6-0/200. 2022s . He totaled 45.2 innings last season and notched 58 strikeouts, while allowing 27 walks. Projected Starter: Troy LaNeve or Javier Vaz. Vanderbilt will also host midweek matchups against Western Kentucky (April 4), North Alabama (April 11), Indiana State (April 18), Georgia State (May 2) and Middle Tennessee State (May 16), while facing in-state foes Belmont (March 14) and Lipscomb (March 21) in neutral-site contests at First Horizon Park. The scouting site describes him as having a strong and accurate throwing arm with solid athleticism in the field and the ability to hit to all fields at the plate. Vanderbilt uses a strong start from pitcher Devin Futrell and an impressive finish from closer Nick Maldonado to beat back to Bruins, 2-1. A multi-positional, Vanderbilt baseball athlete. (KLKN) - Nebraska secured its first top-10 win in four years after upsetting No. When hes not playing, watching or discussing sports, Connor shows an equal amount of love for film. While he was expected to be a first-round pick in the 2022 MLB Draft, Dutkanych withdrew in order to attend Vanderbilt. The views and opinions expressed in this publication are those of the authors and do not necessarily reflect the policy or position of Vanderbilt University and its official representatives. Head coach Tim Corbin acknowledged that [Vastine] is one of the best pure athletes on [the] team, and the feeling within the VandyBoys locker room is that the sophomore is ready to make a jump. Feb 5, Vanderbilt (12-10) Win vs. Louisiana State, 75-66; 23. Announce Sports dropdown. In previous years, Tate Kolwyck has gotten plenty of time at second base, but with Dominic Keegan moving behind the plate, Kolwyck has been taking reps at first most of the spring. If Corbin feels keeping Maldonado in the bullpen is important, expect senior Thomas Schultz or freshman Carter Holton to step into a weekend starter role. Bryce Smith, Aiden Rutman, Frankie Sheehy, Luke Rollfinke, Bowman Talbot, Bobby Kent and Connor Campbell February 16, 2023. UTL, Senior IF, Freshman LaNeve came on strong in 2021 after getting his opportunity in May. 75 ABs). The comment sections are moderated by our Editor-in-Chief, Rachael Perrotta, and our Social Media Director, Chloe Postlewaite. Diaz may not see much action this season, but he will learn an exceptional amount as a backup player for a soon-to-be MLB player and could move around the infield to other positions this season as well. February 22: Wright State W, 14-1; . The VandyBoys welcome another Maldonado to the squad this year, brother of closer Nick. Maldonado attended Seton Hall Prep like his brother before him and was a Perfect Game Top 150 prospect. Diaz comes to Vanderbilt with a lot of skill and an amazing opportunity at his fingertips. Name Pos. With the departure of Carter Young, we expect Diaz to slide over into his natural position in the middle of the field. That mix includes a low-90s fastball that Futrell pinpoints on the corners of the strike zone and a sweeping curveball designed to miss bats. Its possible reliever Chris McElvain also sees some time in Vanderbilts starting rotation, but dont be surprised if Schultz or Holton burst onto the scene. Fans may recall his clutch 2-run bomb in the bottom of the ninth against Indiana State last season, setting up Enrique Bradfield Jr. to eventually steal home and win the game in the bottom of the 11th. Keegan, who will move behind the plate in place of the departed, and Romero Jr., will give way to Kolwyck, who has provided utility reps all around the field throughout his four-year career. Weve slotted freshman Andrew Dutkanych IV here as the midweek starter, but I certainly wouldnt be surprised to see him get a few Sunday starts later on, especially given how open that competition is this year. Bryce Smith ('23) is majoring in human and organizational development in Peabody College with a minor in business. 2022 Record: 39-23. Vanderbilt will most likely split time at designated hitter between outfielder Calvin Hewett and utility man Matthew Polk. McKenzie could get some looks in right field with center firmly occupied, but expect the bulk of the non-Jones reps to go to Mallory Jr. and Smith. Fifth-year senior Javier Vaz also could return. He posted a .213 batting average that, at one point, peaked at over .400 before dropping back down to Earth. Devin Futrell is the latest in that group and the now-sophomore is poised to build upon a sensational freshman campaign as the midweek starter by locking down the Saturday spot this year. Currently, Vanderbilt has 15 returning, non-draft eligible players, 19 commits and 15 draft-eligible players. Noland tallied 43 RBIs and seven home runs last season. Should Vanderbilt baseball, Tim Corbin take more transfers? To