Roster Construction 2026

#276
#276
Gilbert said:
From McKee’s recent interview with Elander, it sounds like not holding runners will be a thing of the past. Said they’ve worked on it a ton, and reading the tea leaves, that’s the biggest weakness Coach Jeroloman pointed out when coming in (we all knew it).

I’m glad this is now an emphasis. Because man I love Tony and Frank, but that drove me insane.
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I loved Tony and Frank as well and never complained when they were here but this was something I couldn’t stand about their coaching style.
 
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#278
#278
TheBigOne10 said:
Really fascinated to see how the weekend rotation plays out…..someone brought this up in the RF….In my opinion Kuhns is probably your Friday night guy. Blanco will definitely be in the weekend rotation. I like him in the Saturday slot personally. Got a chance to see him in the fall and you can see why he was a staple in the Virginia rotation. Krenzel will continue to be a Swiss Army knife in the bullpen and be a long relief guy. I’m very curious to see how we use Arvidson this year and whether or not he will be in the weekend rotation or bullpen anchor. Good problem to have!
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I think Blanco will be the Friday night guy. Amped up series opener is always nice to use a guy that’s going to throw strikes imo. His 2024 season as UVAs Friday guy should be evidence enough that he can handle the moment. I think Kuhns will be the Saturday guy. Sunday is interesting. I think Mack has a starter profile but I think Arvidson could be lethal. I’d give Arvy every opportunity to take it. Hindy, Mack, Krenzel would be my primary long relief guys. Frederick & Abraham would be short relief guys. Then Rhudy is the primary closer. I’d build up Appenzeller & Baiotto on midweeks and then set them loose in April. Brown, Hankins, and Tracey would be garbage time / midweek relief.
 
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#279
#279
Zvols said:
I think Blanco will be the Friday night guy. Amped up series opener is always nice to use a guy that’s going to throw strikes imo. His 2024 season as UVAs Friday guy should be evidence enough that he can handle the moment. I think Kuhns will be the Saturday guy. Sunday is interesting. I think Mack has a starter profile but I think Arvidson could be lethal. I’d give Arvy every opportunity to take it. Hindy, Mack, Krenzel would be my primary long relief guys. Frederick & Abraham would be short relief guys. Then Rhudy is the primary closer. I’d build up Appenzeller & Baiotto on midweeks and then set them loose in April. Brown, Hankins, and Tracey would be garbage time / midweek relief.
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Very well could be right about Blanco-Kuhns sequence. My thought was Blanco being your series clinching guy. But Friday night is always muy importante
 
#280
#280
Here’s my SWAG at opening lineup:
Lineup:
CF Abernathy. L
2B Marin. R
3B Ford. L
1B Clark. R
DH Brown. L
LF. Newstrom. R
RF Chapman. L
C Lawless. R
SS Antigua. R
First Off Bench: Grimmer, Wright, Bates
Weekend Rotation:
Friday: Blanco
Sat: Kuhns
Sun: Arvidson
Weekend Long Relief: Krenzel, Mack, Frederick
Closer: Rhudy

Weekday Starter: Appenzeller
 
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#281
#281
taylorvol said:
Here’s my SWAG at opening lineup:
Lineup:
CF Abernathy. L
2B Marin. R
3B Ford. L
1B Clark. R
DH Brown. L
LF. Newstrom. R
RF Chapman. L
C Lawless. R
SS Antigua. R
First Off Bench: Grimmer, Wright, Bates
Weekend Rotation:
Friday: Blanco
Sat: Kuhns
Sun: Arvidson
Weekend Long Relief: Krenzel, Mack, Frederick
Closer: Rhudy

Weekday Starter: Appenzeller
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Ford’s a righty. Don’t see them going three rightys in a row in the heart of the lineup. Think Ford will be in 2 hole and maybe brown or Chapman at 3
 
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#282
#282
volforlife15 said:
Ford’s a righty. Don’t see them going three rightys in a row in the heart of the lineup. Think Ford will be in 2 hole and maybe brown or Chapman at 3
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Thanks for the correction. That changes my lineup a lot.

