Alabama (2018 Record: 27-29, 8-22)
The Crimson Tide were much more competitive in 2018 and even won a few more conference games, but they still finished last in the conference.
Returning Players
Sam Praytor should be back behind the plate for Alabama in 2018 after a solid freshman season in which he hit .279 with 3 home runs. He is expected to move into the middle of the lineup in 2019. Keith Holcombe (.290) and Joe Breaux (.247) will look to step up on the lineup as well.
Sam Finnerty will likely be in the weekend rotation after posting a 4.45 ERA in 14 starts last year with 29 strikeouts in 87 innings pitched. Brock Guffey and Deacon Medders were solid out of the bullpen last year. Guffey had a 3.64 ERA in 29.2 innings pitched with 24 strikeouts and a save, while Medders had a 3.69 ERA in 39 innings with 30 strikeouts and 6 saves.
Newcomers
“We lost over 1,200 at-bats from last year’s team, so there will be a lot of new faces for us positionally. Morgan McCullough (2B), Brett Auerbach (3B), and Tyler Gentry (corner OF) are the three guys who project to have the biggest impact offensively. Will Freeman, Connor Shamblin, and Tyler Ras are right-handed pitchers who will all have significant roles on our pitching staff.” – Head Coach Brad Bohannan
Shamblin and Ras are both freshman, while the rest of transfers.
Outlook for 2019
“We need to improve in every area! After finishing last in the SEC in fielding percentage in 2018, I am hopeful that we will make some noticeable improvements defensively.” – Coach Bohannan
Arkansas (2018 Record: 48-21, 21-12)
It was a spectacular 2018 season for Arkansas as they made it all the way to the College World Series finals and won the first two, but couldn’t overcome a powerhouse Oregon State team.
Returning Players
Casey Martin and Heston Kjerstad return after leading the offense as freshman in 2018. Martin hit .345 with 50 runs scored, 14 doubles, 13 home runs, and 49 RBI. Kjerstad hit .332 with 65 runs scored, 16 doubles, 14 home runs, and 58 RBI. Dominic Fletcher returns as one of the best defensive outfielders in the country. He also hit .288 a season ago with 43 runs scored, 16 doubles, 10 home runs, and 49 RBI.
The pitching staff loses some key players with Blaine Knight and Kacey Murphy departing. Isaiah Campell will have to carry the load on the weekend after posting a 4.26 ERA last year in 69.2 innings with 75 strikeouts coming back from an injury. Matt Cronin figures to be a big piece of the bullpen again after posting a 3.54 ERA in 2018 over 48.1 innings pitched with 59 strikeouts.
Newcomers
Trevor Ezell is a senior transfer from SE Missouri State who could be a consistent hitter with speed in the lineup. Patrick Wicklander is left-handed freshman pitcher who looked good in the fall and could get a shot in the weekend rotation. Matthew Goodheart is JUCO transfer with a powerful bat who could be the team’s DH.
Outlook for 2019
Arkansas is looking to combine their speed with their power this season as they want to be more aggressive on the base paths. They believe if they can stay healthy they’ll have a shot in the end again.
Auburn (2018 Record: 43-23, 15-15)
Auburn took another step forward in 2018 as they reach the super regionals and lost the deciding game three in heart-breaking fashion.
Returning Players
Shortstop Will Holland returns as one of the best players in the country and potential first round pick. Last year he hit .313 with 61 runs scored, 18 doubles, 12 home runs, and 52 RBI. Edouard Julien and Steven Williams both had great freshman seasons in 2018. Julien broke Frank Thomas’ freshman RBI record with 69. He also hit .275 with 47 runs scored and 17 home runs. Williams moved from catcher to the outfield and hit .291 with 54 runs scored in 2018 to go along with 12 home runs and 51 RBI.
Tanner Burns and Davis Daniel will be asked to carry the weekend rotation this season. Burns was very solid as a freshman last year posting a 3.01 ERA in 86.2 innings pitched with 77 strikeouts. Daniel moved back-and-forth from starter to the bullpen and had a 4.86 ERA in 66.2 innings with 70 strikeouts. He was drafted in the 11th round last year but decided to comeback. Both starters can reach the mid-90s with their fastball.