start, the New Jersey Native stands at an intimidating 63 and 208 lbs with a fearsome stare from 60 feet away. Jonathan Vastine enters his sophomore year looking to build off of a solid foundation from the 2021-22 season. However, like many of the VandyBoys, LaNeve slumped in the College World Series, bringing into question whether his run down the stretch was a fluke. The Vanderbilt Hustler welcomes and encourages readers to engage with content and express opinions through the comment sections on our website and social media platforms. Tim Corbins 2023 squad features many new faces after the departures of program stalwarts like Spencer Jones, Dominic Keegan and Christian Little this offseason. Coach Corbin even stated that, The best gift a program receives is when a senior player returns for their final year. The transfers of Carter Young and Gavin Casas, as well as longtime starters Tate Kolwyck and Parker Noland being draft-eligible, has left this area dangerously thin. Fans may recall his clutch 2-run bomb in the bottom of the ninth against. The Commodores will face a trio of Big Ten opponents in Minnesota (March 3), Nebraska (March 4) and Maryland (March 5). A 61 frame and springy swing allows the Florida native to uncork his plus-power, which should translate to doubles and home run potential from the corner spot. Unlike many of the other hitters in the starting lineup, Noland is a Vanderbilt veteran with the game experience to back it up. After three years spent paying his dues behind a slew of great outfielders, TJ McKenzie is finally ready for his shot to nail down a corner outfield spot for the VandyBoys in 2023. 7 Oklahoma State. After having a year under his belt and more experience, his home run numbers should go up. The deadline to enter the transfer portal was July 1 in order to be eligible immediately for the 2023 season. Hliboki, who last pitched in April 2021 due to injury, could follow that path. McElvain, a junior, made 22 appearances on the mound last season, the third most on the team, including one start. Put simply, the Commodores will go as far as No. He led the nation with 47 stolen bases and posted a .336 batting average, good for second overall on the team. In his last two years with the Duke Blue Devils, the Harvard-Westlake High School grad slashed .314 with 26 home runs and 89 RBIs in addition to recording 19 stolen bases. While the role of closer may be handed back to Nick Maldonado this spring, Schultz should still be one of the first names Tim Corbin turns to when the going gets tough. Look for him to truly come onto the scene as he settles into his starting role. Outfield is also the position where draft-eligible players are most likely to return. This site is not affiliated with Vanderbilt University, Vanderbilt University Athletics, or Vanderbilt Baseball. His greatest asset, however, is his stellar defense- hallmarked by a career .972 fielding percentage.Yet, the greatest impact Noland has on the VandyBoys is far greater than his on the field talents. So. 2021 Roster Position Players. Feb 8, Vanderbilt (13-10) Win vs. Missouri, 70-62; 24. The Commodores do-it-all leadoff man was a consensus All-American in each of his first two collegiate campaigns and has stolen 93 bases and maintained a .326 batting average across his first 129 games as a VandyBoy. The senior infielder committed just two errors in 43 games played last season. Backstops CJ Rodriguez and Maxwell Romero Jr. have found new homes. Here's the roster outlook for the 2023 season: ROCKER UPDATE:Former Vanderbilt baseball ace Kumar Rocker had shoulder surgery in fall | Report, SUMMER BALL:Where every Vanderbilt baseball player is playing summer ball. C, Freshman Bobby Kent (23) is a Senior Staff Writer for The Hustler Sports section, having been on staff since his first semester at Vanderbilt. Coach Corbin even stated that, The best gift a program receives is when a senior player returns for their final year. That comfortability, I believe, will cause an increase in his fielding percentagewhich already sits at an incredible .930as well as the other aspects of his game. back in October. He does have a home run to his namea solo shot he hit in his most recent game against Florida International University, so if the sophomore gets a chance, its possible he cements a spot in the lineup going forward. 