Lineup:
CF Abernathy. L
3B Ford. R
DH Grimmer L
1B Clark. R
LF Brown. L
2B Marin. R
RF Chapman. L
C Lawless. R
SS Antigua. R
First Off Bench: Newstrom (R), Wright (R), Myatt (L), Bates (R), High (L), and Moore (S)
 
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#283
#283
taylorvol said:
Thanks for the correction. That changes my lineup a lot.

Lineup:
CF Abernathy. L
3B Ford. R
DH Grimmer L
1B Clark. R
LF Brown. L
2B Marin. R
RF Chapman. L
C Lawless. R
SS Antigua. R
First Off Bench: Newstrom (R), Wright (R), Myatt (L), Bates (R), High (L), and Moore (S)
Click to expand...
Definitely like this better. Although I’m not sure we can leave Wright on the bench. I think he’s an everyday guy whether it’s C, OF, or DH. Not trying to critique every one of your posts. Just enjoy thinking through lineups!
 
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#284
#284
volforlife15 said:
Definitely like this better. Although I’m not sure we can leave Wright on the bench. I think he’s an everyday guy whether it’s C, OF, or DH. Not trying to critique every one of your posts. Just enjoy thinking through lineups!
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I like the depth for sure. I think Wright is a stud and will certainly be difficult to keep out of the lineup. I see him spelling Lawless on Sundays and then likely rotating between DH and LF depending on matchups and performance. SEC pitching will be an adjustment but he’s likey a quick study with his athleticism.
 
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#285
#285
taylorvol said:
I like the depth for sure. I think Wright is a stud and will certainly be difficult to keep out of the lineup. I see him spelling Lawless on Sundays and then likely rotating between DH and LF depending on matchups and performance. SEC pitching will be an adjustment but he’s likey a quick study with his athleticism.
Click to expand...
Welp. You were onto something. Guess we’ll have to wait on Wright
 
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#287
#287
taylorvol said:
Here’s my SWAG at opening lineup:
Lineup:
CF Abernathy. L
2B Marin. R
3B Ford. L
1B Clark. R
DH Brown. L
LF. Newstrom. R
RF Chapman. L
C Lawless. R
SS Antigua. R
First Off Bench: Grimmer, Wright, Bates
Weekend Rotation:
Friday: Blanco
Sat: Kuhns
Sun: Arvidson
Weekend Long Relief: Krenzel, Mack, Frederick
Closer: Rhudy

Weekday Starter: Appenzeller
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Agree with a lot of this
I think it's going to be hard not to have Ford, Brown, Wright, Clark not in there in first 5 and if Chapman cuts down on his strikeouts he could have 20 HR
Newy and Grimmer will need at bats and what about Myatt

Arvidson looked like our 2nd ace at the end of the year. It will be difficult not to start him on the weekend.

All good problems that will work itself out!
 
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#288
#288
#290
#290
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#291
#291
TheMookieMonster said:
Between this, Seibert, and Estes, not a great off-season health wise with the new roster limits. Depth already taking a hit.
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As long as it's one month or less on Wright, that is fine, need him for SEC and we need to see what Clark and Grindlinger can do behind the plate
Estes news was sad, he is going to be very good. Never heard much about Siebert while he was here, hope he gets things worked out for himself
 
#292
#292
QBUVOL2 said:
As long as it's one month or less on Wright, that is fine, need him for SEC and we need to see what Clark and Grindlinger can do behind the plate
Estes news was sad, he is going to be very good. Never heard much about Siebert while he was here, hope he gets things worked out for himself
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So is Seibert gone?
 