Newcomers
Ryan Bliss, Fr., 2B: firmly planted at 2B after strong fall, fast hands, good approach
Kason Howell, Fr., CF: prototypical outfielder, can go and get them, upside at the plate
Garrett Wade, Fr. LHP: FB into mid 90s, wipeout slider, needs to realize how good he can be
Will Morrison, Fr., RHP: commands the zone and can really spin it (2,800+)
Richard Fitts, Fr., RHP: a little bit of a surprise from the fall, FB low to mid 90s
Matt Scheffler, Jr., C: shows leadership and is vocal behind the plate, great catch and throw guy
Rankin Woley, Jr., IF: NJCAA All-American, went to CWS with LSU In 2017
· Notes provided by Auburn Athletics Department
Outlook for 2019
We want to learn from last season, but put it behind us at the same time. It’s a new year with new players. We have high expectations and can take something away from making it to a super regional for the first time in almost 20 years, but we need to continue to get better at the small things and knock that last door down.” – Quote provided by Auburn Athletics Department
LSU (2018 Record: 39-27, 15-15)
It was not the best year by LSU standards, but they still managed to fight their way to the SEC Tournament championship. Unfortunately, they got sent out to Corvalis where they got embarrassed twice by Oregon State.
Returning Players
LSU returns three of its top four hitters from last year in outfielders Antoine Duplantis, Daniel Cabrera, and Zach Watson. Duplantis hit .328 with 55 runs scored, 13 doubles, 6 triples, 2 home runs, 48 RBI, and 19 stolen bases. Cabrera hit .315 with 38 runs scored, 18 doubles, 8 home runs, and 54 RBI. Watson hit .308 with 47 runs scored, 15 doubles, 7 home runs, 34 RBI, and 14 stolen bases. Shortstop Josh Smith is back as well after playing in just six games last year.
Zack Hess will try to improve his draft stock after posting a 5.05 ERA in 92.2 innings pitched last year with 107 strikeouts. Eric Walker will be back after missing last season with an injury.
Newcomers
Catchers Saul Garza and Brock Mathis; infielders Drew Bianco, Cade Beloso and Gavin Dugas; pitchers Landon Marceaux, Jaden Hill and Riggs Threadgill are all expected to make an immediate impact this season.
Outlook for 2019
LSU is hopes to improve their pitching depth in 2019, while also getting better production defensively and offensively from the catcher position.
Mississippi State (2018 Record: 39-29, 15-15)
It was truly an unbelievable ride for Mississippi State in 2018 as they were swept by Southern Miss to start the year and lost their head coach. They went on to win the Tallahassee Regional after losing their first game 20-10. They then beat Vanderbilt in the super regionals to advance to Omaha.
Returning Players
Jake Mangum decided to come back for his senior season and will be a leader for this team. Last year he hit .351 with 63 runs scored, 22 doubles, 3 home runs, 33 RBI, and 14 stolen bases. Elijah MacNamee made a name for himself in the postseason and will join Mangum in the outfield. He hit .309 in 2018 with 40 runs scored, 8 home runs, and 42 RBI. Rounding out the outfield is Rowdey Jordan who hit .321 last year with 39 runs scored, 15 doubles, 7 home runs, and 37 RBI. First baseman Tanner Allen hit .287 a season ago with 42 runs scored, 5 home runs, and 45 RBI. Justin Foscue and Jordan Westburg will take on bigger roles in the offense as well this season.
Ethan Small returns to the weekend rotation after posting a 3.20 ERA last year in 101.1 innings pitched with 122 strikeouts. Riley Self had a 3.51 ERA out of the bullpen in 2018 with 20 strikeouts and a save in 25.2 innings pitched. Cole Gordon (4.26) and Keegan James (4.34) will be a big part of the bullpen as well. Spencer Price is expected to be back healthy in the bullpen this year after missing 2018 with an injury.
