Former Arizona State baseball player transfers to Michigan

TEMPE, Ariz. — Former Arizona State baseball player Will Rogers has announced he’s committing to the University of Michigan. The pitcher announced that he’d be entering the transfer portal in early June, and now he’s settled on a future school.

I am excited to announce the next step in my journey. I was blessed to be able to make the memories and friendships I did at Arizona State. With that being said, I will be attending the University of Michigan to peruse my academic and athletic career! #goblue pic.twitter.com/rJ1zpXyECT

— Will Rogers (@willrogers219) July 16, 2023

Arizona State baseball player Will Rogers is leaving for Michigan

Rogers began his collegiate career as a catcher in 2022. For a true freshman, the Minnesota native was extremely successful at the plate. In his freshman season, he slashed .299/.326/.575 for the Sun Devils.

Rogers also added good power at the plate. The freshman hit nine home runs, 17 doubles, and one triple. His plate presence was good enough to bring in 25 runs. Arizona State had something to be excited about.

Unfortunately for Rogers and head coach Willie Bloomquist, he wasn’t able to build off the successful freshman season. His hitting dropped dramatically. The sophomore slashed .167/.222/.300 in 2023. His power dipped significantly as well. Rogers hit 1/3 of the home runs he did his freshman season, with three. He also only had three doubles.

One new wrinkle Rogers brought to the table his sophomore year was more of a pitching presence as well. In Rogers’s freshman season, he made two relief appearances for the Sun Devils. In 2.1 innings pitched Rogers shut out his opponents and only gave up two hits.

Bloomquist gave the two-way player more opportunity on the mound his sophomore season… and it didn’t work out. In 4.2 innings pitched his sophomore season, Rogers gave up eight hits and five runs. That brought his ERA to 9.64 for the season.

After a season to forget, the former promising freshman decided it best to find a new school. As a player who showed so much potential, it’ll be interesting to see if he can unlock his former self in Ann Arbor.

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