to see how the incoming freshman class stacks up. will it contain some Virginia signees who want to play for BOC?

[Todd4State]

James can play everywhere. He's more utility than anything.

We need a lot of catchers. Really need two plus James at least.

[AlSwearengen]

It is looking like we are bringing in a lot of second year or sophomore players. Listening to Hadad on the radio earlier, he mentioned that some baseball guy (didn?t catch the name) said that the group of Virginia kids that have recently committed all are potential top 75 draft type pick players in 2027.

[Todd4State]

Chone James committed today, but I would imagine we'll keep looking. We currently have zero catchers on the roster so we need AT LEAST 2-3 out of the portal.

I hope we tampered with Austin Fawley of Ole Miss. It seems like he hits a home run every game.

[Todd4State]

It is looking like we are bringing in a lot of second year or sophomore players. Listening to Hadad on the radio earlier, he mentioned that some baseball guy (didn?t catch the name) said that the group of Virginia kids that have recently committed all are potential top 75 draft type pick players in 2027.

A lot of them are guys with two years of eligibility left. Which will pair up well with our young pitchers like McPherson, Foster, Burns although he will be draft eligible next season, and honestly a guy that I wished we had pitched more and did pitch well when he had the opportunity in Cade O'Leary.

Which of course as you know that means that these players will have their peak season in 2027.

[KOdawg1]

Lock up Teel and Becker and the lineup is pretty much done

[bigbub50]

Foster is back. We maybe more excited about him than mcp if he had stayed healthy this year. It said a lot that he was our first midweek starter against usm. Coaches love his potential.

[AlSwearengen]

Foster is back. We maybe more excited about him than mcp if he had stayed healthy this year. It said a lot that he was our first midweek starter against usm. Coaches love his potential.

Great news!! I was a little worried about him. Early in the year it looked like he was really close to figuring it out on the command side, which is all he was missing. The stuff is elite. He completely overmatched usm’s hitters, he was just a little wild in that game. You can see it.

[PreacherDawg]

It's going to be interesting when players currently playing in Supers and CWS start to hit the portal.

[HoopsDawg]

Great news!! I was a little worried about him. Early in the year it looked like he was really close to figuring it out on the command side, which is all he was missing. The stuff is elite. He completely overmatched usm’s hitters, he was just a little wild in that game. You can see it.

FSU couldn't do anything with him.

[AlSwearengen]

How are we feeling about Becker? He was on campus Thursday, wasn’t he?

[Cowbell]

How are we feeling about Becker? He was on campus Thursday, wasn’t he?

Good

[KB21]

Teel is in.

[mparkerfd20]

Isn't Teel a draft risk?

[Coach34]

Isn't Teel a draft risk?

Nope- August birthday

[WSOPdawg]

Isn't Teel a draft risk?

The UVA 1B Ford is the draft risk. He may be the top transfer in the portal and may sign with UT but easily could be drafted in 1st or 2nd round.

Hopefully SS Becker comes on board soon.

[confucius say]

Nope- August birthday

I was told in another thread that you're draft eligible of your turn 21 within 45 days after the draft. Not sure how true, but makes sense because Henry Ford birthday is 14 days after the draft and he is draft eligible.

[KB21]

Teel has been in college for three years, so he is eligible to be drafted.

[Coach34]

ahhhhh medical RS his 1st year

[Tater]

So just to recap so some don't have to scroll through the thread, we have picked up:

Tomas Valincius-LHP UVA
Vytas Valincius-OF/1B Illinois
Chone James-UT UVA
James Nunnallee-OF UVA


And I wouldn't be shocked if Eric Becker(SS) and Aidan Teel(OF),both from UVA, don't announce in pretty short order as well.

We need an updated roster tracker first post of a thread.

I'm not active enough to do it otherwise I would go do it myself.

Thinking though:
OF
IF (with potential positions in parentheses)
C
LHP
RHP

And something denoting who is a draft risk / not confirmed here next year yet.

If someone else with the time and energy to commit to keep it up to date on here wants to do it, that would be greatly appreciated

[KOdawg1]

Becker, a couple of catchers, another starter or two, and then a couple of bullpen arms, and we've got a preseason top 5 team on our hands.

[maroonmania]

Any indications of what Sullivan or Frei might do?

[KOdawg1]

Any indications of what Sullivan or Frei might do?

