University of Minnesota Athletics
Gophers Sign 10 in 2023 Class
11/21/2022 8:22:00 AM | Baseball
8 of the signees are from Minnesota
Making up this year's signing class are Alex Altmann (OF; Buffalo, Minn.), Cade Bruett (OF/1B; Delano, Minn.), Oliver Giel (RHP; Wayzata, Minn.), Tyler Hemmesch (RHP; Sartell, Minn.), Gunnar Heuchert (SS, Grand Forks, N.D.), Parker Lewin (RHP/OF; Minnetrista, Minn.), Kyle Remington (RHP/SS/OF; Grand Rapids, Mich.), Charlie Sutherland (SS/OF; Duluth, Minn.), Jack Taxdahl (C/SS; Prior Lake, Minn.) and Will Whelan (Centennial, Minn.).
The incoming 2023 class is again a balanced group, with five of the 10 commits being two-way players. Eight of the 10 commits are ranked nationally in the top-500 by either Perfect Game or Prep Baseball Report. Eight of the 10 commits are from the state of Minnesota and all 10 hail from the Midwest.
"Our goal is to find young men who have the level of responsibility and accountability in the daily process that earns them the right to put on the Minnesota Baseball uniform and wear the 'M,'" said head coach John Anderson. "This 2023 class of committed young men believe in our why and are passionate about adding to the prideful history and tradition of Golden Gopher Baseball. I believe this is another impressive group of highly skilled baseball players and quality young men. This class comes on the heels of two really good recruiting classes that our staff has assembled through countless hours of hard work and building trusted relationships."
Alex Altmann
| Position: CF | Height: 6-3 | Weight: 205 | Bat/Throws: L/L Hometown: Buffalo, Minn. | High School: Rockford Scouting Report: A physically gifted five-tool, three-sport athlete who broke out during his junior season. Runs a 6.6/60, throws 90+ MPH from the outfield and was among the state leaders with six home runs last spring. Projects as a center fielder and middle of the order bat long-term. His elite running ability, instincts on the bases along with his competitiveness are what make him unique. |
Altmann arrives in Minnesota after a three-sport prep career in football, baseball and two years of basketball at Rockford High School. He was a two-time all-section player for football, and won first team all-conference along with first team all-section in baseball his junior year. He was also a Prep Baseball Report Futures Game participant.
He had a stellar junior season, hitting .397 with six home runs, 27 RBI and a .494 on-base percentage. Altmann ranks as the No. 14 overall prospect in the state by Perfect Game in addition to being the No. 3 player at his position and No. 353 player nationally. Prep Baseball Report ranks him as the No. 5 player in the state and No. 2 overall at his position.
The son of Lynn and Rob Altmann, Alex also has an older sister, Madeline and a younger sister Gabrielle.
Schools Considered: San Diego, Wichita State, Utah, Creighton, Ohio, and Xavier.
Altmann on why he chose Minnesota: "When entering the recruiting process, my initial mindset was like most kids from up north. I wanted to go down south and play somewhere where it was warm. I spent the first year only focusing on schools down south and schools that were in warm places. I saw that Minnesota was hosting a camp and I decided that why not give a school up here a chance and have an open mind to it. I walked in the doors and I instantly fell in love with it. The facilities were amazing and the coaching staff was extremely inviting. It had this sense of familiarity that I was looking for in a school. I was extremely impressed by the way they carried themselves and went about their job. After that day, I told my parents that this was the place. I didn't know for sure if they felt the same at the time, but I knew that this was the place for me. The campus, the academics and the facilities as well as the coaches checked every box I had and met every standard that I was looking for in a school. I grew up a Gophers fan and now I am extremely excited and humbled to become one."
Volunteer Assistant Coach Mike Kvasnika on Altmann: "The thing that jumps off the page when looking at a player like Alex is his raw athleticism and incredibly advanced physical tools for a high school player. His size, speed, strength and arm are all well above-average tools. He has an extremely high ceiling in the game of baseball. Alex is a three-sport athlete for Rockford, and a top performer in both football and basketball as well as baseball. Alex put all his tools together on the diamond in his junior season, having a monster year at the plate, where he hit for a .400 average and added power with six home runs. I was fortunate enough to coach Alex in club baseball and have seen what he can do on the field. He can impact the game in countless ways. We are extremely excited for Alex to get on campus and further develop in the game, knowing that his physicality can transition into the Big Ten right away."
