Troy University Athletics
Troy Baseball Ranked No. 17 in D1Baseball Transfer Class
1/8/2024 7:36:00 PM | Baseball
TROY, Ala. – The Troy baseball program sets its sights on another historic season when the 2024 campaign begins at Riddle-Pace Field on Feb. 16 against SIUE. Over the offseason, head baseball coach Skylar Meade and his coaching staff put together the 17th-ranked transfer class according to D1baseball.
"Recruiting is the lifeblood of any great program, and our plan for success is no different," Meade said. "We love our new players and their unique grouping of skill sets. Now is the time for this group to hone their craft to parlay their high-level talent into on-field success."
The Trojans looked to revamp its roster after the departure of key players such as Caleb Bartolero, William Sullivan, Zach Fruit and 14 others. However, Troy wasted no time bringing in elite ballplayers on the mound and at the plate.
Jay Dill, Mikey Bello and Clete Hartzog highlight the transfer class, as all three come from power-five programs in Clemson, Auburn and Florida, respectively. From the JUCO level, Dylan King, Connor Burt, Josh Dima, Isaac Silva, Luke Lyon and Jacob Roettgen enhance the bullpen for the Trojans. From the mid-majors, Will Butcher and Aidan Gilroy bring severe abilities for the defensive side while solidifying the batting lineup with legitimate contact and power.
Excerpt from D1baseball.com:
THE HEADLINERS: The Trojans scored big by landing three name-brand transfers from Power Five programs. Clemson transfer Jay Dill is a hard-throwing righthander whose fastball command took a big step forward this fall, making him a strong candidate to step into a weekend rotation job. Built like an ox at 6-foot-5, 250 pounds, Dill has power stuff to match, with a 92-95 mph fastball that can bump higher, a very good short slider at 86-88, a quality curveball at 79-80 and a serviceable mid-80s changeup. Auburn transfer Mike Bello figures to step into everyday duty in right field, where he's a very good defender. He's a strong lefthanded hitter with a mature all-fields approach and emerging pop, and he could really blossom given regular playing time, after two seasons as a part-time player for Auburn. And Florida transfer Clete Hartzog is a wiry, athletic righty who sat 91-93 and touched 96 this fall while showing very good feel to spin two distinct swing-and-miss breaking balls. He's another potential starter who could also be a shutdown stopper in the bullpen. The top juco transfer in this class, righthander Dylan King (Dyersburg State), is an emerging prospect who showed 92-95 heat with riding life in our fall look, along with the makings of a filthy sharp slider at 82-84 and a promising changeup.
CONTRIBUTORS: Charlotte transfer Will Butcher brings serious physicality and righthanded power potential to the heart of the order, and should be a regular at first base or DH. Defense was Troy's biggest weakness during last year's regional run, and Western Kentucky transfer Aidan Gilroy offers a major defensive upgrade at third base, and he's a solid lefthanded hitter with good contact skills. Blake Sutton (High Point) emerged this fall as the front-runner for the No. 1 catcher job; he's an athletic 6-3, 185-pound backstop with a rocket arm and intriguing lefthanded pop at the plate. Division III transfer Michael Osmond (Wittenberg) is a pitchability lefty whose velo ticked up a bit to 89-92 this fall, and he also has advanced feel for his changeup and slider, making him a darkhorse rotation candidate. Juco transfers Connor Burt, Josh Dima, Isaac Silva, Luke Lyon and Jacob Roettgen add serious depth to the Troy bullpen, as well as a nice mix of righties and lefties with different looks. This is a very deep group of transfers.
"Recruiting is the lifeblood of any great program, and our plan for success is no different," Meade said. "We love our new players and their unique grouping of skill sets. Now is the time for this group to hone their craft to parlay their high-level talent into on-field success."
The Trojans looked to revamp its roster after the departure of key players such as Caleb Bartolero, William Sullivan, Zach Fruit and 14 others. However, Troy wasted no time bringing in elite ballplayers on the mound and at the plate.
Jay Dill, Mikey Bello and Clete Hartzog highlight the transfer class, as all three come from power-five programs in Clemson, Auburn and Florida, respectively. From the JUCO level, Dylan King, Connor Burt, Josh Dima, Isaac Silva, Luke Lyon and Jacob Roettgen enhance the bullpen for the Trojans. From the mid-majors, Will Butcher and Aidan Gilroy bring severe abilities for the defensive side while solidifying the batting lineup with legitimate contact and power.
Excerpt from D1baseball.com:
THE HEADLINERS: The Trojans scored big by landing three name-brand transfers from Power Five programs. Clemson transfer Jay Dill is a hard-throwing righthander whose fastball command took a big step forward this fall, making him a strong candidate to step into a weekend rotation job. Built like an ox at 6-foot-5, 250 pounds, Dill has power stuff to match, with a 92-95 mph fastball that can bump higher, a very good short slider at 86-88, a quality curveball at 79-80 and a serviceable mid-80s changeup. Auburn transfer Mike Bello figures to step into everyday duty in right field, where he's a very good defender. He's a strong lefthanded hitter with a mature all-fields approach and emerging pop, and he could really blossom given regular playing time, after two seasons as a part-time player for Auburn. And Florida transfer Clete Hartzog is a wiry, athletic righty who sat 91-93 and touched 96 this fall while showing very good feel to spin two distinct swing-and-miss breaking balls. He's another potential starter who could also be a shutdown stopper in the bullpen. The top juco transfer in this class, righthander Dylan King (Dyersburg State), is an emerging prospect who showed 92-95 heat with riding life in our fall look, along with the makings of a filthy sharp slider at 82-84 and a promising changeup.
CONTRIBUTORS: Charlotte transfer Will Butcher brings serious physicality and righthanded power potential to the heart of the order, and should be a regular at first base or DH. Defense was Troy's biggest weakness during last year's regional run, and Western Kentucky transfer Aidan Gilroy offers a major defensive upgrade at third base, and he's a solid lefthanded hitter with good contact skills. Blake Sutton (High Point) emerged this fall as the front-runner for the No. 1 catcher job; he's an athletic 6-3, 185-pound backstop with a rocket arm and intriguing lefthanded pop at the plate. Division III transfer Michael Osmond (Wittenberg) is a pitchability lefty whose velo ticked up a bit to 89-92 this fall, and he also has advanced feel for his changeup and slider, making him a darkhorse rotation candidate. Juco transfers Connor Burt, Josh Dima, Isaac Silva, Luke Lyon and Jacob Roettgen add serious depth to the Troy bullpen, as well as a nice mix of righties and lefties with different looks. This is a very deep group of transfers.
Players Mentioned
C
/ Baseball
LHP
/ Baseball
INF
/ Baseball
RHP
/ Baseball
INF
/ Baseball
RHP
/ Baseball
RHP
/ Baseball
LHP
/ Baseball
LHP
/ Baseball
RHP
/ Baseball
IF
/ Baseball
C
/ BaseballGerad Parker - Spring Practice (April 2)
Monday, April 06
2025-26 Women's Basketball Season Recap
Monday, April 06
Eric Newell Postgame Press Conference (Louisiana Game 3)
Sunday, April 05
Troy vs. Arkansas State - Game 3 (Full Highlights)
Saturday, April 04