Just will come down to the draft. I think if either are selected, they'll probably go. Problem is neither of them really can play a position, so not many teams will look that hard at them.

[Tater]

Becker, a couple of catchers, another starter or two, and then a couple of bullpen arms, and we've got a preseason top 5 team on our hands.

Just not top 2****

[The Federalist Engineer]

Any indications of what Sullivan or Frei might do?

Frei is a player. You want him back, 100%.

This dude might hit 375 and +12 HR and he's a Switch Hitter.

He got better and better in LF. Hit 345 with most of that versus SEC arms. He did not get to play versus the lesser opponents in the early season.

[Coach34]

yep- thats I worry about the draft on him

[AlSwearengen]

Besides being a good hitter, Sullivan looked like he had that “give a shit” about him and possibly a leader. We need as much of that as we can get.

[Coursesuper]

Besides being a good hitter, Sullivan looked like he had that “give a shit” about him and possibly a leader. We need as much of that as we can get.

Yeah the kids follow his lead for sure. It would be very nice to have him back for another season.

[Coach34]

Besides being a good hitter, Sullivan looked like he had that ?give a shit? about him and possibly a leader. We need as much of that as we can get.

Sully was/is 100% a leader. A juice guy. We need him back badly. I think Sully would live in StarkVegas for 50 years if we employed him after baseball. While there are people tht simply dont like the small town atmosphere- he has soaked it up and loved it

[HoopsDawg]

The issue I see with the outfield is we have 3 left fielders right now: Chance, Frei, and Nunnallee. 4 if you count Val, but I guess he's moving to 1B. Need to dodge the draft with Teel.

[Cowbell]

Sully was/is 100% a leader. A juice guy. We need him back badly. I think Sully would live in StarkVegas for 50 years if we employed him after baseball. While there are people tht simply dont like the small town atmosphere- he has soaked it up and loved it

This is dead accurate. He's a true dawg

[The Federalist Engineer]

List of Out-Bound by On3

That 2023 Recruiting Class is total Chernobyl meltdown. I remember people worried that firing Lemons in 23 would risk the recruits.

OF Fr. Landis Davila
RHP Jr. Gavin Black
SS So. Dylan Cupp
OF So. Nolan Stevens
OF So. Michael O’Brien
LHP So. Luke Dotson
LHP Jr. Robert Fortenberry
RHP Jr. Kevin Mannell
C Jr. Jackson Owen
C So. Steven Spalitta
C Jr. Ross Highfill
SS Fr. Lukas Buckner

[msstate7]

The issue I see with the outfield is we have 3 left fielders right now: Chance, Frei, and Nunnallee. 4 if you count Val, but I guess he's moving to 1B. Need to dodge the draft with Teel.

I didn't know frei was eligible to come back. Damn, this team could be really good

[Pancho]

get a SS on board and a couple catchers and some more arms and we ready

[Coach34]

List of Out-Bound by On3

That 2023 Recruiting Class is total Chernobyl meltdown. I remember people worried that firing Lemons in 23 would risk the recruits.

OF Fr. Landis Davila
RHP Jr. Gavin Black
SS So. Dylan Cupp
OF So. Nolan Stevens
OF So. Michael O’Brien
LHP So. Luke Dotson
LHP Jr. Robert Fortenberry
RHP Jr. Kevin Mannell
C Jr. Jackson Owen
C So. Steven Spalitta
C Jr. Ross Highfill
SS Fr. Lukas Buckner

How was Highfill in the 23 recruiting class? He played for us in 23
Buckner as well- he was playing HS ball in 24?

[The Federalist Engineer]

How was Highfill in the 23 recruiting class? He played for us in 23
Buckner as well- he was playing HS ball in 24?

Talking Cupp, Stevens, Grant, and Dotson. Those were the top undrafted players from the 2023 class. But even the rest of the class has no starters and only OBrien has a chance to make the 2026 roster unless Grant is given a 2nd chance.

[HoopsDawg]

Talking Cupp, Stevens, Grant, and Dotson. Those were the top undrafted players from the 2023 class. But even the rest of the class has no starters and only OBrien has a chance to make the 2026 roster unless Grant is given a 2nd chance.

O'Brien and Grant are both gone. There are zero players remaining from the 2023 signing class which was ranked 9th in the country.