TCU shortstop Tre Richardson during the 2023 Phillips 66 Big 12 Championship — Colt Barber/Big 12 Conference

TCU Baseball: Will They Stay Or Will They Go?

Seven TCU Baseball players were selected in this year's MLB Draft. Here's my opinion if they will come back to TCU or begin their pro careers.

Author:
Nathan Cross
Updated:
Jul 13, 2023 1:03 PM EDT
Original:
Jul 13, 2023

Will They Stay or Will They Go?

A quick look at my opinion on whether or whether not the drafted players will return to TCU for the upcoming season.

3B Brayden Taylor

Junior Brayden Taylor was selected in the first round by the Tampa Bay Rays. It shouldn't be a question whether he stays or goes, he was the fifth first-rounder in program history and the first TCU position player selected in the first round. He is one of the most talented players in TCU history, and the Rays will be super lucky to have him. We will miss B-Tay, but he has given it his all for TCU. He will be a Horned Frog Legend forever. Good luck, Brayden!

My Opinion: Turn pro

1B Cole Fontenelle

Junior Cole Fontenelle was drafted by the Los Angeles Angeles in the seventh round. Fontenelle had an excellent first season; TCU fit in well and enjoyed it. Even though he had a solid year and a decent draft pick, I think he will return and help the Frogs get back to Omaha. I think he will have a major breakout season next year if he returns. With Taylor likely out, TCU will be looking for their next slugger.

My Opinion: Run it back

RHP Ryan Vanderhei

Junior Ryan Vanderhei was selected in the tenth round by the San Francisco Giants. This was Vanderhei's first season at TCU, and it wasn't even a full one, as an injury sidelined him. He was excellent for TCU at the beginning of the season and definitely provided depth in the bullpen. This is a tough one for me to decide because pitchers' arms don't last forever, and he has already dealt with injuries. I think it will be a tough decision for him as well. However, I think he knows in the back of his mind that the Frogs will have a stacked bullpen. For that reason, he will come back and help the Horned Frog bullpen in any area they need him. I could definitely see him being a long relief pitcher, if not a starter, next season.

My Opinion: Run it back

2B Tre Richardson

Junior Tre Richardson was selected by the St. Louis Cardinals in the 15th round. He was one of TCU's most valuable pickups this season, and he really impacted the Frogs in both offense and defense. Even though TCU received another second baseman through the portal, I still think they will make it work and find a way for both of the two-second basemen to find their way into the lineup. For this reason, I think Tre will return to TCU for his senior year.

My Opinion: Run it Back

RHP Cam Brown

Junior Cam Brown was selected in the tenth round by the Philadelphia Phillies. Brown has been a reliable arm for the Frogs for quite some time now. He has had his ups and downs, but his high-speed fastball is something special. I think this is a perfect opportunity for Brown to go to the Phillies. I have gone back and forth with my opinion about this. I think Cam is going to accept his draft pick and begin his pro career. However, I would not be surprised if he ran it back with the Frogs next season.

My Opinion: Turn Pro

OF Elijah Nunez

Junior Elijah Nunez is one of the best outfielders in the nation. Nunez was drafted in the 14th round by the Washington Nationals. He showed his talent this season and helped the Frogs in almost every way. I think Nunez is pro-ready, but he hasn't shown his full potential. I think he will return next season and lead the Horned Frog outfield. I think he is prepared to have a major breakout year and have an even better draft pick in the future.

My Opinion: Run it back

RHP Garrett Wight

Junior Garrett Wright was selected in the 20th round by the Chicago White Sox. Wright has been with the Frogs for some time now and has always been a reliable go-to pitcher when in trouble or if the team just wanted to shut the game down. Wright has some of the most potential in college baseball to be a great and dominant pitcher. I think he will return next season and show the country what he is all about and help this Horned Frog bullpen with senior leadership.

My Opinion: Run it back

Regardless of what these seven athletes decide to do. They will always be Horned Frogs and we are proud of them. Congratulations on a huge accomplishment!

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