Cade Bruett
| Position: OF/1B | Height: 6-3 | Weight: 210 | Bat/Throws: L/L Hometown: Delano, Minn. | High School: Delano Scouting Report: Emerging prospect who excels in three sports. Has the size and speed to play all three outfield spots and the athleticism to be a first baseman. Has a short, level swing that's produced a high average and is starting to show signs of power. His running ability really took a jump this past year with 35 stolen bases and excellent play in the outfield. Has a high ceiling with the ability to play early in his career at Minnesota. |
Bruett comes to Minnesota after a three-sport high school career in baseball, football, and hockey at Delano High School. He was a five-year letterwinner in baseball and football and a two-year letterwinner in hockey. He was a junior and senior captain in baseball and a senior captain in football and hockey.
For baseball he was named first team all-conference, first team all-section, and first team all-area in his junior year of baseball. He finished with a .444 batting average, two home runs, a .523 on-base percentage, 1.093 on-base plus slugging and .569 slugging percentage. He posted 32 Hits, 26 RBI and 15 stolen bases. During his legion season he finished with a .411 batting average, 21 Hits, 14 stolen bases, and 13 RBI. Cade was ranked No. 74 in the state overall and No. 8 in his position by Prep Baseball Report.
Bruett is the son of Jen and JT Bruett. He has two younger brothers, Andrew and Grant and a younger sister, Alivia. His father JT played baseball for the Gophers and is currently the director of the Lindahl Academic Center.
Schools Also Considered: Minnesota, North Dakota State, and St Cloud State.
Bruett on why he chose Minnesota: "I chose Minnesota for many reasons. I grew up going to games with my family and I have been a lifelong Gopher fan. Both of my parents went to the UofM. I really like the coaching and staff and team. The 'U' is close enough for my extended family and friends to attend home games. I'm looking forward to being able to play home games during February and March at US Bank Stadium and not have to travel and miss class as much."
| Position: RHP | Height: 6-2 | Weight: 180 | Bat/Throws: R/R Hometown: Wayzata, Minn. | High School: Orono Scouting Report: Emerging right-handed pitching prospect who broke out this past spring and summer on the mound for Orono High School. Comes right after hitters with solid-plus fastball that has late life and sits anywhere from 89-91 MPH with room for more. Slider acts as more of a cutter, has two variations of it, and the changeup is firm with sink and run. Makes big pitches in big situations and has proven to be a winner at the high school level. Is only going to get better with more innings and development. Reminds coaching staff of Reggie Meyer with his pitchability and competitiveness on the mound. |
The right-hander out of Orono has had an excellent prep career. His junior year on the mound saw him pitch 29.2 innings and post a 2-1 record with an 2.30 ERA, 41 strikeouts and a .133 OBA.
During the summer and fall of 2022, Giel logged 51 innings while playing for three teams (17U Starters National, Mayer Blazers, and Maple Plain Legion). His highlights included 32.2 innings pitched with 41 strikeouts for Starters National, garnering a 3-1 record and a 3.07 ERA.
Oliver is the son of Thomas and Sarah Giel. He has a younger brother, Griffin who is a standout youth soccer player. Giel intends to major in business and marketing education at the University of Minnesota. He is the grandson of Paul Giel, the former Gopher Football and Baseball legend at the University of Minnesota. Paul was also the Athletic Director from 1971-1989.
