Troy University Athletics
Troy Baseball Positional Preview: Outfielders
2/10/2025 11:59:00 AM | Baseball
TROY, Ala. – The No. 25 Troy Trojans are set for the 2025 season with a deep and talented outfield, boasting a mix of experienced veterans and exciting newcomers. With a balance of power, speed and defensive ability, this group will be a crucial part of Troy's success in the Sun Belt Conference.
Returning senior Shane Lewis is one of the most threatening hitters in the Sun Belt after winning Conference Player of the Year in 2023 with a Troy record 27 home runs. He enters the season ranked eighth in school history with 32 career homers and will be adding to that total in 2025.
"He had his best fall and most productive fall, both to the eye test and statistically," head coach Skylar Meade said. "There's a reason he was an All-American, Newcomer of the Year and Player of the Year all at the same time. We just need him to be consistent and stay within what he's capable of."
With a career 1.032 OPS, the switch-hitting Lewis' ability to hit for power makes him one of the biggest offensive threats in the lineup.
Steven Meier, a transfer from Old Dominion, brings speed and defensive skills to the Trojans. Ranking second in the Sun Belt in HBPs (24) and third in stolen bases (28) in 2024, the senior has the ability to change games with his base running and defensive presence.
"Obviously for Steve, the numbers speak for themselves," Meade said. "There's a reason the guy was 28-for-29 on stolen bases, and he's shown a ton of thump here. He makes a diving play seemingly every day. It's a real ballplayer."
True freshman Houston Markham has already made a strong impression on the team with his senior-like approach at the plate. After a standout high school career just up Highway 231 at Pike Road, Markham could make an immediate impact in the outfield with his natural athleticism and senior-like approach at the plate.
"What Markham has done has just been eye popping," Meade said. "His teammates look at him like he's a transfer senior but he's an 18-year-old freshman. But Markham can thump it. The other day he took a 94 MPH fastball 395 feet, but then he can work a 10-pitch at-bat and flip a base hit to left field. He's just a special player and a special kid."
A transfer from Niagara, Gavin Schrader posted a .931 OPS with nine home runs a season ago. The junior from Batavia, N.Y., brings a combination of raw power and athleticism to the Trojans' lineup.
"The thing I like about Schrader is that he has a good arm in the outfield," Meade said. "He can cover some ground, and even though he's 6-4, the kid can really move."
His experience in the Stillwater Regional last season has prepared him well for the competitive Sun Belt Conference and he will be a huge part of the team's success this year.
Coming from Des Moines Area C.C., Dillon Kuehl adds an advanced approach at the plate. The Urbandale, Iowa native drew 110 walks during his two seasons in junior college, and his patience and strike-zone discipline make him a valuable asset.
Mike Bello provides experience and a well-rounded skill set. His bat has been one of the most consistent throughout preseason play, and his ability to be versatile both offensively and defensively will make him a key piece for the Trojans.
Other pieces who can factor in are Reid Broussard, a speedster from Northwest Florida State, and Harrison Bowman, who launched 17 home runs last season at Iowa Central C.C.
