Ole Miss baseball barreling towards off-season of significant roster turnover
Mike Bianco and his reeling band of Ole Miss baseball Rebels are barreling — or, perhaps more accurately, limping — towards an off-season of change/significant roster turnover.
The Rebels could lose as many as eight of their starting nine. Left-handed ace Hunter Elliott underwent Tommy John surgery last week and his future with the program at least somewhat cloudy because of his sophomore draft eligibility due to his age.
Ole Miss needs reinforcements. And a lot of them.
The Rebels are expected to be active in the NCAA Transfer Power — even more so than last summer, when they pulled two high-profile transfers from Tulane (outfielder Ethan Groff) and Northwestern (first baseman Anthony Calarco).
But with the uncertainty now surrounding Elliott, adding to a depleted stock of pitchers has leapt to the top of Ole Miss’ to-do list. Ole Miss lost senior closer Josh Mallitz to Tommy John before the Rebels played any games this season. Riley Maddox has returned from his own Tommy John but to understandably mixed results.
“Certainly it changes how we attack the portal and recruit,” Clement said of the recruiting plan post-surgery for Elliott. “It’s the most important position. I would love to say it’s the three-hole hitter and all that just because of what I work with, but good pitching can cover up a lot of sores. It dicates the entire game.
“We have work to do from a position-player standpoint. I think more than anything, first, is can we get the guys who’ve signed letters of intent who have significant pro interest to campus. Then, can we attack the portal with some significant additions after that.
“Well be super competitive.”
Ole Miss ace Hunter Elliott underwent season-ending Tommy John surgery last week
Ole Miss considered shutting Elliott down in February/March.
Elliott felt discomfort in his throwing-arm UCL after his first start of the year — a season-opening win over Delaware. He was shut down for eight weeks before returning against LSU. He felt more discomfort and ultimately Ole Miss made the call for surgery.
No recovery from the procedure is the same, but Elliott’s timetable, per sources, could come in on the lower end, 8-12 months. Even still, the Rebels can’t necessarily count on it this far out, so they’ll be aggressive on the recruiting trail for starting pitching.
“We were going to do, from a coaching standpoint, whatever was right for Hunter — whatever that looked like,” Clement said. “He’s done everything he can for this program and our university and we’re not going to compromise his future or his health. You’ve got to separate yourself and do what’s right for the kid and the family.
“Mike and (Ole Miss pitching coach Carl) Laff(erty), in particular, did an awesome job of that. There was no pressure from our end for him to push his way back or whatever. He certainly gave it his very best effort. Unfortunately, it just continued to bother him.”
Encouraging for Ole Miss are some true-freshman returns from a handful of bats the Rebels will lean on next season.
Eleven freshmen have made their debuts this season. Potential lineup regulars in a year’s time include hitters Will Furniss, Mason Morris, Will Plattner and Judd Utermark and pitchers JT Quinn, Grayson Saunier, Sam Tookoian and Jordan Vera.
Even so, Ole Miss is leaving all its options open.
“Those guys have shown signs and we’ve been able to get those guys some at-bats,” Clement said. “All the sudden you’re starting to see some production out of them. Definitely bright spots there. You’re starting to see the freshman wear off of them. Those guys are developing into guys that we feel could be dudes.”
2023 Ole Miss signee Campbell Smithwick (Photo credit: Campbell Smithwick)
Mostly, though, Ole Miss will be glued to the upcoming 2023 MLB Draft.
The draft is always unpredictable. Last year, Ole Miss had pre-draft optimism it would potentially retain decorated prep outfielder Roman Anthony. The Rebels knew they were losing pitcher Jackson Ferris, who went in the Top 5. However, Anthony had a high number ($2.5 million) and was already enrolled and on campus once the draft rolled around.
But a player needs only one organization to fall in love with him. The Boston Red Sox gave Anthony what he wanted and he signed. The Rebels will be sweating two arms and two hitters in particular this draft season.
Chief among them are Cooper Pratt and Campbell Smithwick.
Smithwick is talented enough to replace veteran catcher Calvin Harris behind the plate. Harris on Saturday made program history in hitting four home runs in a series-salvaging win over Missouri. He was the first player in SEC history to hit four home runs in a conference game.
He also had 10 RBI — which tied the Ole Miss record.
“It’s those couple of arms — (RHP) Zander Mueth and (RHP Josh) Knoth. Those guys have been really, really good this spring,” Clement said. “From a position-player standpoint, you’re talking bout Cooper Pratt and Campbell Smithwick. Those guys have performed this spring.
“I’m probably leaving out one or two, but those are the names that have garnered significant draft interest and we’ll have to fight (to keep). They have a ton of interest and feel to go to college. I think it’ll take a lot for them to sign.
“But with the draft, you just never know. Watching the draft is a high-anxiety couple of days.”
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