The Missouri Tigers are anticipating a year focused on growth. Following their 2023 season, which concluded with a 7th place finish in the SEC East and a participation in the SEC tournament, ending with a 30-24 (10-20) record and a first-round loss to Auburn, the Tigers brought in a new head coach, Kerrick Jackson, with hopes of revitalizing the program. Jackson aims to make improvements to a team comprising both young and experienced players. Despite projections placing them towards the bottom of the SEC, the Tigers aspire to instigate a turnaround this year.
Photo Cred: Mizzou
Heading into 2023, the Tigers’ lineup wasn’t formidable, a scenario echoed in 2024. The team faces the challenge of fielding a youthful lineup, having lost key players, including Luke Mann, the program’s home run leader, and power hitter Hank Zeizler, who graduated after a single season at Mizzou. Several top performers transferred out, including outfielders Ty Wilsmeyer and Ross Lovich to Arkansas, and catcher Dalton Bargo to Tennessee.
Wilsmeyer, a four-year player at Missouri, leaves a significant void, having batted .311 and showcased stellar fielding skills with a .980 fielding percentage last season. Filling these gaps will require younger players to step up, along with transfers and freshmen. Notable returning offensive players include Trevor Austin, who led the team in doubles and batting average last season, alongside Jackson Lovich and Matt Garcia. New additions to the team include transfers Danny Corona from Wake Forest and Jedier Hernandez from Seton Hall, along with freshmen Thomas Curry and Drew Culbertson.
Photo Cred: Rock M Nation
On the pitching front, the Tigers face a mixed bag, having lost some of their top arms but retaining others while adding new talent. Departures include Chandler Murphy, their top starter, as well as bullpen arms Austin Troesser and Zach Franklin, all drafted. However, they welcome back Logan Lunceford, the second starter who led the team in strikeouts last season, and most of their bullpen.
Unfortunately, top pitcher Sam Horn will miss the 2024 season due to Tommy John surgery. Returning arms include Daniel Wissler, who ranked second in appearances, starter Ian Lohse, who held opponents to a .222 batting average last season, and Tony Neubeck, expected to return from injury. New additions include Vanderbilt transfer Miles Garrett, who last pitched in 2020, along with prospects Josh McDevitt, Charlie Miller, and Wil Libbert.
