With football season now underway, many Vanderbilt fans are focused on the gridiron rather than the baseball field. However, for several former VandyBoys, September marks a crucial finale in a lengthy season. This month is key for numerous talented pitchers, with some aiming to propel themselves into the postseason, while others hope a strong finish in the minors will bring them closer to their MLB debuts in 2025.
In this edition of ‘Dores in the Pros, The Hustler highlights some of Vanderbilt’s top pitching talents from the past.
Sonny Gray
Gray stands as one of the most accomplished professional pitchers to come out of Vanderbilt. A Tennessee native, he was a standout ace during his time, leading the team in both innings pitched and strikeouts in 2010 and 2011. Drafted 18th overall in 2011 by the Oakland Athletics, he quickly made his MLB debut less than two years later, showcasing impressive skills with a rookie season ERA of 2.67 and a WHIP of 1.11. Gray excelled in Oakland for four years before moving to the Yankees in 2017. He has since played for the Reds, Brewers, and currently the Cardinals, maintaining strong performance throughout his career. In 2023, Gray earned his third All-Star selection and finished second in the American League Cy Young voting, boasting a solid 3.84 ERA and an outstanding 5.0 strikeout-to-walk ratio.
Carson Fulmer
Fulmer’s time at Vanderbilt was marked by standout performances, particularly his pivotal start in the 2014 College World Series. Pitching on three days’ rest, he delivered 5.2 innings of two-run ball, leading the team to its first national title. Selected eighth overall in the 2015 MLB Draft by the Chicago White Sox, Fulmer displayed flashes of brilliance but struggled to find consistency after his 2016 debut, spending significant time in Triple-A. After bouncing around various teams post-release in 2020, Fulmer has found a home in the Los Angeles Angels bullpen. In 2024, he has pitched 80.1 innings with 79 strikeouts and a 4.15 ERA, showing signs of a career resurgence.
Tyler Ferguson
Ferguson, a key member of the starting rotation for three seasons at Vanderbilt, took a unique route to the majors. Drafted in the sixth round of the 2015 MLB Draft, he had a promising start but faced challenges in the following years. After stepping away from the minors in 2019, he pitched for several teams before landing with the Athletics recently. Following a strong start in 2024 with Oakland’s Triple-A affiliate, he made his big league debut on May 7 and has since been a vital component of the bullpen, with a 3.60 ERA and a 1.10 WHIP.
Kumar Rocker
Rocker has always been viewed as a premier pitching prospect, yet his path to professional baseball has been complex. His remarkable freshman season in 2019 earned him multiple accolades, including Baseball America’s Freshman of the Year and national championship honors. Following a dominant college career, he was selected 10th overall by the New York Mets in 2021 but didn’t sign due to medical concerns. After pitching in the Frontier League in 2022, he was drafted by the Texas Rangers third overall. Although injury sidelined him after just six starts, he has rebounded with impressive performances in the minors, allowing only nine hits and striking out ten in a recent outing, positioning him for a potential MLB debut next season.
Patrick Reilly
Reilly, who alternated between starting and relieving at Vanderbilt, showcased an impressive strikeout ability, making him a sought-after prospect in the 2023 MLB Draft. Selected 140th overall by the Pittsburgh Pirates, he has shown promise by pitching to a 3.38 ERA in 2024 with Pittsburgh’s High-A affiliate. His strong performance caught the attention of the Baltimore Orioles, who traded for him, and he is currently working toward his major league debut alongside fellow Commodore Enrique Bradfield Jr.
Walker Buehler
Buehler began 2024 on the injured list due to ongoing rehabilitation from Tommy John surgery. Despite facing significant challenges, he returned to the mound on May 6 against the Miami Marlins, showcasing signs of his prior All-Star form. As the regular season concludes, he’s pitched to a 5.67 ERA in 12 starts, with a concerning drop in fastball usage down to 29%. Nevertheless, he remains a key player for the Dodgers as they strive for postseason success.
Jack Leiter
Leiter, the second overall pick in the 2021 MLB Draft, has found his rhythm this season. With a 3.51 ERA across 16 starts in Triple-A, he made his Major League debut on April 18 before returning to dominate in the minors with a 2.57 ERA and a 13.5 K/9 rate. Although he’s yet to prove himself consistently in the majors, he continues to show his potential.
Kyle Wright
Wright faced significant setbacks over the past two seasons after being drafted fifth overall in 2017 and having a stellar 2022 with 21 wins. Unfortunately, injuries plagued his 2023 season, leading to shoulder surgery that will keep him out for the entire 2024 season. Now traded to the Kansas City Royals, Wright aims for a full recovery and an opportunity to contribute to a competitive team.
Grayson Moore
Selected by the Chicago Cubs in the 14th round of the 2023 MLB Draft, Moore had a solid yet unremarkable career at Vanderbilt. However, he soon impressed in the minors with a 2.57 ERA, showcasing the Cubs’ strong pitching development program. His injury cut his season short, but he looks poised for a move to Double-A next season and has the potential for a 2026 MLB debut.
Luke Murphy
Murphy was a standout reliever for Vanderbilt in 2021, leading to his selection by the Angels in the fourth round that summer. His professional career has seen ups and downs, particularly between High-A and Double-A. While his numbers in High-A are impressive (0.86 ERA, 8 saves), his Double-A performance has been challenging. With a chance for a comeback in 2024, Murphy’s next season will be pivotal for his aspirations of reaching the majors.
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