Four position battles to watch for Arkansas baseball in 2024
FAYETTEVILLE, Ark. — There are just six weeks until the return of Arkansas baseball season, and the Razorbacks still have multiple starting spots up for grabs.
According to head coach Dave Van Horn — who is about to enter his 22nd season in charge — that uncertainty is a pillar of the Hogs' success.
"The position battles are always going to be there. I truly believe that’s a big part of our program and the way we run things here, that you just have to keep working to play," Van Horn said. "Even if you’re a returning starter, obviously your name is penciled in, until it’s not."
With the season rapidly approaching, here is a look at the four most intriguing position battles Van Horn still needs to sort out before Opening Day against James Madison.
Catcher
The Candidates: Hudson White, Parker Rowland, Hudson Polk and Ryder Helfrick
This figures to be the most interesting position battle heading into the new season. Rowland and Polk return in 2024 to compete with three newcomers who all bring different strengths.
Rowland and Polk both struggled at the plate last season, with neither player hitting above .200, but Coach Van Horn said both players had great falls and made strides on offense.
White comes to Fayetteville from Texas Tech, where he smacked 11 home runs and recorded 49 RBIs while hitting .292. He's also put in the work this offseason to become better behind the plate.
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"He came in here and he’s probably the most improved defensively out of all our guys, from the time he walked in the door until right now," Van Horn said.
Finally, there's Helfrick, who Van Horn called 'the future' of the position. Perfect Game's recruiting rankings tabbed the freshman from California as the No. 2 catcher in the nation. It feels like a matter of time before he takes hold of the position, and he could earn some playing time during his first season with the Hogs.
First Base
The Candidates: Ben McLaughlin and Jack Wagner
There's a decent chance both of these players find themselves in plenty of starting lineups, with one serving as the DH and the other manning first base. McLaughlin got most of his playing time last year as the designated hitter, batting .346 and only striking out 11 times in 78 at-bats.
Wagner arrives from Tarleton State, where he smashed 15 home runs to go along with 56 RBIs and a 1.143 OPS. He led the Texans in nearly every offensive category, and if the bat translates over against SEC pitching, he will be impossible to keep out of the lineup.
One final name to keep an eye on is White, who in addition to playing catcher made a handful of starts at first base for Texas Tech last season.
Left and Center Field
The Candidates: Ty Wilmsmeyer, Will Edmunson, Jayson Jones, Jack Wagner and Ross Lovich
There are no questions about right field. Kendall Diggs is the starter out there after driving in a team-high 63 runs in 2023. He also hit 12 bombs and led the Hogs with 46 walks.
However, Van Horn said the other two spots in the outfield are still a work in progress. Of the five names listed above, only Jones is a returnee from 2023. The sophomore played all over the diamond last season but will try to earn an everyday role in left field this season.
Wilmsmeyer and Lovich are transfers from Missouri who should fight for playing time in center field. Both players made more than 40 starts for the Tigers last season, with Wilmsmeyer hitting .311 and scoring 40 runs. He might have the inside track to a starting spot in center, but Van Horn said Wilmsmeyer struggled at the plate this fall.
Edmunson is a transfer from Hutchinson Community College and will compete at both spots. Wagner, who was already mentioned as an option at first base, played some outfield during his time at Kansas.
This article originally appeared on Fort Smith Times Record: Four position battles to watch for Arkansas baseball in 2024
