After a disappointing 2024 campaign, Auburn Baseball is set to start the 2025 season inside of a newly-renovated Plainsman Park against Holy Cross on Friday, Feb. 14. Members of our sports staff answered questions regarding what to expect from the Tigers this season.
Who do you expect to produce at the plate for the Tigers this season?
Patrick Bingham, Sports Editor: "I'll go with sophomore infielder Eric Guevara who posted a .500 batting average this fall for the Tigers. Guevara battled on-and-off injuries most of his freshman campaign but Guevara has gotten healthy and received high praise from coaches in the lead-up to the season."
Logan Fowler, Sports Reporter: "Cooper McMurray and Ike Irish are the clear choices here, returning as bright spots in the heart of the Tigers' lineup. McMurray posted a .296 batting average with 56 RBIs and tied for the team lead with 14 home runs. Irish led the Tigers with a .319 batting average, pacing the team in hits (59) and RBIs (59) while matching McMurray's home run total.
Lucas Steele, the 2023 SoCon Freshman of the Year, is a great addition through the transfer portal from Samford, who posted a .280 batting average with 29 home runs and 112 RBIs, with the Bulldogs, adding another powerful bat to pair with McMurray and Irish in the middle of the lineup. "
William Dembo, Sports Reporter: "There are many great bats for fans to be excited about this season, but outfielder Bristol Carter sticks out to me. Carter is a sophomore transfer from East Carolina University who was awarded Second Team Freshman All-American honors in 2024 following a great rookie season.
"Carter posted a .344 batting average with a .403 on base percentage and a .438 slugging last season while leading his team to a 46-17 record. The transfer will likely lead off to start the season for the Tigers and should give the top of the lineup an extra boost with his strong on base percentage."
Which member of Auburn's pitching staff could have a breakout season?
Patrick Bingham, Sports Editor: "I'll go with the senior right handed pitcher Samuel Dutton, a transfer from LSU, who is set to make his Auburn debut on Saturday evening. Dutton made a career-high 20 appearances, including four starts and four postseason postseason appearances.
"He posted a 5.86 ERA with a save and struck out 29 batters with just six walks in 27.2 innings. Dutton didn’t allow a run in his first four appearances of the season."
Logan Fowler, Sports Reporter: "After struggling on the mound a year ago, namely developing a starting rotation that could provide valuable innings, Butch Thompson and pitching coach Everett Teaford have an array of new faces to work with this season.
Cade Fisher, a transfer from Florida, is a guy from the left side that has potential to become a Friday night guy for the Tigers, though, he will look to improve on his 7.13 ERA from a year ago. Sam Dutton is another guy who has a chance to have a breakout season for the Tigers after making a move over to the Plains from Baton Rouge. He appeared in 20 games for the Bayou Bengals a year ago, notching four starts with a 5.86 ERA in 27.2 innings with six walks and 29 strikeouts"
William Dembo, Sports Reporter: "Righty Christian Chatterton will be a great arm for Tiger fans to look out for as Butch Thompson looks to greatly improve the pitching rotation. Chatterton is a true freshman from Brooks High School in Alabama, where he accumulated many awards such as the 7A player of the year while showcasing a 0.95 ERA in his senior season.
"Coming in at 6-foot, 203 pounds Chatterton can get up to 95 mph from the right side while displaying a four-pitch arsenal. The freshman made a strong debut on the plains throughout fall scrimmages and will make his first regular season appearance this upcoming Sunday as he faces Holy Cross."
What are your overall thoughts on the 2025 season for Auburn Baseball?
Patrick Bingham, Sports Editor: "Life is always tough in the SEC but I think that the Tigers could get a return on investment from the experience several players received last season early into their college careers. Paired with several transfers and a highly-touted freshman class Auburn might just have the right build of a team in this current era which could lead to a turn around season."
Logan Fowler, Sports Reporter: "It's an ultra-talented team that has the key pieces to succeed in a challenging league. If the pitching staff can improve and the bats continue to produce, the Tigers have the potential to challenge some of the league's best. I believe the Tigers will end the season as a middle-of-the-pack team in the SEC, and will get back to Hoover in May."
William Dembo, Sports Reporter: "As Auburn is set to go head-to-head with six SEC teams that are ranked in the 2025 D1Baseball preseason Top 25 rankings, the Tigers will have a challenging road ahead. Although there were many struggles last season, I believe Butch Thompson and the Tigers will improve this season against their conference foes behind many pivotal players from the transfer portal that will greatly improve the roster.
"With Auburn finishing second to last in ERA last season in the SEC, if the newcomers to the pitching staff such as Cade Fisher and Sam Dutton can add reinforcement and boost the rotation, the Tigers will be in a much stronger position. Auburn may not finish at the top of their conference, but fans can be sure that the team will put up a great fight against any team they face."
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