0:49. LHP. Here's an early look at how Vanderbilt's roster could shape up next year ahead of the MLB Draft starting July 17: Fifteen players have entered the transfer portal so far, but nineof them played in fewer than five games in 2022. Sophomore left-hander Ryan Ginther showed promise in a high-leverage relief role at the end of the season. Parker is that gift. Although down in production during his junior season, the 2023 campaign looks bright for the Farragut High School product. Corbin said as late as this past Friday that he and pitching coach Scott Brown still had discussions to have regarding Vanderbilts starting location. Last season, he often batted first, as his ability to steal bases proved to be a huge difference maker for the Commodores. With 20 commits in the incoming freshman class, some are likely to be lost to the draft, but those who join Dutkanych on campus could make an impact right away. The talented freshman was a top 20 prospect in Florida, tallying 15 RBIs while hitting .418 as a senior. The Official Athletic Site of the Vanderbilt Commodores. Polk enters his first season with the Commodores after a noteworthy high school career. Kolwyck, who took home the VandyBoys most valuable teammate award at. They figure to be in the VandyBoys long-term plans, so Corbin ought to give them a taste of college ball. 75 ABs). In his free time, he enjoys golfing. His greatest asset, however, is his patience at the plate. Roster turnover is present each and every year in college baseball, but his 20th year on West End will mark a new challenge for head coach Tim Corbin. High School Reunion Tournament, Vanderbilt admits 15.7% of early decision applicants, record low, VandyBoys Series Preview: Battling the Big Ten at the Cambria College Classic, No. On Wednesday, Vanderbilt baseball released their 2023 conference schedule. TJ McKenzie and Troy LaNeve got minimal playing time in 2022, making them unlikely to be drafted, but could still break out as seniors. The talented sophomore was one of two Commodores selected to the Baseball America Preseason. A number of different players could receive time at first base if Kolwyck finds his way elsewhere, including Keegan and Jack Bulger. Here is the schedule for the championship series . He played in 66 of 67 games his sophomore year and appeared in 48 last season. History shows that Tim Corbin likes to put freshmen in this midweek role in order to ease them into the role against nonconference opponents. Beyond just the experience and consistency, Bulger posted a very solid .269 batting average last season to go along with 57 hits and 25 RBIs. Maldonado attended Seton Hall Prep like his brother before him and was a Perfect Game Top 150 prospect. Keegan returns to Vanderbilt for a fourth year on West End after being taken by the New York Yankees with the 573rd pick in the MLB Draft last spring. The Vanderbilt Hustler Sports staff provides their position-by-position expectations ahead of the VandyBoys season opener on Feb. 18. this offseason. Any of the three could also be lockdown relievers. from last years roster, look for McElvain to be the first player out of the bullpen for the Commodores this year. Most importantly, Polk does not play to his size, and drives the ball with impressive gap power. 4 days ago. Unlike many of the other hitters in the starting lineup, Noland is a Vanderbilt veteran with the game experience to back it up. Vanderbilt and Georgia Tech played in the 2021 Nashville Regional Final (Game 6). Chris McElvain, the Friday starter for much of 2022, is likely to begin his professional career, and Christian Little, used as a spot-starter, transferred to LSU. Hes already shown that he can flourish in any role hes put in and with the increased role of the shortstop position, Im confident Diaz will see great success. Tim Corbins 2023 squad features many new faces after the departures of program stalwarts like. He could also figure to get some time in a starting role should Corbin want to experiment with his rotation early in the year. If Vanderbilt Athletics gave out a Most Improved Player award, Diaz wouldve been a finalist last year. don the Black and Gold and has a chance to put together one of the most decorated individual seasons in VandyBoys history in 2023. Jr. Lynn English (Mass.) While . And valuable upperclassmen such as, But life goes on for Corbin and the VandyBoys, and in place of the losses, the Commodore skipper has added plenty of underclassmen talent and has high hopes for a number of experienced Commodores. Second baseman Tate Kolwyck has another year of eligibility, but he participated in senior day,indicating he is unlikely to be back. While this year will require Holton to take another step up to become the Commodores Friday starter, he should be more than capable of continuing to progress. Hes a national award winner in the Greatest Save PSA Contest for his film, Domino, and released his first short film, Park Bench, Lindsey Jorda (23) is double majoring in neuroscience and psychology in the College of Arts and Science. UTL, Freshman Parker is that gift. Although down in production during his junior season, the 2023 campaign looks bright for the Farragut High School product. Before