#294
#294
PlayerYearPositionBats26 Status
2 Ariel AntiguaJuniorSS, 2B, 3BRRoster
15 Hunter HighJuniorOFLeftRoster
8 Jay AbernathySophCF, 2BLeftRoster
14 Blake GrimmerR SophDH,LF,3B, 1BLeftRoster
4 Manny MarinSoph2B,SS,3BRRoster
21 Tegun KuhnsSophRHP/Weekend StarterRoster
27 Stone LawlessR SophC,1B,DHRRoster
16 Levi ClarkSoph1B,DH,CRRoster
10 Chris NewstromSophLF, 2B,3BRRoster
44 Nic AbrahamSophRHPRoster
34 Brayden KrenzelSophRHP, Weekend ReliefRoster
25 Brandon ArvidsonR JuniorLHP/Weekend StarterRoster
13 Reese ChapmanSeniorRFLeftRoster
33 Bo RhudyJuniorRHP, Weekend CloserTransfer In (Kennesaw St)
20 Tyler MyattR SophDH/3B/LFLeftTransfer In (Walter’s St CC)
6 Brady FrederickJuniorRHP, Weekend ReliefTransfer In (ETSU)
5 Garrett WrightJuniorC/OFRTransfer In (Bowling Green)
9 Henry FordJunior3B/OF/1BRTransfer In (Virginia)
1 Blaine BrownSophDH/OF/LHPLeftTransfer In (Rice)
18 Landon MackSophRHP,Weekend ReliefTransfer In (Rutgers)
11 Evan BlancoJuniorLHP/Weekend StarterTransfer In (Virginia)
7 Mark HindyGradLHP, Weekend ReliefTransfer In (Duke)
31 Finley BatesJunior2B/SSRTransfer In (San Diego St)
19 Cameron AppenzellerFreshmanLHP, Midweek StarterRanked 22
30 Trent GrindlingerFreshmanCRRanked 30
29 Taylor TraceyFreshmanOF/RHPRRanked 89
28 Ethan BaiottoFreshmanRHPRRanked 93
32 Ethan MooreFreshmanSS/2BSwitchRanked 94
17 Nathan EisfelderFreshmanOFRRanked 100
12 Evan HankinsFreshman1B/DH/LHPLeftRanked 156
William Haas*FreshmanLHPRanked 197/Med Redshirt
50 Darrell (DJ) McDowellFreshmanRHPRanked 295
Jax BishopFreshmanRHPRanked 336
35 Cash WilliamsFreshmanCRRanked 338
36 Sawyer DeeringFreshmanRHPRanked 356
43 Chandler DayFreshmanLHPRanked 458
40 Jackson Estes***FreshmanLHPRanked 471/Med Redshirt
37 Ari BetheaFreshmanRHPRanked 500
45 Hutson ChanceFreshmanOFLeftRanked 500
NOTES:
39 now on projected roster (Includes 2 likely medical redshirts in Haas and Estes)
3 entered portal post Fall 25
16 Returnees from 2025 season
10 Portal Transfers IN
25 Portal OUT
1 Quit
26 on 2026 projected Roster (Before incoming freshmen signees)
17 Incoming Freshmen Signees (removed Tyler Wood but replaced with Jackson Estes)
Expect Final Roster of 39 (34 + 5 DSAs)
* William Haas will likely take a medical redshirt
***Jackson Estes will likely take a medical redshirt
Freshmen rankings are courtesy of Perfect Game
Bold=Likely Starter
Italics=Weekend Starting Pitcher
 
