A Look into How TCU’s Top-10 Transfer Class is Performing in 2023

Coming into the 2023 season, TCU baseball’s incoming transfer class was given a top-10 rating by D1Baseball. Now that we are coming into the final stretch of the season, let’s look into how the top transfers are doing.

Three of the Frogs' top hitters this season were brought onto the squad through the transfer portal. 

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Cole Fontenelle has been an anchor in the middle of the lineup all season. In early March, he broke out at Minute Made Park, launching a two-run homer into the Crawford Box against Michigan. He’s kept his bat hot since then, batting .326 on the year. He is also second on the team with ten home runs behind Brayden Taylor.

Austin Davis has been a spark at the top of the order. Coming into this season, we knew about the speed element that he brings to the table. He torched the Frogs on the basepaths last season when he played at West Virginia, but he has also brought some thump to the lineup as well.

Davis has launched seven home runs this season, and none more emphatic than his opening weekend home run at Globe Life Field against Arkansas.

Baseball is fun! Wouldn't you agree @Adavis_21?#FrogballUSA | #GoFrogs pic.twitter.com/OiJBe3Zef9

— TCU Baseball (@TCU_Baseball) February 19, 2023

Since coming in from Baylor, Tre Richardson has more than held down the fort at second base for the Frogs. He’s started in all 40 games for the Frogs, played stellar defense, and given them an offensive boost with his .825 OPS.

The pitching that came through the transfer portal has not been so hot for the Frogs.

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Ryan Vanderhei came in from Kansas, coming off a bit of a rough year. However, he had a hot start to the season, giving TCU two good outings to solidify his spot as the Friday night starter. Unfortunately, that did not last.

Vanderhei lost his spot as the Friday night starter a few weeks ago and has since seen his ERA climb to 6.58 on the campaign. He holds a 3-3 record and a 39-22 K/BB ratio.

Sam Stoutenborough came in with high hopes from Cal. He was mainly a bullpen arm there and has also been at TCU. So far, things have been up and down for the right-hander, posting a 5.02 ERA through 12 appearances. He was able to give the Frogs two starts.

The performance of these transfers is vital for the Frogs as they close out the season and look to postseason play. However, they will be tested this weekend as they welcome in Texas, who is coming in looking to bounce back from their three-game c skid. 

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