Schools Also Considered: St. Thomas, NDSU, Canisius, Minnesota State
Giel on why he chose Minnesota: "The pride the students take in attending the University of Minnesota and the strong culture within the baseball program is something I've always wanted to be a part of. I grew up going to games at Siebert Field, watching all the great players that came before. All I've ever wanted to do since then was represent the 'U' as a Golden Gopher. The strong academic opportunity the school presents, the rich history and success of the baseball program, and the exceptional coaching staff made the decision easy in choosing the University of Minnesota. "
Pitching Coach Ty McDevitt on Giel: "Oliver is a Gopher through and through. He understands the importance of the history and tradition of our program and is eager to contribute to it. We've kept a close eye on Oliver the past few years and about halfway through the summer he made an impressive jump in terms of quality of his stuff and his command. We expect Oliver to continue to add mass to his long and strong frame and make an immediate impact for us."
Tyler Hemmesch
| Position: RHP | Height: 6-1 | Weight: 200 | Bat/Throws: R/R Hometown: Sartell, Minn. | High School: Sartell Scouting Report: A gifted right-handed pitcher out of Sartell High School who wo will work in the low 90's with a sharp two-plane slider that will play as an out-pitch at the Division-I level. Very quick arm and projectable body with room for physical maturity and more velocity in the coming years. Projects as a future weekend starter. |
Tyler Hemmesch comes to Gold Country after excelling as a two-sport athlete in baseball and football at Sartell High School. A Central Lake All-Conference and a Star Tribune All-Metro team honoree his sophomore year, the 6-foot-1 right-hander has lettered as a four-year starter for the Sabres as a standout hurler while helping lead them to the 2022 Class 4A State Tournament this past spring.
He broke onto the scene as a sophomore, going 6-2 with a 1.39 ERA, breaking Sartell's school record for the lowest ERA in school history. He struck out 54 and posted a miniscule .187 batting average against. This past summer, pitching for NorthStar, he worked 19.2 innings with a team-best 34 strikeouts and a .104 batting average against. Named Central Region Underclass All-America by Perfect Game, Hemmesch has garnered multiple all-tournament team honors and helped GRB National secure the WWBA 17U Championship this past summer.
The son of Samantha and Nicholas Hemmesch and Trent Phelps, he has two younger brothers, Emmitt and Oliver. He plans to major in elementary education at the University of Minnesota. Hemmesch played for Gopher alums and current staff members Mike Kvasnicka, Alec Crawford and Toby Anderson at NorthStar Baseball.
Schools Also Considered: North Carolina, Xavier, UCF, Wichita State, Saint Louis, Southern Mississippi, Penn State
Hemmesch on why he chose Minnesota: "I chose Minnesota because putting on the Maroon and Gold is something I have dreamt about since I was a kid. Being able to represent my state and see family and friends while competing at this level is a goal I am proud to have achieved. The ability to stay close to home and still obtain a world class education is an amazing opportunity, and having my intended major rank in the top 20 of universities means I will be successful on and off the field. The facilities here are among the top in the nation and I know that the coaching staff will help me be the best pitcher and person I can be throughout the next four years. Minnesota has proved to develop some of the highest level collegiate arms time and time again and seeing the success that they have helped others achieve helped me make my decision on staying home. I come from a close family, and I am really excited to be able to have my younger brothers able to watch me play as well as get the chances to continue to be in their lives. I also know that I will have the support of my large extended family, who are excited to come out to U.S. Bank Stadium and Siebert Field, to watch the Gophers. They have all had a big impact on my life and my baseball journey so far."
Director of Pitching Development Alec Crawford on Hemmesch: "Hemmesch's charisma, infectious personality, and highly competitive nature is a big reason he makes a great fit for the Maroon and Gold. Hemmesch features a quick arm, dynamic life on his fastball and wipe out secondary stuff that is second to none. Tyler has built his name pitching in some of Sartell HS and NorthStar Baseball Club's biggest games. A multi-sport athlete at Sartell, Hemmesch is eager to learn and makes for an exciting addition to the Gopher Baseball family."
