Hoosiers in the Pros: August Update
8/12/2024 12:00:00 PM | Baseball
BLOOMINGTON, Ind. – Over the past decade-plus, the Indiana Baseball program has enjoyed a rejuvenation of players moving on to the next level. 14 different players, coached by three different IU coaches, have debuted in the big leagues since 2013.
In fact, since 2013, over 40 unique Hoosiers have been drafted to play professional baseball. Under head coach Jeff Mercer, seven players have been picked in the top-five rounds including outfielder Matt Gorski (2-57, 2019), McCade Brown (3-79, 2021) and Luke Sinnard (3-99, 2024).
The 2024 MLB Draft Class for IU saw six players selected and three high school prospects (one signed). The signing bonus for the Hoosiers' six picks was valued at over two million dollars. The four picks in the top-five rounds were the most in a single draft in program history.
Information on all IU players playing in the MLB or in MLB organizations can be found below.
MLB
Kyle Schwarber – DH, Philadelphia Phillies
Season: 107 G, 103 H, .257 AVG, 27 HR, 74 RBI, 14 2B, 86 BB, .882 OPS
The most well-known professional player to come out of IU, Schwarber is once again enjoying an outstanding season for the Phillies. In each of the last three seasons, he's had at least 32 home runs, a number he's close to reaching for a fourth-straight campaign.
He's hitting .257 across 107 games, well above his career average. Schwarber is on pace for the most hits in a single season in his MLB career. The Phillies are currently 7.5 games up in the NL East heading into the middle of August.
Tim Herrin – LHP, Cleveland Guardians
Season: 4-0, 1.90 ERA, 54 app., 47.1 IP, 47 K, 0.97 WHIP
Tim Herrin, a member of IU's 2018 regional finalist team, is enjoying a prolific breakout season for the AL Central-leading Guardians. He has become a reliable left-handed option out of the bullpen. He's relinquished just 10 earned runs on the season.
The Guardians' bullpen has become one of the best in baseball with five members that are 27-or-younger. Herrin has struck out nearly a batter per inning. Cleveland is on pace to make a playoff appearance in 2024 in just the second season for Herrin in the big leagues.
Tanner Gordon – RHP, Colorado Rockies
Season: 0-3, 6.15 ERA, 5 app., 5 starts, 26.1 IP, 23 K, 1.33 WHIP
The most recent Hoosier to debut in the MLB, Gordon has begun to find his form for the struggling Rockies. Over his two starts in August, Gordon has gone a combined 11.0 innings while allowing just three earned runs. His best start came at San Diego (Aug. 3) with a six-inning performance and just one earned run allowed.
Gordon will likely get the chance to prove himself in the bigs over the next two months with the Rockies well out of playoff contention in 2024. He is one of two IU players from the 2019 Big Ten Championship team (Saalfrank) to debut in the MLB.
Triple-A
Caleb Baragar – LHP, St. Paul Saints (Twins)
Season: 0-1, 4.11 ERA, 9 app., 2 starts, 15.1 IP, 13 K, 1.63 WHIP
Signed in the middle of May to bolster depth in the Minnesota organization, Baragar has made nine appearances in St. Paul. He has a plethora of Triple-A experience over the past few seasons after making his MLB debut with San Francisco in 2020.
With the Twins in the playoff hunt, Baragar could be a name to watch as the rosters expand out to 28 players in September.
Andrew Saalfrank – LHP, Reno Aces (Diamondbacks)
Season (MILB): 4-1, 18 app., 3 saves, 24.0 IP, 2.63 ERA, 28 K, 1.13 WHIP
After a strong start to the season, Saalfrank was suspended the rest of the 2024 campaign.
Scott Effross – RHP, Scranton/Wilkes-Barre RailRiders (Yankees)
Season: 3-1, 16 app., 4.12 ERA, 19.2 IP, 19 K, 1.12 WHIP
After missing all of 2023 while recovering from Tommy John, Effross has quickly worked his way through rehab in the minor leagues. He's made 16 appearances in Triple-A and could be on his way to returning to New York.
He made two appearances with Tampa in Single-A but has regained his form that made him a standout reliever with the Cubs and Yankees. An integral part of IU's success from 2013-15, Effross could join the Bronx Bombers for the stretch run.
