The Longhorns are 23-4 in 27 games (UH game was canceled.), which is the midpoint of the regular season. Let’s (prematurely) award some trophies:
MVP Hitter: Max Belyeu. He was hitting in the 2-hole for a reason. Best combination of power and bat-to-ball skills. .358/.465/.642/1.107 is ridiculous. Would love to see him back for the postseason.
MVP Pitcher: Several choices. But Jared Spencer so far looks the part of Friday night SEC starter. He has been dominant at times.
Most pleasant surprise player: Adrian Rodriguez. He was ranked as the 81st player in Texas and 11th best SS in Texas by Perfect Game. He was actually our lowest ranked signee in the 2024 Class by PG. Now, he is in the heart of the Texas order.
Most pleasant surprise pitcher: Max Grubbs. He was really good in 2024 but what a surprise he is in his current role. He’s our most high-leverage situation pitcher.
Defensive Player: Kimble Schuessler. He has been really good at first base. Really good. Will Gasparino is the runner-up.
Most Improved Player: Tommy Farmer. He rarely played in 2024. Now, he seems entrenched as a starter in LF or RF. He has an OBP of .404. He might be our best defensive outfielder.
Most Improved Pitcher: Luke Harrison. He has solidified himself as the Saturday starter coming off of TJ surgery.
Best Transfer: Ethan Mendoza. He has locked down the leadoff spot and second base. He hits to all fields. He bunts. He has even hit 4 bombs. But most of all, he makes winning plays.
Best True Freshman: Dylan Volantis. He is arguably our most dominant pitcher. Start? Relief? Yes. High-leverage situation? Yes. Close? Yes.
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Needs to Improve: Casey Borba. He has been really good at times. He just needs to be more consistent at the plate and at third base. .259/.353/.552/.905 is pretty damn good but 17 strikeouts v. 7 BB + 2 HBP isn’t great. 4 errors in 40 total chances for a .900 fielding percentage is pretty rough.
Needs to Start Anew: Easton Winfield. I feel for him. He has struggled mightily at the plate and in LF. .189/.189/.243/.432. 18 strikeouts in 37 at-bats. He just needs to start his season all over this weekend.
Needs to Find a Role: Kade Bing. He has been really good in his last 3 outings. He just needs to join the weekend group of pitchers of Spencer, Harrison, Riojas, Grubbs, Duplantier, and Volantis. Bing is super close to doing so.
MVP Hitter: Max Belyeu. He was hitting in the 2-hole for a reason. Best combination of power and bat-to-ball skills. .358/.465/.642/1.107 is ridiculous. Would love to see him back for the postseason.
MVP Pitcher: Several choices. But Jared Spencer so far looks the part of Friday night SEC starter. He has been dominant at times.
Most pleasant surprise player: Adrian Rodriguez. He was ranked as the 81st player in Texas and 11th best SS in Texas by Perfect Game. He was actually our lowest ranked signee in the 2024 Class by PG. Now, he is in the heart of the Texas order.
Most pleasant surprise pitcher: Max Grubbs. He was really good in 2024 but what a surprise he is in his current role. He’s our most high-leverage situation pitcher.
Defensive Player: Kimble Schuessler. He has been really good at first base. Really good. Will Gasparino is the runner-up.
Most Improved Player: Tommy Farmer. He rarely played in 2024. Now, he seems entrenched as a starter in LF or RF. He has an OBP of .404. He might be our best defensive outfielder.
Most Improved Pitcher: Luke Harrison. He has solidified himself as the Saturday starter coming off of TJ surgery.
Best Transfer: Ethan Mendoza. He has locked down the leadoff spot and second base. He hits to all fields. He bunts. He has even hit 4 bombs. But most of all, he makes winning plays.
Best True Freshman: Dylan Volantis. He is arguably our most dominant pitcher. Start? Relief? Yes. High-leverage situation? Yes. Close? Yes.
—————-
Needs to Improve: Casey Borba. He has been really good at times. He just needs to be more consistent at the plate and at third base. .259/.353/.552/.905 is pretty damn good but 17 strikeouts v. 7 BB + 2 HBP isn’t great. 4 errors in 40 total chances for a .900 fielding percentage is pretty rough.
Needs to Start Anew: Easton Winfield. I feel for him. He has struggled mightily at the plate and in LF. .189/.189/.243/.432. 18 strikeouts in 37 at-bats. He just needs to start his season all over this weekend.
Needs to Find a Role: Kade Bing. He has been really good in his last 3 outings. He just needs to join the weekend group of pitchers of Spencer, Harrison, Riojas, Grubbs, Duplantier, and Volantis. Bing is super close to doing so.