Gunnar Heuchert
| Position: SS | Height: 6-0 | Weight: 180 | Bat/Throws: R/R Hometown: Grand Forks, N.D. | High School: Red River East H.S. Scouting Report: One of the top middle-infield prospects in the Midwest. Has a mature, physical frame with good glove action habits and strong throwing arm. An athletic three-sport standout at Red River High School in Grand Forks, North Dakota, has hit for average and power on the national scene while playing shortstop. Projects as an infielder on the left-side of the diamond, fierce competitor with strong leadership qualities. The first player from Grand Forks, N.D., to play for the Gophers. |
Gunnar Heuchert finishes his high school career as a three-sport athlete competing in football, basketball, and baseball. In those sports he is the quarterback, point guard, and shortstop, respectively. He competed at the Prep Baseball Report Futures Games in Atlanta, Ga., in 2021.
Heuchert had an attention-getting sophomore baseball season, where he accumulated a .309 batting average and a .440 on-base percentage with 10 RBI and eight stolen bases. In Heuchert's junior baseball season he compiled a .290 average and a .443 on-base percentage with one home run and a .900 fielding percentage. He led his team with 13 walks. PBR Minnesota ranked him as the No. 9 overall player in his class while Perfect Game has him ranked as the No. 1 overall shortstop in the class of 2023 in North Dakota.
Gunnar's parents are Ryan and Julie Heuchert, and he has one older sister, Charley. His father Ryan was a pitcher at Muscatine Community College and the University of North Dakota, where he finished second in the nation in ERA. Charley currently rodeos at Dickinson State University, where she competes in barrel racing.
Schools Also Considered: Wichita State, Ohio, Iowa, Central Michigan
Heuchert on why he chose Minnesota: "I chose the University of Minnesota for the opportunities in both academics and baseball. Since the first time I stepped on campus, it felt right. I could really feel the Gopher pride walking the streets of Dinkytown and could see myself playing on Siebert Field wearing the Maroon and Gold. I felt welcomed and wanted by the coaching staff and current players and intend to live up to the standards that they have set. The University of Minnesota offers a world class education while sustaining that Midwest feel."
Parker Lewin
| Position: RHP/OF | Height: 6-1 | Weight: 175 | Bat/Throws: L/R Hometown: Minnetrista, Minn. | High School: Orono Scouting Report: Two-way talent who can play all three outfield spots and has the makings to be a force on the mound. Physical athlete who runs well and has been clocked up to 91 MPH from infield/outfield. Has shown the ability to go the other way with level swing plane. On the mound, he has an over-the-top delivery with long arm path that creates deception and timing issues for hitters. Fastball has been clocked up to 88-90 MPH with cutting action. He has a 12/6 breaking ball and firm changeup that has good arm side run. Plenty of upside and high-end athletic ability, could end up as a corner outfielder with back-end stopper potential. |
A two-way standout, Lewin comes to the Gophers from Orono High School, where he's been a three-year starter for the Sparans on the mound and at the plate. As a junior, he garnered Metro West All-Conference honorable mention honors after he posted a .701 on-base plus slugging percentage and a .357 on-base percentage to go along with 17 hits and 10 RBI. He also played a flawless, error-free, centerfield. On the mound, the 6-foot-1 right-hander totaled 22 innings pitched to go along with 35 strikeouts and posted a team-best .180 batting average against.
Lewin played for NorthStar Baseball in the summer of 2022 and led the team in RBI (17). He was among the team leaders in slugging percentage (.406), OPS (.748), hits (19) and doubles (5) while leading the team in extra base hits with seven. On the mound, Lewin pitched 16 innings with 15 strikeouts and a 3.78 ERA, limiting teams to a .226 batting average against. He earned WWBA All-Tournament Team honors this summer after working 5.2 innings with six strikeouts versus the Cangelosi Sparks while picking up three hits and a double over the weekend at the plate.
Parker is the son of Spencer and Katie Lewin. The family also consists of an older brother, Spencer, and a younger sister, Miley. He intends to major in business at the University of Minnesota. Played for Gopher Alums and current staff members Mike Kvasnisck, Alec Crawford and Toby Anderson at Northstar. High School pitching coach is former Gopher Baseball standout and three-sport star, Barry Wohler, at Orono High School.