Jonathan Stiever – RHP, Charlotte Knights (White Sox)
Season: N/A
Stiever was placed on the 60-day injured list in April and has yet to be reassigned. He has made over 60 career appearances in the minors. He made his MLB debut in 2020.
Matt Gorski – OF, Indianapolis Indians (Pirates)
Season: 87 G, 295 AB, 72 H, .244 AVG., 17 HR, 51 RBI
Gorski is still the highest-drafted outfielder in program history after being picked in the second round by Pittsburgh in 2019. He has moved up the ranks of the organization with a stop at every level of the minor leagues. The Fishers native has been with his hometown affiliate (Indianapolis) since 2023 and is knocking at the doorstep of the big leagues.
He's mashed at least 17 home runs in all four of his full minor league seasons and is inching closer to his third-straight 20-home run campaign. He smashed a 478-foot home run in May and has been high on the Pirates' radar for some time.
If the Pirates fall out of the playoff race, Gorski could get a look at some point in September with the top club.
Craig Yoho – RHP, Nashville Sounds (Brewers)
Season (MILB): 3-1, 36 app., 0.79 ERA, 46.1 IP, 87 K
Yoho, an eight-round pick in 2023, has skyrocketed through the Brewers' organization in his first full season of professional baseball. Armed with a pair of plus off-speed pitches, Yoho has wowed the analytics department in Milwaukee.
Now in Triple-A with Nashville, Yoho has four strikeouts in two innings pitched and has become one of the "Prospects to Watch" with the Brewers. He's an interesting name that could get looks in the big leagues down the stretch with his fantastic changeup.
Peter Serruto – C, Scranton/Wilkes-Barre RailRiders (Yankees)
Season: 3 AB, 1 H
One of the unique names in the professional ranks, Serruto recorded his first career professional hit in Triple-A this past weekend.
Double-A
Cade Bunnell – INF, Mississippi Braves (Braves)
Season: 58 app., 156 AB, 26 H, .167 AVG., 11 2B
Bunnell has continued to contribute in his second full season in Double-A. He's recorded 11 doubles across 58 games and has appeared at six different positions in the field.
Grant Richardson – OF, Somerset Patriots (Yankees)
Season: 82 G, 299 AB, 78 H, .261 AVG., 6 HR, 35 RBI, 23 2B
One of two outfielders in the Yankees organization, Richardson has enjoyed a great all-around season for the Patriots. He's used his power and speed to record six home runs, 12 stolen bases and a career-high 25 doubles.
He's paired with Elijah Dunham to produce at a high level in Double-A. In total, there are four Hoosiers in the Yankees organization right now.
Elijah Dunham – OF, Somerset Patriots (Yankees)
Season: 80 G, 277 AB, 73 H, .270 AVG., 11 HR, 45 RBI
Twice the Eastern League Player of the Week, Dunham has displayed the power in his bat at the Double-A level. He moonlighted in Triple-A for a week but has really found his groove in Somerset. He has mashed 11 home runs and recorded 45 RBIs for the Patriots.
In his previous three pro seasons, he has had at least 25 doubles and 13 home runs in each season. He is well on track to reaching those marks once again.
Jack Perkins – RHP, Midland Rockhounds (Athletics)
Season: 1-1, 4.62 ERA, 11 app., 9 starts, 37.0 IP, 54 K
Perkins has settled in nicely in Double-A this year with Midland and has made nine starts at the level. Over the past two seasons, he's made 20 starts at the level with an earned run average just above 5.00.
With the A's in a transitional period, readying for their move to Las Vegas, Perkins could get a shot late in the year to pitch in Triple-A Las Vegas.
Matt Lloyd – INF, Springfield Cardinals (Cardinals)
Season: 98 G, 338 AB, 82 H, 14 HR, 59 RBI, 18 2B
After being out of a MLB organization all together in 2023, Lloyd was signed to the Cardinals in Spring Training and has quickly become a popular name in Double-A. The Canadian is an everyday player in Springfield and has 92 hits, 14 home runs and 59 RBIs this season.
Lloyd is hitting a career-high .272 with additional career bests in hits (92), runs (58), home runs (14), RBIs (59) and walks (50). He has looked to revolutionize his career and could be on track to move up the ranks in the St. Louis organization.