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#295
#295
taylorvol said:
PlayerYearPositionBats26 Status
2 Ariel AntiguaJuniorSS, 2B, 3BRRoster
15 Hunter HighJuniorOFLeftRoster
8 Jay AbernathySophCF, 2BLeftRoster
14 Blake GrimmerR SophDH,LF,3B, 1BLeftRoster
4 Manny MarinSoph2B,SS,3BRRoster
21 Tegun KuhnsSophRHP/Weekend StarterRoster
27 Stone LawlessR SophC,1B,DHRRoster
16 Levi ClarkSoph1B,DH,CRRoster
10 Chris NewstromSophLF, 2B,3BRRoster
44 Nic AbrahamSophRHPRoster
34 Brayden KrenzelSophRHP, Weekend ReliefRoster
25 Brandon ArvidsonR JuniorLHP/Weekend StarterRoster
13 Reese ChapmanSeniorRFLeftRoster
33 Bo RhudyJuniorRHP, Weekend CloserTransfer In (Kennesaw St)
20 Tyler MyattR SophDH/3B/LFLeftTransfer In (Walter’s St CC)
6 Brady FrederickJuniorRHP, Weekend ReliefTransfer In (ETSU)
5 Garrett WrightJuniorC/OFRTransfer In (Bowling Green)
9 Henry FordJunior3B/OF/1BRTransfer In (Virginia)
1 Blaine BrownSophDH/OF/LHPLeftTransfer In (Rice)
18 Landon MackSophRHP,Weekend ReliefTransfer In (Rutgers)
11 Evan BlancoJuniorLHP/Weekend StarterTransfer In (Virginia)
7 Mark HindyGradLHP, Weekend ReliefTransfer In (Duke)
31 Finley BatesJunior2B/SSRTransfer In (San Diego St)
19 Cameron AppenzellerFreshmanLHP, Midweek StarterRanked 22
30 Trent GrindlingerFreshmanCRRanked 30
29 Taylor TraceyFreshmanOF/RHPRRanked 89
28 Ethan BaiottoFreshmanRHPRRanked 93
32 Ethan MooreFreshmanSS/2BSwitchRanked 94
17 Nathan EisfelderFreshmanOFRRanked 100
12 Evan HankinsFreshman1B/DH/LHPLeftRanked 156
William Haas*FreshmanLHPRanked 197/Med Redshirt
50 Darrell (DJ) McDowellFreshmanRHPRanked 295
Jax BishopFreshmanRHPRanked 336
35 Cash WilliamsFreshmanCRRanked 338
36 Sawyer DeeringFreshmanRHPRanked 356
43 Chandler DayFreshmanLHPRanked 458
40 Jackson Estes***FreshmanLHPRanked 471/Med Redshirt
37 Ari BetheaFreshmanRHPRanked 500
45 Hutson ChanceFreshmanOFLeftRanked 500
NOTES:
39 now on projected roster (Includes 2 likely medical redshirts in Haas and Estes)
3 entered portal post Fall 25
16 Returnees from 2025 season
10 Portal Transfers IN
25 Portal OUT
1 Quit
26 on 2026 projected Roster (Before incoming freshmen signees)
17 Incoming Freshmen Signees (removed Tyler Wood but replaced with Jackson Estes)
Expect Final Roster of 39 (34 + 5 DSAs)
* William Haas will likely take a medical redshirt
***Jackson Estes will likely take a medical redshirt
Freshmen rankings are courtesy of Perfect Game
Click to expand...
What do bold and italics indicate?
 
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#296
#296
NighthawkVol said:
What do bold and italics indicate?
Click to expand...
Thanks for the reminder as I added legends. 🍊👊👍😀👊🍊Bold is likely position starter (included 10 as I think Newstrom and Grimmer will be interchangeable and both will see lots of starts at DH, LF, and at 2B (Newstrom) or 3B). Italics are weekend starting pitchers. Included 4 because it will come down to the wire between Mack and Arvidson. They may prefer Arvidson in high leverage and long relief. Lots of talent but another relatively young team.
 
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#297
#297
taylorvol said:
Thanks for the correction. That changes my lineup a lot.

Lineup:
CF Abernathy. L
3B Ford. R
DH Grimmer L
1B Clark. R
LF Brown. L
2B Marin. R
RF Chapman. L
C Lawless. R
SS Antigua. R
First Off Bench: Newstrom (R), Wright (R), Myatt (L), Bates (R), High (L), and Moore (S)
Click to expand...
I hope it will look like this, but I think Antigua will get the start over Newstrom…
CF Abernathy
3B Ford
LF Brown
1B Clark
DH Grimmer
2B Newstrom
RF Chapman
SS Marin
C Lawless (until Wright returns)
 
#298
#298
Zvols said:
I hope it will look like this, but I think Antigua will get the start over Newstrom…
CF Abernathy
3B Ford
LF Brown
1B Clark
DH Grimmer
2B Newstrom
RF Chapman
SS Marin
C Lawless (until Wright returns)
Click to expand...
You ain’t gonna keep Mynatt out of this lineup.
 
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