Examining Vanderbilt baseball's 2023 roster: Who's gone, who's back, who will step up?
Vanderbilt baseball is slated to have another top pitching rotation in 2023 after relying largely on freshmen in 2022. But after struggling offensively at times in 2022, the Commodores are likely to lose their two best hitters.
Here's an early look at how Vanderbilt's roster could shape up next year ahead of the MLB Draft starting July 17:
Who's gone?
Fifteen players have entered the transfer portal so far, but nine of them played in fewer than five games in 2022. That leaves six contributors who are gone: bullpen arms Donye Evans, Brett Hansen and Greysen Carter, shortstop Carter Young, first baseman Gavin Casas and most notably, right-hander Christian Little, who transferred to LSU.
Vanderbilt does not have any players who are out of eligibility, but regardless it will lose several to the draft. Outfielder Spencer Jones, first baseman Dominic Keegan and right-hander Chris McElvain are almost certainly gone. Second baseman Tate Kolwyck has another year of eligibility, but he participated in senior day, indicating he is unlikely to be back.
Other eligible players who could be selected in the MLB Draft include relief pitchers Jack Anderson, Nick Maldonado, Thomas Schultz, Sam Hliboki and Grayson Moore; infielder Parker Noland; outfielders Javier Vaz, TJ McKenzie and Troy LaNeve and catcher Jack Bulger.
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Who's back?
The anchors of Vanderbilt's 2023 team will be center fielder Enrique Bradfield Jr., already a two-time All-American, and freshmen All-American starting pitchers Carter Holton and Devin Futrell. Holton is the favorite to be the Friday starter.
Some of the draft-eligible players will likely come for another year as well. Senior right-hander Michael Doolin, who missed the last two seasons after undergoing two elbow surgeries, will return, according to Robbie Weinstein of 247Sports. Hliboki, who last pitched in April 2021 due to injury, could follow that path. Anderson, Vaz, Noland, Bulger, LaNeve and McKenzie are other draft-eligible players who are unlikely to be picked in the first 10 rounds and could opt for another year at Vanderbilt.
While Maldonado will likely have offers to be drafted, his brother, Chris Maldonado, recently committed to Vanderbilt and he could choose to return to play with his brother.
Who will step up?
Holton and Futrell seem like good bets for rotation spots. Juniors Patrick Reilly and Hunter Owen and sophomore Bryce Cunningham all have starting experience and are pitching in the Cape Cod League this summer. Any of the three could also be lockdown relievers.
Incoming freshman Andrew Dutkanych pulled out of the draft and could be in play for a midweek or Sunday starter spot. Sophomore left-hander Ryan Ginther showed promise in a high-leverage relief role at the end of the season.
Davis Diaz and Matthew Polk are the most experienced of the sophomore position players and both will need to improve in their second year. Sophomores Rob Gordon and Jonathan Vastine are other infielders who will look to have a larger impact.
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.
Aria Gerson covers Vanderbilt athletics for The Tennessean. Contact her at agerson@gannett.com or on Twitter @aria_gerson.
This article originally appeared on Nashville Tennessean: Vanderbilt baseball roster: Who could return in 2023