Schools Also Considered: Dartmouth, San Diego State, South Dakota State
Lewin on why he chose Minnesota: "Minnesota is my home. I've grown up with a family who has loved the Gophers for decades. My entire extended family lives here too, so having everyone nearby was a really big seller to me. I love the atmosphere, I'm very familiar with the city, and I think it is going to be a perfect fit. There were a lot of good things I learned when I was on my visits. Going around campus and exploring the different varieties of culture, activities and schooling was a huge thumbs up. I know that the academics here are very prestigious. My grandfather went here and loved it. I know the winters might get tough and I feel like that is why most people steer away from a university like Minnesota. But for me personally, I've grown up with this weather my entire life and that is the least of my concerns. I like to look at the positive side of things and soak in what opportunities are placed in front of me. I feel like I hold a bright future at Minnesota, that is why I chose to be a Gopher."
Pitching Coach Ty McDevitt on Lewin: "Parker is the definition of an athlete on the mound. He comes at hitters with 3/4 arm action and an impressive ability to spin the baseball. We have seen consistent progress with his velocity and command and are betting on his ability to develop velocity as he commits to the weight room. As a two-way player, he has focused much of his time on his offensive skills. We're anxious to see the progress he can make with a more pitching-heavy developmental program. We expect Parker to leverage his athletic tools and baseball instincts to help us immediately next fall."
Kyle Remington
| Position: RHP/SS/OF | Height: 6-0 | Weight: 165 | Bat/Throws: L/R Hometown: Grand Rapids, Mich. | High School: Grand Rapids Christian Scouting Report: One of the top high school players in the country. Named first team all-state as both a position player and a pitcher in Michigan. Has excellent speed and range and is a fast-twitch athlete who could play infield or outfield in the future depending on how he progresses on the mound. Has been up to 95 mph from the outfield. Works anywhere from 89-92 right now with room for more velocity with physical development. Has command of three pitches, equipped with a very good breaking ball with late, sinking action. Profiles as a legitimate two-way prospect at the Division I level. He's the first Gopher Baseball player from the state of Michigan since high school coach Brent Gates donned the Maroon and Gold from 1989-91. |
A two-time first team all-state selection (pitcher, 2021; shortstop, 2022), Remington hit .434 and scored 42 runs for the Division 2 state runner up Eagles as a junior. He also had a 1.30 ERA (6-3 record) and pitched a complete game five-hitter in GR Christian's 9-1 win against Grosse Isle in the state semi finals. For the year he hit two home runs with 26 RBI, 42 runs and 15 stolen bases.
As a sophomore he had a 10-1 record with a stellar 0.86 ERA. Remington struck out 78 and allowed six earned runs in 48 innings. He hit .440, scored 47 runs and stole 25 bases in 27 attempts, earning the first of his two first team all-state selections.
Remington is a two-time first team all-region, all-district and O-K White All-Conference honoree. The two-time team captain was named Grand Rapids Christian High School's team MVP in both 2021 and 2022.
He was a Prep Baseball Report Futures Games participant in 2022 and played in the Perfect Game National Showcase at Tropicana Field (St. Petersburg, Fla.).Remington was ranked as Perfect Game's No. 6 overall prospect in the state of Michigan, including the No. 3 player at his position. PG ranked him as the No. 255 player regardless of position nationally. Prep Baseball Report ranks Remington as the No. 8 player in Michigan and No. 1 at his position.
Schools Also Considered: Michigan, Michigan State, Xavier
Remington on why he chose Minnesota: "I became interested in the University of Minnesota because my high school coach, Brent Gates, played for the Gophers before going pro. I quickly grew a relationship with the coaching staff. They spoke to me about more than just baseball. They cared about who I am as a person and who I become as a man. I began feeling like I have uncles in Minnesota and the decision became very easy for me. I committed as a high school sophomore and have only deepened my love for the Gophers since."
