What Rank is Vanderbilt Baseball in 2022?
Vanderbilt baseball is a powerhouse in college baseball, with a history of success and national championships. The Commodores have been a consistent presence in the top 25 for years, and have been ranked in the top 10 for the last four seasons. With the 2021 season just around the corner, questions are starting to arise about the team’s ranking heading into 2022.
Vanderbilt’s Recent Rankings
Vanderbilt has been a consistent presence in the top 25 since 2016, finishing as high as #2 in 2017. The Commodores have been ranked in the top 10 for the last four seasons, with their highest ranking of #3 in 2019.
2022 Preseason Rankings
Vanderbilt is currently ranked #7 in the 2022 preseason rankings, with a strong chance of improving their ranking during the 2021 season. The Commodores have a strong roster of returning players and a talented recruiting class that should help them continue their success in the 2021 season.
Key Returners
Vanderbilt has a strong roster of returners that will be key to their success in 2021. These players include:
- Stephen Scott: Scott is a returning senior outfielder who batted .303 with 8 home runs and 35 RBIs in 2020. He is a leader on the team and will be a key factor in the 2021 season.
- Ty Duvall: Duvall is a returning senior pitcher who had a 3.03 ERA in 2020. He is a reliable starter and will be counted on to lead the pitching staff in 2021.
- J.J. Bleday: Bleday is a returning junior outfielder who batted .311 with 14 home runs and 39 RBIs in 2020. He is one of the best hitters in the country and will be a leader for the Commodores in 2021.
Recruiting Class
Vanderbilt has a talented 2021 recruiting class that should help them continue their success in the 2021 season. These players include:
- Jack Leiter: Leiter is a highly-touted pitcher who is the son of former Major Leaguer Al Leiter. He is expected to make an immediate impact for the Commodores in 2021.
- Austin Martin: Martin is an outfielder who was taken fifth overall in the 2020 MLB Draft. He is a dynamic player who should help the team in multiple facets of the game.
- Carter Young: Young is a shortstop who was taken 23rd overall in the 2020 MLB Draft. He is a slick-fielding shortstop who should help solidify the team’s defense.
Schedule
Vanderbilt’s 2021 schedule is headlined by a series against SEC rival LSU in April. The Commodores also have series against other top teams such as Georgia, South Carolina, and Mississippi State. The team will also play a number of non-conference games against teams such as Vanderbilt, Tennessee, and Kentucky.
Expectations
Vanderbilt is expected to be a top-10 team in 2021 and should be in contention for a national championship. The team has a strong roster of returners and a talented recruiting class that should help them continue their success.
Potential Challenges
The 2021 season will bring some challenges for the Commodores. The team will have to deal with the lack of in-person fans due to COVID-19, and the potential for disruptions due to the pandemic.
Coach Corbin
Vanderbilt is coached by Tim Corbin, who is entering his 17th season at the helm of the Commodores. Corbin has been a consistent winner at Vanderbilt, as he has led the team to five College World Series appearances, three SEC titles, and one national championship in 2014.
Conclusion
Vanderbilt is currently ranked #7 in the 2022 preseason rankings and is expected to be a top-10 team in 2021. The Commodores have a strong roster of returners and a talented recruiting class that should help them continue their success, and are in contention for a national championship. Tim Corbin is entering his 17th season as head coach of the team, and is a proven winner who has led the team to five College World Series appearances and one national championship. With the 2021 season just around the corner, Vanderbilt baseball is poised to be a force to be reckoned with in the coming years.