Arizona (2018 Record: 34-22, 14-16)
Despite a solid RPI in 2018, Arizona was left out of the postseason simply because they had a losing record in conference play.
Returning Players
Shortstop Cameron Cannon is back after hitting .321 last season with 59 runs scored, 21 doubles, 8 home runs, and 50 RBI. Third baseman Nick Quintana will bring the thump in the lineup after smashing 14 home runs last season to go along with a .313 average and 55 RBI.
They lose a ton of starting pitching from last season that will be hard to replace. Randy Labaut will likely step up there after posting a 1.60 ERA in 2018 over 33.2 innings with 21 strikeouts.
Outlook for 2019
They lose their top two hitters average-wise from last season as well as their top four innings guys in the pitching staff. Cannon and Quintana can carry the load on offense, but they’ll need some players to step up in the pitching staff if they are going to get back to the postseason in 2019.
Arizona State (2018 Record: 23-32, 13-17)
The Sun Devils missed the NCAA Tournament for the second straight year after finishing seventh in the Pac-12.
Returning Players
First baseman Spencer Torkelson will lead the offensive charge after hitting .320 last season with 59 runs scored, 12 doubles, 25 home runs, and 53 RBI. Catcher Lyle Lin hit .312 a season ago with 30 runs scored, 16 doubles, and a pair of home runs. Carter Aldrete also returns to the lineup after hitting .293 in 2018 with 10 doubles, 3 home runs, and 31 RBI.
Alec Marsh should lead the weekend rotation after posting a 3.89 ERA last year in 71.2 innings pitched with 64 strikeouts. Sam Romero will try to bounce back from a 6.18 ERA in 2018 over 67 innings with 61 strikeouts. Boyd Vander Kooi was solid out of the bullpen last season with a 3.00 ERA in 36 innings with 35 strikeouts.
Outlook for 2019
Arizona State has some key players coming back in 2019, and they those players continue to improve we could see them push towards the top of the Pac-12.
California (2018 Record: 32-22, 16-14)
The Bears finished fifth in the Pac-12 last year but just missed out on a chance to make the NCAA Regionals.
Returning Players
It’s rare that we have a Golden Spikes Winner return for another season, but that’s the case with junior Andrew Vaughn. He smashed the baseball in 2018 hitting .402 with 59 runs scored, 14 doubles, 23 home runs, and 63 RBI. He’ll try to lead a young but experienced Cal lineup. Outfielder Max Flower hit .287 last season with 30 RBI in just 150 at-bats. Second baseman Darren Baker should hit atop the order and be paired up the middle on defense with shortstop Cameron Eden. Korey Lee will take over behind the plate after hitting 5 home runs in just 101 at-bats last season. Third baseman Sam Wezniak will try to build off a solid freshman season in which he hit .240 with 6 home runs.
Jared Horn is an experienced starter who will once again join the weekend rotation. Last year he posted a 6.15 ERA in 71.2 innings pitched with 52 strikeouts. Rogelio Reyes could take on a weekend spot after starting six games in 2018. Arman Sabouri could take over as the team’s closer after posting a 3.07 ERA in 2018 over 44 innings with 48 strikeouts and a save. He also had a WHIP of 0.86.
Newcomers
– OF Brandon McIlwain – Two-sport athlete who is also a quarterback/athlete on the football team. Transferred from South Carolina and sat out 2018 but was at nearly every game and is a tremendous teammate/clubhouse presence. Extremely athletic and another guy who can play all three OF positions. Enters the season as a redshirt sophomore.
– RHP/1B Grant Holman – Versatile right-hander and power bat who should also factor into the pitching plans while getting consistent at-bats, potentially at DH while Vaughn is still manning first base.
– RHP Sam Stoutenborough – Freshman right-hander who has looked good in the fall. Figures to compete for a starting role.
– RHP Ian Villers – High school draftee who is a big right-handed power pitcher that could work either as a starter or as a power presence at the back end of the bullpen.
* Notes provided by Cal Athletics Department
Outlook for 2019
The Cal offense should be one of the best in the Pac-12 led by Vaughn, but they will have a very young pitching staff. Whether or not those pitchers step up in 2019 will determine if this club is good enough to make a postseason appearances.
Oregon (2018 Record: 26-29, 12-18)
Oregon had to play the eventual College World Series championship five times last year and lost all five. It was a tough season for the Ducks.