writing for The Hustler, Andrew worked for FanWide. The first wave of Vanderbilt baseball's offseason attrition is done. Hes also a solid baserunner, stealing four bags and scoring 40 runs for the VandyBoys. Vanderbilt Baseball. But life goes on for Corbin and the VandyBoys, and in place of the losses, the Commodore skipper has added plenty of underclassmen talent and has high hopes for a number of experienced Commodores. Whether its at first, second or even designated hitter, he will be a central figure in this years lineup. The MLB Draft, which begins in two weeks, will trim the roster further. The Commodores played their home games at Hawkins Field.Coach Tim Corbin led the Commodores in his 19th season with the program, reaching the 2021 College World Series finals, finishing . Freshman C . As the lefty enters this season with a year of experience under his belt, the Commodores will likely lean on him more and expect more innings from him. Reilly has been so close to solidifying the Sunday starter spot since he started with the program, but has never been given the conclusive nod. Reserve: Kenny Mallory Jr. and Christian Smith. Vanderbilt baseball returned to Hawkins Field on Tuesday for its first official practice of the fall season. If Corbin feels keeping Maldonado in the bullpen is important, expect senior Thomas Schultz or freshman Carter Holton to step into a weekend starter role. One can assume Corbins decision will most likely come down to who plays better at the start of the season and maintains consistent play. 2022 Roster Position Players. The junior will provide toughness and grit as a catalyst for a team trying to make a run towards a College World Series title. Though he doesnt have an overwhelming fastball, his swing-and-miss stuff was consistent all year, and his command was fantastic. Luke loves all things sports so when he's not writing for the Hustler he's probably out either playing for a club or intramural team or watching a game. Last season, while still a limited sample size, Hewett had an On-base Percentage (OBP) of .427 and an On-Base + Slugging (OPS) of .931. Stats; Season; Roster; Games . Roster; Games . The speedster swiped five bases last season with just 42 at-bats and boasted a .396 on-base percentage. As a freshman, Espinal saw only six games of action due to the extraordinary depth at catcher last season, but he might get some looks this year if Keegan moves to first base or takes on a designated hitter role at some point. All rights reserved. Nonetheless, his raw power and potential should make him an opening day starter. Keegan played nearly every game last year and has become a cornerstone of this VandyBoys program. 2022 Vanderbilt Baseball Roster 2022 Vanderbilt Baseball Roster. Although Young had a batting average of .252 last season, he capitalized in clutch moments, such as scoring two of Vanderbilts four runs in the NCAA Super Regional game against East Carolina. IF, Sophomore 2022-23 Baseball Roster Roster . Aiden Rutman ('25) is a student in Peabody College majoring in HOD and minoring in Communication Studies. He figures to be a spark plug at the bottom of the Commodore batting order and also will likely slot into left field at some point too, where he showed last year that. 2022 Vanderbilt Baseball Commit List NAME XIV Stars POS. He can be reached at [emailprotected], Andy Carr ('22) was a student in the College of Arts and Science who studied economics with minors in business and computer science. The Vanderbilt Hustler welcomes and encourages readers to engage with content and express opinions through the comment sections on our website and social media platforms. 5 (0.6126) SOS. The senior infielder committed just two errors in 43 games played last season. Nebraska baseball took a massive step forward Friday, topping No. IF, Freshman . But Vaz himself told reporters last Friday that he doesnt even know where he will end up playing. Find out the latest on your favorite NCAAB players on . Luke Rollfinke (2025) is a student in the College of Arts and Science planning to major in Mathematics with a minor in Communications. The highlight of his season was grinding out an infield single en route to scoring the walk-off run in Vanderbilts improbable comeback victory over Stanford. Though his game action has been infrequent to this point, McKenzie sports a .287 career batting average as well and figures to be a key veteran presence in 2023. Poteet is an interesting case. He gave the team an offensive spark in key moments and was truly a revelation for Corbin at the midseason mark with a playoff push coming. . Polk will provide depth for the Commodores and will get a chance to see action a few times this season, where he will help Vanderbilt improve their on-base percentage.