Spring training games are now officially underway, and that means many of the former Vols are getting ready to play with their new clubs this season.
For many of the players who were drafted recently, they are still getting their feet under them — possibly even playing their first full season. For some older guys, the objective is to make adjustments and improve on weak areas to continue climbing the ranks in the farm system.
Joyce brothers are reunited in Anaheim
Zach Joyce, the twin brother of Ben Joyce, was drafted in the 14th round by the Los Angeles Angels after the 2023 college baseball season — the same team that his brother was drafted to the previous year.
Although Zach Joyce has only pitched a total of 10.2 innings in the Angels farm system, he has pitched well. He recorded a 2.53 ERA with nine strikeouts. With this early success already under his belt, and knowing that his brother Ben Joyce made his major league debut within his first year with the Angels, it’s reasonable to assume that he won’t be in the minors long either.
Seeing as the two pitch in a similar fashion, the Angels should already know what works well to develop Zach Joyce to be at a major league level soon. Hopefully, the Joyce brothers will be pitching for the Angels together in the majors before the end of the season.
Seth Halvorsen slings it in the minors
Seth Halvorsen, one of the pitchers drafted after the 2023 college season, sits in the Colorado Rockies farm system. He, like Zach Joyce, pitched well in his abbreviated season in the minors last year and is getting ready to expand on his success this year. Halvorsen recorded a 2.70 ERA and 13 strikeouts in 13.1 innings. Although he is currently slated to start the season in rookie ball, he will likely move up quickly as he did get called up late last season.
There’s still more to see
Players like Maui Ahuna, the starting shortstop for Tennessee baseball in 2023, have not played any games in the minors yet. That makes this season his first chance to show the San Francisco Giants what type of player he is.
Jake Fitzgibbons, also drafted after the 2023 college season, has played a little for his Arizona Diamondbacks — pitching nine innings. His stats are slightly underwhelming with a 5.00 ERA.
The hope for Fitzgibbons is that he can show some improvement this season and make his way through the farm system.
Finally, there’s Cortland Lawson, a familiar face from the 2022 Tennessee baseball team. Drafted by the Washington Nationals in the 14th round in 2022, Lawson has also struggled early with his new team. Slashing just a .255/.349/.344 for his career in the minors so far, he has struggled. However, last year looked much better for Lawson, who improved his on-base plus slugging from .565 in 2022 to .713 in 2023.