Returning Players
Jakob Goldfarb played his first three season in the outfield but could see time behind the plate this year. He was the ducks leading hitter in 2018 with a .308 average to go along with 35 runs scored, 13 doubles, 6 home runs, 29 RBI, and 14 stolen bases. Third baseman Spencer Steer hit .275 a year ago with 30 runs scored, 4 home runs, and 37 RBI. First baseman Gabe Matthews is also back after hitting .265 in 2018, while outfielder Jonny DeLuca is looking to build off a subpar freshman season.
Kenyon Yovan is a two-way player and will be the Friday night starter for Oregon in 2019. He made 10 starts last year and had a 2.98 ERA in 84.2 innings pitched with 98 strikeouts and 5 saves. Ryne Nelson has moved to pitching full-time after playing some shortstop. He had a 3.86 ERA in 2018 over 23.1 innings with 37 strikeouts and 4 saves.
Newcomers
Sam Novitske, Max Foxcroft, and Kyle Froemke will all compete for playing time at a middle infield position as freshman. A.J. Miller is a freshman who will compete for time at first base and in the outfield. Aaron Zavala and Tanner Smith are also freshman who will compete for time in the outfield.
Christian Ciuffetelli is a freshman right-handed pitcher who could see significant innings right away.
Outlook for 2019
Oregon hopes to get more production up-and-down the lineup offensively, and they also hope to solidify the bullpen.
Oregon State (2018 Record: 55-12-1, 20-9-1)
There really never was a question of who was the best team in college baseball last season. Oregon State is one of few teams in baseball who everyone knew would win it all and they did.
Returning Players
Catcher Adley Rutschman returns as possibly the best player in the country and potential number one overall pick in the upcoming MLB Draft. Last season he hit .408 with 56 runs scored, 22 doubles, 9 home runs, and 83 RBI. Tyler Malone hit .278 last year with 8 home runs and 32 RBI. Those two, along with Zack Taylor, are the only ones who returns from the starting lineup in their championship winning game.
Bryce Fehmel returns for his senior season after posting a 3.19 ERA in 2018 over 113 innings pitched with 64 strikeouts. Kevin Abel had a spectacular freshman season with a 2.88 ERA in 81.1 innings pitched with 108 strikeouts. Jake Mulholland should be the team’s closer again after posting a 2.20 ERA in 2018 over 45 innings pitched with 42 strikeouts and 16 saves. Brandon Eisert had a 2.53 ERA in 57 innings last season with 52 strikeouts and 5 saves.
Outlook for 2019
It’s hard not to see this team taking a small step back in 2019 with all they are losing from the lineup. But they still figure to have one of the best pitching staffs in the country.
Southern California (2018 Record: 26-28, 12-18)
USC had some big wins early on over Arkansas and UCLA, but struggled once conference play started and missed the postseason.
Returning Players
Outfielder Blake Sabol returns after hitting .276 with 29 runs scored and 4 home runs. Matthew Acosta (.263) and Jamal O’Guinn (.240) should also be back in the outfield. Infielder Chase Buschor hit .301 in 2018. Brandon Perez (.237) and Ben Ramirez (.265) will join Buschor on the infield. CJ Stubbs should be back behind the plate after missing 2018 with an injury.
Kyle Hurt should be back to the weekend rotation after posting a 4.76 ERA in 81.1 innings pitched last year with 64 strikeouts. Connor Lunn was solid as the team’s closer last year with a 2.97 ERA in 30.1 innings pitched with 32 strikeouts and 8 saves. Chris Clarke made six starts last year and could get another chance to be a weekend starter. John Beller was great for USC last year with a 2.72 ERA in 49.2 innings pitched with 45 strikeouts. Quentin Longrie had a 5.79 ERA in 14 starts last year with 46 strikeouts in 65.1 innings. Alex Cornwell is expected to be a big part of the pitching staff this year after sitting out last year with an injury.
Newcomers
Newcomers who could have a major impact are: IF Emilio Rosas, OF Preston Hartsell, RHP Chandler Champlain, 1B/DH Clay Owens, RHP Carson Lambert, and RHP Ethan Reed. – Head Coach Dan Hubbs
Outlook for 2019
“We need to just be consistent both at the plate and on the mound. We have a lot of returning players along with some dynamic incoming players, so consistency will be the key.” – Coach Hubbs
Stanford (2018 Record: 46-12, 22-8)
It was an excellent regular season for Stanford in 2018 as they won the Pac-12 title. But they couldn’t get their offense going in the Regionals as they fell to Cal State Fullerton twice.