Newcomers
“Newcomers that could play a prominent role include JT Ginn, a first-round draft pick of the Los Angeles Dodgers that chose MSU over the MLB. Ginn could factor in at the plate, but will have an almost immediate impact in the rotation. The freshman duo of Christian MacLeod and Eric Cerantola, along with JUCO transfer Tyler Spring, will all look to have an impact out of the bullpen or in the rotation. At the plate, freshmen Landon Jordan and Hayden Jones have an opportunity to see time in the lineup, while JUCO transfer Gunner Halter has the ability to contribute. Freshman Bryce Brock is another two-way standout that could see time on the mound at first, but can work into the lineup.” – quote provided by MSU Athletics Department
Outlook for 2019
Mississippi State is relying on some growth from those returning to the lineup, and help from talented newcomers, after hitting .277 as a team last year. On the pitching
Ole Miss (2018 Record: 48-17, 18-12)
It was a really strong year for Ole Miss in 2018 as they won 48 games and the SEC Tournament. However, they blew their regional by losing back-to-back games to Tennessee Tech.
Returning Players
First baseman Cole Zabowski hit .300 in 2018 with 34 runs scored, 10 home runs, and 44 RBI. Outfielder/catcher Thomas Dillard hit .310 a season ago with 67 runs scored, 15 doubles, 13 home runs, and 59 RBI. Third baseman Tyler Keenan will team up with those two in the middle of the order after batting .301 in 2018 with 35 runs scored, 9 home runs, and 38 RBI. Ryan Olenek returns for his senior season after hitting .350 last year with 35 runs scored and 3 home runs. Shortstop Grae Kessinger is a solid defender who also hit .300 last year with 56 runs scored, 18 doubles, 8 home runs, and 37 RBI. Carl Gindl is likely to be the third outfielder after a solid summer. Cooper Johnson should see most of the time behind the plate. Chase Cockrell will likely be the team’s primary DH after hitting .317 a year ago with 37 runs scored, 13 doubles, 9 home runs, and 38 RBI.
Will Ethridge could work his way into the weekend rotation after posting a 3.91 ERA in 50.2 innings pitched last year with 52 strikeouts and 3 saves. Houston Roth could also become a starter after posting a 4.44 ERA in 2018 over 52.2 innings with 68 strikeouts and a save. Parker Caracci returns as one of the top closers in the country after saving 10 games last year with a 2.25 ERA in 48 innings with 73 strikeouts. Max Cioffi had a good fall and could be a reliable arm in the bullpen.
Newcomers
“Offensively, it’ll be tough for newcomers to break through with so many guys returning. That said, Justin Bench (MIF), Knox Loposer (C), Hunter Nabors (C) and Kevin Graham (3B) are among a group of newcomers who have looked solid in the early going.
“Nearly every new arm will be relied upon in 2018. Gunnar Hoglund, a first-round MLB Draft pick, is the headliner of the group, and he hasn’t disappointed. He worked through his first fall as a Rebel with a 1.23 ERA and looks like an early candidate to grab a weekend starter role. Lefty Kaleb Hill looked strong as well sporting a 3.46 ERA with 10 strikeouts. Another lefty, Doug Nikhazy, has been outstanding, notching 17 strikeouts and just four walks in 15 innings of work. Also, keep an eye on Zack Phillips, Tyler Myers, Logan Savell, Ray Falk, and Taylor Broadway — all new additions to the pitching staff.” – Quote provided by Ole Miss Athletics Department
Outlook for 2019
“The offense should be one of the best in the country once again. The big question right now is on the mound. The talent is there—there are a number of guys who were sitting in the low 90s with great stuff in the fall. It’ll just be a matter of which guys see that velocity uptick by the spring, how the innings shake out, and which guys can perform when the lights come on. We have some tough non-conference tests early, which will help show which guys will be ready to go through the thick of SEC play.” – Quote provided by Ole Miss Athletics Department
Texas A&M (2018 Record: 40-22, 13-17)
It was a weird season for Texas A&M as they only won 13 games in a difficult SEC. They had to make a run in Hoover to earn a postseason spot, and then they went 1-2 in the Regionals.