Assistant Coach Packy Casey on Remington: "There's a lot of things you can say about Kyle as a baseball player, but what really makes him special is the type of person he is and the family he comes from. This is not only a first-class player but a first-class kid who comes from an amazing family. His parents have done an incredible job raising him to be an academic-first, value-oriented individual who is coming to Minnesota for all the right reasons. Brent Gates has had a major hand in Kyle's development and has been instrumental in getting him to Minnesota. We wouldn't have Kyle without Brent's support. All in all, Kyle has dominated at the high school level, both at the plate and on the mound. This is the classic example of a true 'Minnesota Baseball Player,' as he's a left-handed hitting, athletic, versatile gamer who can really run and is an absolute competitor. Minnesota is getting a real winner in Kyle Remington and we couldn't be happier to have him and his parents, Patrick and Jacqueline, as a part of the Gopher Baseball family next fall!"
Charlie Sutherland
| Position: SS/OF | Height: 6-2 | Weight: 195 | Bat/Throws: L/R Hometown: Duluth, Minn. | High School: Duluth East Scouting Report: The best hitter in the state of Minnesota in the 2023 class, with the production to back it up. Left-handed hitter who stays inside the ball well and can hit for power to both sides of the field. Level swing with quick hands. Very athletic and physical, capable of playing anywhere on the field. Has plus arm strength to go along with good makeup and instincts on the bases. A high ceiling player who could hit near the top of the Gopher early in his career. |
Charlie Sutherland comes to Minnesota from Duluth East High School, where he is a three-year starter and two-year captain for the Greyhounds baseball program. He is heading into his senior year after a successful junior season, hitting .424 with four home runs, 21 RBI, and 14 extra base hits in only 59 ABs. He led his team in almost all offensive categories and earned All Area, All Section, and All Section Tournament Team honors. He also led his summer team with the bat and on the mound, where he posted a 0.38 ERA , 21 strikeouts, and a .181 BAA in 18.1 innings out of the pen.
Perfect Game ranks him as the No. 6 player in the state and No. 1 at his position, as well as the No. 29 player at his position nationally. He is ranked by Prep Baseball Report as the No. 13 player in the state and the No. 1 player at his position. He is an Under Armour and Perfect Game Preseason All-American.
Sutherland is the son of Peg and Steve Sutherland. Both were collegiate athletes, his mom running track at Drake and his dad playing tennis at Gustavus. He is a younger sibling to Michael and Isabella Sutherland. Charlie is planning on majoring in neuroscience at Minnesota.
Schools Also Considered: Notre Dame, Iowa, Dartmouth, and Jacksonville.
Sutherland on why he chose Minnesota: "I couldn't pass up the opportunity to wear Minnesota across my chest. I have great pride for my home state, and the fact that Minnesota is one of the top public research universities in the country gives me unlimited opportunities to succeed academically. On the baseball side, there is great pride and success within the program, and nothing beats the phenomenal coaching staff the 'U' carries. This opportunity was a dream come true for me, and I'm excited to give my all for the UofM."
Jack Taxdahl
| Position: C/SS| Height: 5-10 | Weight: 185 | Bat/Throws: R/R Hometown: Prior Lake, Minn. | High School: Cretin Derham-Hall High School Scouting Report: The top catcher in the 2023 class in Minnesota, Taxdahl has shown to be an excellent receiver with a quick release and blocks the ball exceptionally well. He impressed with his athleticism this past spring. He started at shortstop for Cretin Derham-Hall and led the team in hitting. Has a line drive swing with gap power, gets on plane very well and has all the makings of being a high average hitter in college. Reminds the Gophers coaching staff of Cole McDevitt with his hitting ability, athleticism and competitiveness. |
Taxdahl will come to Minnesota after completing his academic and baseball career at Cretin-Derham Hall, a high school with a historic and celebrated baseball history.
He led his high school team as a junior with a .373 batting average. He had 28 hits, of which five were doubles and two were home runs. Taxdahl is ranked as the No. 11 player in the state and No. 1 overall in his position.
Jack's summer and fall 2022 academy seasons were strong as well. Those two teams finished a combined 21-12. While not pitching as his main position, he posted one of the lowest ERA's on the team throughout the summer. He played four different positions and finished with a .375 batting average in the fall season.