Returning Players
First baseman Andrew Daschbach will try to lead the offense this season after hitting .287 in 2018 with 42 runs scored, 17 home runs, and 63 RBI. Outfielder Kyle Stowers is back after hitting .286 a season ago with 39 runs scored, 10 home runs, and 42 RBI. Outfielder Brandon Wulff hit .303 in limited playing time last year. Duke Kinamon was taken in the 34th round of last year’s draft despite missing the season with an injury.
Erik Miller should return to the weekend rotation after posting a 4.07 ERA in 48.2 innings pitched with 52 strikeouts. Brendan Beck started 12 games last year and had a 2.43 ERA in 66.2 innings pitched with 38 strikeouts. Jack Little is possibly the best closer in the country after posting a 0.60 ERA in 2018 with 58 strikeouts and 16 saves in 45.1 innings pitched. Will Matthiessen was great out of the bullpen as well with a 2.00 ERA in 18 innings with 17 strikeouts.
Newcomers
Freshman Brandon Dieter is a two-way player who could make an impact on the lineup and in the pitching staff this season.
Outlook for 2019
The one key area Stanford hopes improve upon in 2019 is hitting after losing some key hitters from 2018’s team.
UCLA (2018 Record: 38-21, 19-11)
It was a solid 2018 season for UCLA as they finished fourth in the Pac-12 and won 38 games. They went 2-2 in the Minneapolis Regionals.
Returning Players
Michael Toglia returns at first base and in the middle of the order after hitting .336 last season with 11 home runs and 58 RBI. Second baseman Chase Strumpf returns as one of the top players in the country after hitting .363 last year with 12 home runs and 53 RBI. Outfielder Jeremy Ydens hit .350 in 2018 with 6 home runs, 38 RBI, and 13 stolen bases. Garret Mitchell (OF), Kevin Kendall (SS), and Ryan Kreidler (3B) all return after playing significant time last season.
Ryan Garcia is expected to lead the weekend rotation after posting a 2.23 ERA in 2018 over 76.2 innings pitched with 76 strikeouts. Zach Pettway will slot in behind him after posting a 3.35 ERA a season ago in 96.2 innings with 78 strikeouts. Holden Powell is slotted to be the team’s closer after posting a 3.51 ERA last season in 33.1 innings pitched with 22 strikeouts and 6 saves. Kyle Mora was solid out of the bullpen last year with an ERA of 1.89 in 52.1 innings with 41 strikeouts and 3 saves.
Newcomers
Freshman Matt McLain is project to be the starting center fielder in 2019. Noah Cardenas is another freshman who could start the season behind the plate. Jesse Bergin has the chance to take over a weekend rotation spot as a freshman.
Outlook for 2019
With all of the talent they have coming back, the Bruins are expecting big things in 2019. The coaching staff said they are a very good offensive club, but the key will be if some of their pitchers step up.
Utah (2018 Record: 16-39, 8-22)
Utah started the season 0-13 and never really recover as they only managed to win eight conference games in Pac-12.
Returning Players
Second baseman Oliver Dunn will be back after hitting .319 last year with 39 runs scored, 4 triples, 4 home runs, and 31 RBI. Outfielder Chandler Anderson hit .243 in 2018 with 11 doubles. Tom Rykker hit .298 a season ago with 32 runs scored. Zack Moeller should be back behind the plate after missing time with an injury last year.
Joshua Tedeschi started 11 games last year and had a 5.42 ERA in 81.1 innings pitched with 66 strikeouts. Brett Brocoff also made 11 starts last year and could be in the weekend rotation. Kyle Robeniol was solid out of the bullpen with a 3.52 ERA in 23 innings with 21 strikeouts.
Newcomers
Chase Fernlund is a transfer who will have a chance to earn the starting job at shortstop this season.
Zach McCleve, Dustyn Schramm, and David Watson are all freshman right-handed pitchers who could see significant playing time right away.
Outlook for 2019
Utah hopes to be better in every aspect, while also trying to stay healthy. Getting Moeller back behind the plate will be huge. They have a lot of young, quality pitching. They expect to be much better defensively and offensively in 2019.
