Auburn, AL – December 7, 2024 – The Auburn Tigers baseball team has made significant strides in bolstering its roster for the 2024 season, securing two high-profile transfer commitments this week. With the Tigers aiming to rebound from a disappointing 8-22 SEC record last season, these additions provide a sense of optimism and excitement for head coach Butch Thompson and the Auburn fan base.
Mason Koch Joins the Tigers’ Pitching Staff
The first major announcement came from former Creighton pitcher Mason Koch, who confirmed via social media that he would be transferring to Auburn. Koch, ranked as the No. 10 transfer by On3, is expected to make an immediate impact on the Tigers’ pitching staff. With two years of eligibility remaining, the right-hander comes to Auburn following an impressive 2024 season at Creighton, where he pitched 38.1 innings and struck out 60 batters. He also recorded a solid 3.29 ERA, showcasing his ability to limit opposing hitters.
Koch’s performance in the latter part of the season was particularly noteworthy, as he did not allow an earned run in his final four appearances, demonstrating his ability to handle pressure in critical situations. His decision to transfer to Auburn came after he was pursued by several schools within the SEC, including Georgia, Kentucky, and Florida. Choosing Auburn was a significant move for Koch, as he aims to help turn around the Tigers’ pitching staff and contribute to their resurgence in the SEC.
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Bristol Carter Brings Speed and Power to Auburn’s Outfield
In addition to bolstering the pitching staff, Auburn also added a standout outfielder, freshman center fielder Bristol Carter from East Carolina University. Carter, who made an immediate impact as a freshman, announced his decision to transfer to Auburn via social media on Tuesday. In his first season at ECU, Carter played in 56 games, starting 46, and finished with an impressive .346 batting average. He also contributed seven doubles, 31 RBIs, and was a threat on the base paths, finishing with a 4-for-5 stolen base record.
Carter’s stellar freshman campaign earned him multiple accolades, including a spot on the American Athletic Conference All-Freshman Team and a second-team Freshman All-American nod from Perfect Game. His ability to hit for average, as well as his speed and defensive prowess, made him one of the top prospects in the country. Baseball America’s Peter Flaherty praised Carter’s “compact, direct swing with no shortage of bat speed” and noted his ability to “feast on fastballs.” Carter’s dynamic athleticism, combined with his ability to impact the game both offensively and defensively, will undoubtedly provide a boost to Auburn’s outfield.
Despite being a highly sought-after player, Carter opted to forgo the MLB draft out of high school, making the decision to further develop his game at the collegiate level. By transferring to Auburn, Carter now has at least two more years to enhance his draft stock, with the goal of eventually making his way to the major leagues. As a dynamic runner and top-tier defender, Carter will undoubtedly be a key player for Auburn in the coming seasons.
A Strong Recruiting Class Sets the Stage for a Rebound
These two transfer commitments come on the heels of Auburn’s successful 2024 recruiting class, which was ranked No. 6 in the nation by Perfect Game. With a mix of talented newcomers and returning players, the Tigers are poised to improve upon their 8-22 SEC record from the previous season. The additions of Koch and Carter are expected to fill critical needs for Auburn, with Koch providing a much-needed boost to the pitching staff and Carter offering a versatile presence in the outfield.
Head coach Butch Thompson, who is entering a pivotal season with the Tigers, is eager to see how these new players integrate into the roster. With a combination of established talent and exciting newcomers, Auburn has the potential to make a significant jump in the SEC standings in 2024. The commitment from top players like Koch and Carter signals that the Tigers are on the right track, with a renewed sense of hope and determination for the upcoming season.
As Auburn continues to prepare for the 2024 season, the additions of these two talented transfers are just the beginning of what promises to be an exciting year for Tigers baseball. With a stronger roster and a motivated coaching staff, Auburn is setting its sights on returning to national prominence and competing at the highest levels of college baseball.
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