His many accolades include being a Prep Baseball Report Futures Games participant in 2021. As a junior at Cretin-Derham Hall, he received all-conference honors and was awarded Most Valuable Player, defensive Golden Glove, and Offensive Player of the Year. As a leader on and off the field, he enters his senior season as a team caption ready to continue the elite tradition of baseball at Cretin.
Jack is the son of Jon and Diane Taxdahl and has one older brother, Ben, that attends the University of St. Thomas and plays baseball. His twin sister, Ellie, will graduate from Lakeville South and attend college in the fall of 2023. He plans to major in business.
Schools Also Considered: East Carolina, Nebraska, Kansas State, Illinois State
Taxdahl on why he chose Minnesota: "I felt right at home at Minnesota and knew this would be a very good fit for me. The opportunity to play in front of friends and family was extremely important to me. Also, the number of professional baseball players that have come out of the Gophers program during coach Anderson's years is remarkable. Most importantly, the Gopher baseball coaches have created a culture and atmosphere that lines up well with my interests and values. As a student-athlete, I know that playing for the Gophers would allow me the environment to excel at the game while providing him a great education when my playing days are over in a market that's filled with Fortune 500 companies.
Will Whelan
| Position: LHP/1B| Height: 5-11 | Weight: 195 | Bat/Throws: L/L Hometown: Centennial, Minn. | High School: Centennial High School Scouting Report: The top left-handed pitcher in the state of Minnesota. Has flashed a low 90's fastball with good action and command to both sides of the plate to go along with a 1/7 plane breaking ball that has the makings of a true out-pitch at the next level. The changeup is firm, he controls it well, and is effective with the arm action and a deceptive delivery. Dominated this summer with mechanical refinement and improved physical makeup. Will be one of the top prep pitchers on the scene this next spring. Has all the tools to be another in a long line of dominant left-handed pitchers from the Minnesota Baseball program. |
Whelan arrives at Minnesota after a three-sport prep career in baseball and one year of football and basketball at Centennial High School. He was named Northwest Suburban All-Conference in baseball his junior year as well being selected to the Prep Baseball Report Future Games in the summer of 2021. Named Preseason Underclass All-American by Perfect Game, he has been named to three all-tournament teams, including honors at WWBA Midwest Championship.
As a junior, Whelan excelled on the mound and at the plate for Centennial, leading the Cougars in hitting with a .440 average to go along with three home runs, 25 RBI and a .586 OBP. On the mound, the southpaw totaled 23.2 innings pitched with 37 strikeouts. The Centennial native broke out in a big way this past summer playing for Complete Game, going 4-0 in five starts with 28 innings pitched, 55 strikeouts and posting a 1.50 ERA and a .964 WHIP. Hit .350 over the summer with a .470 OBP and a .576 SLG qne led the team in home runs (two), doubles (seven), and RBI (21).
He was by Perfect Game as the No. 1 LHP in the state of Minnesota and No. 5 player overall. He also ranks as the No. 61 LHP nationally. Prep Baseball Report ranks Whelean as the No. 1 LHP in Minnesota and No. 5 overall player.
The son of Dan and Jennifer Whelan, he also has an older brother, Matt. Will intends to major in sports management at Minnesota.
Schools Also Considered: Wichita State, Wright State
Whelan on why he chose Minnesota: "Learning how the program was set up for its athletes to succeed academically was particularly impressive. Coach Casey and Coach McDevitt made it clear that this program was detailed toward the success and growth of the individual student athletes ahead of team goals. Also, the amount of time and effort these coaches dedicate toward the improvement of each individual player is off the charts. Combined with the wide range of courses and many majors to choose from, the potential for job placement near home and the opportunity to play ball in front of his family made choosing the UofM an easy decision."
Pitching Coach Ty McDevitt on Whelan: "Will is a powerful left-handed arm that has shown progress with command each season. Will has dominated Minnesota High School competition with a solid three-pitch mix - a fastball that rides, slurve with downward action, and a fading changeup. With a long and strong build, athletic genetics, and a smooth arm action there is a lot to dream about here. A left-hander with a powerful fastball and a good breaking ball, Gopher fans may be reminded of Jordan Jess when they see Will pitch next fall."