Washington (2018 Record: 35-26, 20-10)
It was a great 2018 for the Huskies as they finished third in the Pac-12. They traveled across the country to sweep the Conway Regional. And then they took two-of-three at Cal State Fullerton to advance to the College World Series.
Returning Players
Joe Wainhouse returns as one of the best power hitters in the country after hitting .306 a season ago with 19 home runs and 61 RBI. Catcher Nick Kahle hit .293 last year with 45 runs scored, 20 doubles, 6 home runs, and 37 RBI. Center fielder Braden Ward hit .304 as a freshman with 37 runs scored and 19 stolen bases. He stole over 30 bases this past summer in the Northwoods League. Outfielder Mason Cerrillo led the team in hitting last year at .341. Christian Jones also returns to the outfield after a nice summer in the Northwoods League.
Jordan Jones should returns as a weekend starter after posting a 3.98 ERA in 104 innings pitched with 83 strikeouts. Josh Burgmann returned from Tommy John surgery last year and should be a weekend starter in 2019. He had a 3.19 ERA last year in 31 innings pitched with 21 strikeouts. Jack DeCooman could get a look as a weekend starter as well. Stevie Emanuels made 34 appearances last year and should be a solid bullpen arm. Leo Nierenberg had a great summer and figures to take on a more prominent role in the bullpen.
Newcomers
Ramon Bramsco is a JUCO transfer who should see time at shortstop. He was the 2018 Player of the Year in the South Coast Conference. Connor Blair is a JUCO transfer who will play in the outfield. He was the 2018 ABCA National Junior College Player of the Year. Colton Cassinelli is a freshman who will compete for time at catcher and first base. He was the number one catching prospect in Arizona in 2018. Albert Hsiao is another freshman catcher.
David Rhodes is a freshman pitcher who was taken in the 2018 MLB Draft. He’ll have a chance to log some significant innings right away.
Outlook for 2019
“We hope to improve in every aspect of play (pitching, defense, and offensive production) in order to make another run at the CWS.” – Head Coach Lindsay Meggs
Washington State (2018 Record: 16-33-1, 8-21-1)
Thanks to a tie Washington State avoided finishing tied for last in the Pac-12. They’ll try to improve upon that in 2019.
Returning Players
Third baseman Dillon Plew returns to try and lead a lineup that loses a lot from the middle of the order. Last season Plew hit .277 with 3 home runs. Shortstop Andres Alvarez figures to hit atop the lineup, while Robert Tell will likely be back behind the plate.
A.J. Block has a chance to lead the weekend rotation after posting a 4.91 ERA in 2018 over 44 innings pitched with 48 strikeouts. Hayden Rosenkrantz will need to step up in the pitching staff as well.
Outlook for 2019
The outlook does not look great for Washington State in 2019 as they lose a ton of key players from a team that wasn’t very good in 2018. They’ll need some newcomers to come in and play a big role if they are going to make any movement in the Pac-12.
2019 All-Pac 12 Preseason Team
C: Adley Rutschman (Oregon State)
1B: Andrew Vaughn (Cal)
2B: Chase Strumpf (UCLA)
SS: Cameron Cannon (Arizona)
3B: Nick Quintana (Arizona)
OF: Andrew Daschbach (Stanford)
OF: Jeremy Ydens (UCLA)
OF: Kyle Stowers (Stanford)
DH: Joe Wainhouse (Washington)
SP: Kevin Abel (Oregon State)
SP: Jordan Jones (Washington)
SP: Kenyon Yovan (Oregon)
SP: Ryan Garcia (UCLA)
SP: Bryce Fehmel (Oregon State)
RP: Jack Little (Stanford)
RP: Connor Lunn (USC)
RP: Jake Mulholland (Oregon State)
Honorable Mention:
C – Jakob Goldfarb (Oregon)
C – Lyle Lin (Arizona State)
C – Nick Kahle (Washington)
1B – Michael Toglia (UCLA)
1B – Spencer Torkelson (Arizona State)
2B – Oliver Dunn (Utah)
SP – Brendan Beck (Stanford)
SP – Erik Miller (Stanford)
SP – Zach Pettway (UCLA)
SP – Alec Marsh (Arizona State)
RP – Ryne Nelson (Oregon)
Predicted Order to Finish:
1. UCLA
2. Oregon State
3. Stanford
4. Washington
5. Cal
6. Arizona
7. Arizona State
8. Oregon
9. USC
10. Utah
11. Washington State