Bradley Brehmer – RHP, Bowie Baysox (Orioles)
Season (MILB): 4-6, 27 app., 4.30 ERA, 52.1 IP, 65 K
Brehmer was called up to pitch in the bullpen at the Double-A level. He's since been placed on the inactive list but has thrown eight times in Bowie, totaling 17.0 innings.
High-A
Phillip Glasser – INF, Wilmington Blue Rocks (Nationals)
Season: 338 AB, 108 H, 66 R, 8 HR, 43 RBI
Glasser is enjoying the most prolific season of any Hoosier in the minor leagues. One of the top-performing prospects in the Nationals' organization, Glasser has 108 hits in 2024 and has an OPS of .873.
He tore apart the competition in Single-A and has since played 75 games at the High-A level. Glasser is very much in the running to earn a look in Double-A over the next season.
Reese Sharp – RHP, Aberdeen IronBirds (Orioles)
Season: N/A
Recovering from season-ending surgery.
Beloit Sky Carp – RHP, Beloit Sky Carp (Marlins)
Season: N/A
Recovering from injury on the 60-day injured list.
Single-A
Nick Mitchell – OF, Dunedin Blue Jays (Blue Jays)
Season: 6-16, 3 R, 2 HR, 5 RBI
In his first weeks of professional baseball, Mitchell is off to a fantastic start. He hit a home run in his pro debut and his batting .375 in the early goings. He was picked in the 4th Round-Compensatory in 2024.
Brock Tibbitts – C, Dunedin Blue Jays (Blue Jays)
Season: 7-25, 5 R
Much like his fellow teammate, Tibbitts had a pair of hits in his pro debut. The 14th-round pick is settling in nicely with Dunedin in Single-A.
Carter Mathison – OF, Clearwater Thrashers (Phillies)
Season: 3-5, 1 R
Mathison was recently placed on the injured list but recorded a hit in his professional debut.
Connor Foley – RHP (Diamondbacks)
Season: N/A
Yet to pitch professionally.
Brayden Risedorph – RHP (Cubs)
Season: N/A
Yet to pitch professionally.
Luke Sinnard – RHP (Braves)
Season: N/A
Recovering from surgery; yet to throw professionally.
Rookie Ball
McCade Brown – RHP, ACL Rockies (Rockies)
Season: 1-1, 8 App., 6 starts, 14.1 IP, 21 K
Rehabbing from injury.
In fact, since 2013, over 40 unique Hoosiers have been drafted to play professional baseball. Under head coach Jeff Mercer, seven players have been picked in the top-five rounds including outfielder Matt Gorski (2-57, 2019), McCade Brown (3-79, 2021) and Luke Sinnard (3-99, 2024).
The 2024 MLB Draft Class for IU saw six players selected and three high school prospects (one signed). The signing bonus for the Hoosiers' six picks was valued at over two million dollars. The four picks in the top-five rounds were the most in a single draft in program history.
Information on all IU players playing in the MLB or in MLB organizations can be found below.
MLB
Kyle Schwarber – DH, Philadelphia Phillies
Season: 107 G, 103 H, .257 AVG, 27 HR, 74 RBI, 14 2B, 86 BB, .882 OPS
The most well-known professional player to come out of IU, Schwarber is once again enjoying an outstanding season for the Phillies. In each of the last three seasons, he's had at least 32 home runs, a number he's close to reaching for a fourth-straight campaign.
He's hitting .257 across 107 games, well above his career average. Schwarber is on pace for the most hits in a single season in his MLB career. The Phillies are currently 7.5 games up in the NL East heading into the middle of August.
Tim Herrin – LHP, Cleveland Guardians
Season: 4-0, 1.90 ERA, 54 app., 47.1 IP, 47 K, 0.97 WHIP
Tim Herrin, a member of IU's 2018 regional finalist team, is enjoying a prolific breakout season for the AL Central-leading Guardians. He has become a reliable left-handed option out of the bullpen. He's relinquished just 10 earned runs on the season.
The Guardians' bullpen has become one of the best in baseball with five members that are 27-or-younger. Herrin has struck out nearly a batter per inning. Cleveland is on pace to make a playoff appearance in 2024 in just the second season for Herrin in the big leagues.
