This was not the way it was supposed to go for the Wake Forest University Baseball Team in 2024. They were number one in the rankings when the season started, and five of the top 100 MLB prospects are on their roster. Surely, a College World Series title was just a formality. So what went wrong on their way to the coronation?
Wake Forest Has High Hopes
It was going to be banner spring in Winston-Salem, North Carolina. People were enjoying the last bit of temperate weather before the summer heat. And the city was preparing for the 11th Annual Gears and Guitars Festival. And the Wake Forest Demon Deacons would soon be the toast of the College Baseball World. And while that dream is still alive, there have been several stumbles along the way. Let’s track their journey by examining the performances of those prospects.
The Bomber
Wake Forest’s slugging first baseman, Nick Kurtz, might be the best hitter in college baseball this season. After a slow start, he has launched 22 home runs this year and driven in 56 runs. He has no weaknesses as a hitter. His mental toughness and maturity helped him overcome some early-season injuries. A top-five prospect, and with his pronounced bat speed, his path to the majors should be a pretty clear one.
The Fireballer
There is no other way to say it: Chase Burns throws smoke. How fast? In his first 13 starts this season, he threw 10 or more strikeouts in every game. He has been among the NCAA leaders in batting average against and WHIP all season. He was a beast when he arrived on campus in 2021, but after working with the biomechanics folks at Wake Forest, he is downright scary. Expect him to go in the top 10 of the draft and a MLB appearance next season is not out of the question.
Wake Forest Has a Swiss Army Knife
Every baseball team needs one flexible player who can play multiple positions. Injuries occur, and players get worn down. You need someone who can fill those gaps without a production dropoff. Seaver King is that guy for the Demon Deacons. He has mostly played third base but has also filled in at shortstop and centerfield. He’s a great contact hitter who does not strike out very often. Should be a mid-first-round pick for a team that is looking for versatility.
Wake Forest and Their Disappointing Lefty
When the season started, left-handed starting pitcher Josh Hartel was almost a lock to become a first-round pick in this year’s draft. Then, the train went off the tracks. His change-up is his best pitch, but he has been throwing his slider and curveball more often and with disastrous results. Hartle is currently sporting a 5.69 Era and 1.56 WHIP. His draft stock has obviously dropped, but hopefully, a team out there can coach him up on his pitch selection.
Almost a Lost Season
Righthander Michael Massey has had a lost season. He had not pitched since April 28 due to a bulging disc in his back. He is back and throwing the ball well, but some observers feel that he is destined for the bullpen if he hopes to make it to the bigs. He sports a 95 mph fastball and a good breaking slider. How he pitches down the stretch will be a huge determinant of what his draft position will be.
There is still time for Wake Forest to realize their dream of a College World Series title. They are finally starting to play consistent baseball after a 17-10 start. Their quest resumes on Friday when they take on Virginia Commonwealth University in the NCAA Baseball Tournament opening round in Greenville, North Carolina. They are the second seed in the regional, and if successful, they will play the winner of the host East Carolina/ Evansville game on Saturday.
About the Author
Greg Simbeck is an experienced writer, editor, and content manager who covers a variety of sports for Total Apex Sports. He specializes in MLB coverage. Greg has covered various sports for numerous other publications over the years.
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