Austin Dean in the Portal
While we do have plenty of lefty arms, I was really hoping to see Austin break out this year. There's always a small chance he comes back, but it's not likely. I believe yesterday was the last day to register in the portal, barring a coaching change. So we know who is sticking around now.
Austin was a prized lefty out of hs. Great frame and projectable stuff. At this point, Ethan Grim is the only pitcher from the '25 class to earn a significant role on the team. That could be a problem down the road and may be why they recruited JUCO pitchers so heavily to supplement the '26 class.
3 Replies
Q
QCP
1mo
would end up moving on. Pitchers redshirting (for injury or development) is typically not a good sign in terms of sticking with the program long term, so I figured it was low probability of him making an impact at VT. Either way, it is disappointing as he came in as a fairly well-regarding pitching prospect.
Separate question for you...do you know if any of Aiden Robertson, Jake Wise, Ryan Walsh or Danny Lazaro entered the portal? Of the returning players, I think they were the only ones where a returning announcement wasn't posted so was curious if any would wind up in the portal.
(In response to this post by Vawter Tech)
1mo
I'd assume all 3 will be there in the fall. Aiden is eligible to be drafted again. Obviously circumstances have changed and he's not in as good of a spot, but I think he has a shot to be pretty good next season after a full year at the D1 level should he come back.
Lazaro seems to be the most likely to take on a bigger role as a junk throwing lefty. I have no idea of what to expect with Walsh. He'll have an uphill battle to make the roster I think.
(In response to this post by QCP)