Tanner Gordon – RHP, Colorado Rockies
Season: 0-3, 6.15 ERA, 5 app., 5 starts, 26.1 IP, 23 K, 1.33 WHIP
The most recent Hoosier to debut in the MLB, Gordon has begun to find his form for the struggling Rockies. Over his two starts in August, Gordon has gone a combined 11.0 innings while allowing just three earned runs. His best start came at San Diego (Aug. 3) with a six-inning performance and just one earned run allowed.
Gordon will likely get the chance to prove himself in the bigs over the next two months with the Rockies well out of playoff contention in 2024. He is one of two IU players from the 2019 Big Ten Championship team (Saalfrank) to debut in the MLB.
Triple-A
Caleb Baragar – LHP, St. Paul Saints (Twins)
Season: 0-1, 4.11 ERA, 9 app., 2 starts, 15.1 IP, 13 K, 1.63 WHIP
Signed in the middle of May to bolster depth in the Minnesota organization, Baragar has made nine appearances in St. Paul. He has a plethora of Triple-A experience over the past few seasons after making his MLB debut with San Francisco in 2020.
With the Twins in the playoff hunt, Baragar could be a name to watch as the rosters expand out to 28 players in September.
Andrew Saalfrank – LHP, Reno Aces (Diamondbacks)
Season (MILB): 4-1, 18 app., 3 saves, 24.0 IP, 2.63 ERA, 28 K, 1.13 WHIP
After a strong start to the season, Saalfrank was suspended the rest of the 2024 campaign.
Scott Effross – RHP, Scranton/Wilkes-Barre RailRiders (Yankees)
Season: 3-1, 16 app., 4.12 ERA, 19.2 IP, 19 K, 1.12 WHIP
After missing all of 2023 while recovering from Tommy John, Effross has quickly worked his way through rehab in the minor leagues. He's made 16 appearances in Triple-A and could be on his way to returning to New York.
He made two appearances with Tampa in Single-A but has regained his form that made him a standout reliever with the Cubs and Yankees. An integral part of IU's success from 2013-15, Effross could join the Bronx Bombers for the stretch run.
Jonathan Stiever – RHP, Charlotte Knights (White Sox)
Season: N/A
Stiever was placed on the 60-day injured list in April and has yet to be reassigned. He has made over 60 career appearances in the minors. He made his MLB debut in 2020.
Matt Gorski – OF, Indianapolis Indians (Pirates)
Season: 87 G, 295 AB, 72 H, .244 AVG., 17 HR, 51 RBI
Gorski is still the highest-drafted outfielder in program history after being picked in the second round by Pittsburgh in 2019. He has moved up the ranks of the organization with a stop at every level of the minor leagues. The Fishers native has been with his hometown affiliate (Indianapolis) since 2023 and is knocking at the doorstep of the big leagues.
He's mashed at least 17 home runs in all four of his full minor league seasons and is inching closer to his third-straight 20-home run campaign. He smashed a 478-foot home run in May and has been high on the Pirates' radar for some time.
If the Pirates fall out of the playoff race, Gorski could get a look at some point in September with the top club.
Craig Yoho – RHP, Nashville Sounds (Brewers)
Season (MILB): 3-1, 36 app., 0.79 ERA, 46.1 IP, 87 K
Yoho, an eight-round pick in 2023, has skyrocketed through the Brewers' organization in his first full season of professional baseball. Armed with a pair of plus off-speed pitches, Yoho has wowed the analytics department in Milwaukee.
Now in Triple-A with Nashville, Yoho has four strikeouts in two innings pitched and has become one of the "Prospects to Watch" with the Brewers. He's an interesting name that could get looks in the big leagues down the stretch with his fantastic changeup.
Peter Serruto – C, Scranton/Wilkes-Barre RailRiders (Yankees)
Season: 3 AB, 1 H
One of the unique names in the professional ranks, Serruto recorded his first career professional hit in Triple-A this past weekend.
Double-A
Cade Bunnell – INF, Mississippi Braves (Braves)
Season: 58 app., 156 AB, 26 H, .167 AVG., 11 2B
Bunnell has continued to contribute in his second full season in Double-A. He's recorded 11 doubles across 58 games and has appeared at six different positions in the field.
Grant Richardson – OF, Somerset Patriots (Yankees)
Season: 82 G, 299 AB, 78 H, .261 AVG., 6 HR, 35 RBI, 23 2B
One of two outfielders in the Yankees organization, Richardson has enjoyed a great all-around season for the Patriots. He's used his power and speed to record six home runs, 12 stolen bases and a career-high 25 doubles.
