Freshman Arms That Could Make an Immediate Impact
by Cole Velis
Dylan Vigue, RHP - Michigan
Vigue, from Leominster, Massachusetts, was originally a Umass Amherst commit before reopening his recruiting process as a late bloomer and landing in Ann Arbor at the University of Michigan. Before arriving on campus, Vigue dominated in Worcester for the Bravehearts of the Futures League. In 31.2 IP, he grabbed 34 punchouts, walking only 12 good for a 2.56 ERA. His arsenal consists of a four-seam fastball sitting 91-94, two above average breakers in his mid 80’s slider and bigger curveball with a vertical profile, as well as changeup thrown to LHH. His mix offers both pitchability and stuff while showcasing his feel to spin. Vigue should find his way into the Wolverines weekend rotation.
Connor Mattison, RHP - Grand Canyon
Mattison headlines a top 50 recruiting class brought in by GCU head coach Gregg Wallis and his staff. A top 250 recruit by Perfect Game, he features a changeup he throws to both right and left handed hitters to pair with a fastball from 89-91 with average shape. Mattison also throws a lesser used sweeper from 75-77. Mattison’s changeup has encouraging metrics. It sits 77-79 with low IVB and above 16” of horizontal break while having nearly a 40% whiff rate this fall, giving it the making of a plus pitch. He too looks to crack the weekend rotation for the Lopes, who look to build on a 37-21 campaign last spring.
Trey Beard, LHP - Florida Atlantic
The 6’3 left hander has impressed early on in fall ball for the Owls. His high release point combined with his height and extension makes for an uncomfortable at bat for opposing hitters. Beard offers a fastball at 89-91 with a high induced vertical break with his go-to secondary offering being his changeup in the mid 70’s which plays off of his fastball nicely. He will also mix in a mid 70’s 12-6 curveball with a huge profile and occasionally a shorter low 80’s slider. While not overpowering, Beard should play an important role in trying to get FAU back to a regional, last playing in one in 2019.
Jacob Dudan, RHP - NC State
Dudan has been a pleasant surprise for the Wolfpack this fall, showing to be an incredibly live arm with excellent stuff. Dudan has sat 93-95 while touching 97 on his fastball with arm side run to pair with his hard sweeper, which spins almost 3000 RPMs with depth. The right hander is loose and athletic on the mound with a quick arm. His role remains more uncertain than some of the other freshmen listed, but certainly factors into NC State’s long term plans.
Chase Meyer, RHP - West Virginia
Meyer was the top arm brought in by head coach Randy Mazey and his staff, ranking the 110th best player by Perfect Game. Meyer is a power arm sitting 94-96 occasionally operating in the upper 90’s on his fastball with 2500 RPMs from a low three quarters slot which allows him to profile well up in the zone with a high vertical attack angle. He showcased a sharp slider off of it spinning it at 3300 RPM around 83-86. He flashes a hard changeup with fading action to LHH from 85-87 as well. Meyer could look to fill a hole left in the weekend rotation with the graduation of Blaine Traxel and Ben Hampton’s transfer to conference rival TCU.
Credits: Photos by Michigan Baseball, Baseball Factory