Returning Players
Shortstop Braden Shewmake has been one of the best players in college baseball for two years now. Last year he hit .327 with 43 runs scored, 5 home runs, 45 RBI, and 12 stolen bases. Expect to see more power from him in 2019. Outfielder Logan Foster hit .314 in 2018 with 38 runs scored, 8 home runs, and 40 RBI. Another outfielder, Zach DeLoach, will be back after hitting .264 last season with 39 runs scored.
John Doxakis will lead the weekend rotation after posting a 2.70 ERA in 2018 over 93.1 innings pitched with 92 strikeouts. He played for Team USA this past summer. Asa Lacy could move into the weekend rotation after posting a 2.75 ERA in 39.1 innings pitched with 48 strikeouts and a save. Mason Cole has a chance to be the team’s closer in 2019 after posting a 2.70 ERA in limited work last year.
Newcomers
Bryce Blaum is an Ole Miss transfer with blazing speed who will likely take over at second base. Mikey Hoehner is a JUCO transfer that can barrel up the baseball. Outfielder Jonathan Ducoff is a grad transfer from Houston Baptist with some pop.
Jonathan Childress was a Perfect Game All-American last summer, and he had a good fall with the Aggies. He could see time on the mound as a freshman – as could right-handed pitcher Chris Weber.
Outlook for 2019
Texas A&M is hoping to have a more settled bullpen in 2019 as they weren’t able to bridge the gap from starter to closer in last year. They believe their defense will be much better this season with athleticism all over the infield and outfield. The lineup should be much better this year as well with some experienced juniors and talented transfers.
2019 All-SEC Preseason Team
C: Stephen Scott (Vanderbilt)
1B: Cole Zabowski (Ole Miss)
2B: Casey Martin (Arkansas)
SS: Will Holland (Auburn)
3B: Aaron Schunk (Georgia)
OF: Wil Dalton (Florida)
OF: Heston Kjerstad (Arkansas)
OF: Jake Mangum (Mississippi State)
DH: Nelson Maldonado (Florida)
SP: Drake Fellows (Vanderbilt)
SP: Zack Thompson (Kentucky)
SP: John Doxakis (Texas A&M)
SP: Ethan Small (Mississippi State)
SP: Tanner Burns (Auburn)
RP: Parker Caracci (Ole Miss)
RP: Matt Cronin (Arkansas)
RP: Aaron Schunk (Georgia)
Second-Team
C – Sam Praytor (Alabama)
1B – Edouard Julien (Auburn)
2B – Blake Reese (Florida)
SS – Braden Shewmake (Texas A&M)
3B – Tyler Keenan (Ole Miss)
OF – JJ Bleday (Vanderbilt)
OF – Zach Watson (LSU)
OF – Ryan Olenek (Ole Miss)
DH – T.J. Collett (Kentucky)
SP – Tyler Dyson (Florida)
SP – Jack Leftwich (Florida)
SP – TJ Sikkema (Missouri)
SP – Zack Hess (LSU)
SP – Patrick Raby (Vanderbilt)
RP – Asa Lacy (Texas A&M)
RP – Sawyer Bridges (South Carolina)
RP – Zach Linginfelter (Tennessee)
Honorable Mention:
SS – Cam Shepherd (Georgia)
SS – Andre Lipcius (Tennessee)
SS – Grae Kessinger (Ole Miss)
OF – Austin Martin (Vanderbilt)
OF – Pat DeMarco (Vanderbilt)
OF – Austin Langworthy (Florida)
OF – Daniel Cabrera (LSU)
OF – Antoine Duplantis (LSU)
OF – Steven Williams (Auburn)
OF – Thomas Dillard (Ole Miss)
OF – Kameron Misner (Missouri)
OF – Dominic Fletcher (Arkansas)
SP – Emerson Hancock (Georgia)
SP – Isaiah Campbell (Arkansas)
Predicted Order to Finish – West:
1. LSU
2. Arkansas
3. Ole Miss
4. Mississippi State
5. Auburn
6. Texas A&M
7. Alabama