He's paired with Elijah Dunham to produce at a high level in Double-A. In total, there are four Hoosiers in the Yankees organization right now.
Elijah Dunham – OF, Somerset Patriots (Yankees)
Season: 80 G, 277 AB, 73 H, .270 AVG., 11 HR, 45 RBI
Twice the Eastern League Player of the Week, Dunham has displayed the power in his bat at the Double-A level. He moonlighted in Triple-A for a week but has really found his groove in Somerset. He has mashed 11 home runs and recorded 45 RBIs for the Patriots.
In his previous three pro seasons, he has had at least 25 doubles and 13 home runs in each season. He is well on track to reaching those marks once again.
Jack Perkins – RHP, Midland Rockhounds (Athletics)
Season: 1-1, 4.62 ERA, 11 app., 9 starts, 37.0 IP, 54 K
Perkins has settled in nicely in Double-A this year with Midland and has made nine starts at the level. Over the past two seasons, he's made 20 starts at the level with an earned run average just above 5.00.
With the A's in a transitional period, readying for their move to Las Vegas, Perkins could get a shot late in the year to pitch in Triple-A Las Vegas.
Matt Lloyd – INF, Springfield Cardinals (Cardinals)
Season: 98 G, 338 AB, 82 H, 14 HR, 59 RBI, 18 2B
After being out of a MLB organization all together in 2023, Lloyd was signed to the Cardinals in Spring Training and has quickly become a popular name in Double-A. The Canadian is an everyday player in Springfield and has 92 hits, 14 home runs and 59 RBIs this season.
Lloyd is hitting a career-high .272 with additional career bests in hits (92), runs (58), home runs (14), RBIs (59) and walks (50). He has looked to revolutionize his career and could be on track to move up the ranks in the St. Louis organization.
Bradley Brehmer – RHP, Bowie Baysox (Orioles)
Season (MILB): 4-6, 27 app., 4.30 ERA, 52.1 IP, 65 K
Brehmer was called up to pitch in the bullpen at the Double-A level. He's since been placed on the inactive list but has thrown eight times in Bowie, totaling 17.0 innings.
High-A
Phillip Glasser – INF, Wilmington Blue Rocks (Nationals)
Season: 338 AB, 108 H, 66 R, 8 HR, 43 RBI
Glasser is enjoying the most prolific season of any Hoosier in the minor leagues. One of the top-performing prospects in the Nationals' organization, Glasser has 108 hits in 2024 and has an OPS of .873.
He tore apart the competition in Single-A and has since played 75 games at the High-A level. Glasser is very much in the running to earn a look in Double-A over the next season.
Reese Sharp – RHP, Aberdeen IronBirds (Orioles)
Season: N/A
Recovering from season-ending surgery.
Beloit Sky Carp – RHP, Beloit Sky Carp (Marlins)
Season: N/A
Recovering from injury on the 60-day injured list.
Single-A
Nick Mitchell – OF, Dunedin Blue Jays (Blue Jays)
Season: 6-16, 3 R, 2 HR, 5 RBI
In his first weeks of professional baseball, Mitchell is off to a fantastic start. He hit a home run in his pro debut and his batting .375 in the early goings. He was picked in the 4th Round-Compensatory in 2024.
Brock Tibbitts – C, Dunedin Blue Jays (Blue Jays)
Season: 7-25, 5 R
Much like his fellow teammate, Tibbitts had a pair of hits in his pro debut. The 14th-round pick is settling in nicely with Dunedin in Single-A.
Carter Mathison – OF, Clearwater Thrashers (Phillies)
Season: 3-5, 1 R
Mathison was recently placed on the injured list but recorded a hit in his professional debut.
Connor Foley – RHP (Diamondbacks)
Season: N/A
Yet to pitch professionally.
Brayden Risedorph – RHP (Cubs)
Season: N/A
Yet to pitch professionally.
Luke Sinnard – RHP (Braves)
Season: N/A
Recovering from surgery; yet to throw professionally.
Rookie Ball
McCade Brown – RHP, ACL Rockies (Rockies)
Season: 1-1, 8 App., 6 starts, 14.1 IP, 21 K
Rehabbing from injury.
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