In 2018, the Oregon baseball team returns a number of key veterans who will look to lead the Ducks back to the postseason while being complimented by another strong recruiting class.
The Ducks have some top notch arms returning to lead the team in 2018. Matt Mercer, a projected high Major League Baseball draft pick next summer, should inherit the role of the Ducks’ Friday night starter in place of All-American and New York Mets’ first-round draft pick David Peterson. All-American closer Kenyon Yovan returns and could find a spot in the weekend rotation or continue his role as the Ducks’ stopper. Juniors Cole Stringer and Parker Kelly, sophomore Ryne Nelson and a number of young arms will play a big part in Oregon’s season.
Senior infielder Kyle Kasser highlights the return of a strong infield that should be the key to Oregon’s offensive success. Kasser set a modern-era Oregon record batting .352 while being named a first-team All-Pac-12 selection following his junior season. He is joined in the infield by a pair of returning freshmen All-Americans in first baseman Gabe Matthews and third baseman Spencer Steer.
The two corner infielders combined to drive in 61 runs as freshmen with Matthews finishing second on the team with a .282 batting average. He had 11 extra-base hits, finishing second on the team in home runs. Steer, who started every game but one, led the Ducks with 35 RBI and 12 doubles. In the outfield, some exciting newcomers join veterans Taylor Travess and Jakob Goldfarb.
Success is nothing new to Oregon head coach George Horton. In nine seasons, the Ducks’ skipper has led Oregon to five postseason appearances including a Super Regional in 2012. During that time he has coached six All-Americans in Eugene as well as 41 all-conference players and 43 MLB Draft picks, including two first-round selections.
