College Baseball’s Top 10 2024 Transfers
Image credit: Chase Burns (Photo by Eakin Howard/Getty Images)
After ranking the top 100 transfers this past August, we felt it would be wise to go in-depth on the top 10 transfers after the conclusion of fall ball. While there are no changes to the initial rankings, given it would be hard to bump someone up or down based on their fall season, the top three names are awfully close to one another. The main factor to help determine this ranking was the projected impact each player would have for their respective club, and all 10 figure to be difference-makers in 2024.
1. Braden Montgomery, OF/RHP, Texas A&M
Montgomery stunned the college baseball world last summer when he entered the transfer portal following two outstanding seasons at Stanford. Across 2022 and 2023, Montgomery compiled a career .315/.414/.603 slash line with 30 doubles, 35 home runs and 118 RBIs across 126 games. Most notably last season, Montgomery hit .336/.461/.611 with 14 doubles, 17 home runs and a career-high 61 RBIs. As a cherry on top, Montgomery hit .340 with five extra-base hits and 12 RBIs during a 14-game stint in the Cape Cod League. During his time at Stanford, Montgomery was a two-time member of Team USA’s Collegiate National Team, the 2022 Pac-12 Freshman of the Year and a two-time All-Conference selection.
Montgomery last year shored up his approach and swing decisions, which led to a 6% decrease in his overall chase rate between ’22 and ’23 as well as a much-improved BB rate. He has a pro-like body at 6-foot-3 and 215-pounds. Montgomery has a simple setup in the box with big-time bat speed and plus power from both sides.
He consistently gets the ball in the air with authority and his hit tool continues to take positive strides. Montgomery is a good athlete who moves well in right field and possesses a borderline 80-grade arm. He also is an athletic-mover on the mound with a clean arm stroke and electric arm speed. Montgomery does a nice job of staying behind the baseball, and his premium fastball has been up to 99 with serious carry through the zone. He is on track to be the cornerstone of a deep Texas A&M roster and could be a top 10 overall pick this July.
2. Chase Burns, RHP, Wake Forest
Like Montgomery, Burns’ entry into the transfer portal was a shock to many. Burns was an immediate contributor for the Volunteers, and in 2022 he pitched his way to a 2.91 ERA with 103 strikeouts across 80.1 innings. For his performance, Burns was tabbed a first-team Freshman All-American. Burns had similar success last year as a sophomore and pitched his way to a 4.25 ERA with 114 K to just 22 BB across 72 IP. However, he split time between the starting rotation and the bullpen. In what was perhaps the best outing of his collegiate career, Burns spun six shutout innings against Stanford last June in Omaha.
He has a lean, high-waisted frame at 6-foot-4 and 195-pounds. Burns attacks from a high-three quarter slot with serious arm speed. Burns features a thunderous fastball that sits in the 96-100 range, but will regularly top out at 101 and 102. It explodes out of the hand and has plenty of running and riding life through the zone. It is currently a 70-grade offering.
Burns also features a hellacious high-80s, low-90s power slider. It flashes tons of sharp, two-plane break, but will also show more sweeping action at times. Last year, it held opposing hitters to a .151 average while generating a whopping miss rate of 61%. Burns has an advanced feel for the pitch which, like his fastball, would also grade out as a 70.
Lastly, Burns has a high-80s changeup that at times will flash heavy tumbling life and some fade to the arm side. It has reportedly taken a big step forward this fall which is an extremely positive development. Burns has a real shot to be the first arm off the board in this year’s draft.
3. Seaver King, OF/SS, Wake Forest
King is one name that has generated immense buzz since last spring. In 2023, he was arguably the best player at the Division-II level and hit .411/.457/.699 with 36 extra-base hits and 53 RBIs across 50 games. King then proceeded to not only earn a roster spot on Team USA’s Collegiate National Team, but also tore up the Cape Cod League to the tune of a .424/.479/.542 slash line with five extra-base hits across 16 games. While there were a number of suitors, King ultimately decided to take his dynamic skill set to Winston-Salem.
King has an athletic frame and is listed at 6-feet and 190-pounds. He has an unbelievably explosive operation in the box with a medium-high handset and thunderous bat speed. King flashes above-average power to the pull side and has advanced bat-to-ball skills. Between the Cape League and Team USA, he had an in-zone contact rate of 88%.
King is also a plus runner who has turned in 70-grade run times. Most of his experience in the field to this point has been at either second base, shortstop or third. However, this fall, King got plenty of reps in center field, where his speed and elite athleticism have translated well. After a loud fall for the Demon Deacons, King has seen his already-high draft stock continue to climb, and he could be a top 10 overall pick when all is said and done.
4. Billy Amick, 3B/1B, Tennessee
After logging just 19 ABs as a true freshman, Amick had an exceptional sophomore season and was an All-ACC first-team selection after hitting .413/.464/.773 with 17 doubles, 13 home runs and 63 RBIs in just 46 games. He carried over his hot hitting into the summer season and hit .368 with four extra-base hits, including two home runs, across 11 games on the Cape.
At 6-foot-1 and 215-pounds, Amick is plenty physical. He stands upright in the box and starts with the head of the bat pointed almost straight down behind him. It might look a bit funky, but it leads into a very rhythmic operation with no wasted movement. Amick has a minimal load and stride, and lets his natural strength do most of the work. He does a nice job of finishing his swing and I am a fan of how he uses his lower half.
Amick consistently goes with the pitch and hits it where it is thrown. He has plus power to all fields and drives the baseball with authority all over the yard. Amick this spring projects to man the hot corner for Tennessee. He has at least an average arm from the position, and consistent reps will go a long way in shoring up his defensive profile. Even if Amick ends up in a corner outfield spot or at first base long term, it is going to be difficult to pass up on the bat. He projects as a top two–round pick this July.
5. Wehiwa Aloy, SS, Arkansas
Last year at Sacramento State, Aloy had one of the best seasons of any true freshman in the country to the tune of a .376/.427/.662 slash line with 15 doubles, five triples, 14 home runs and 46 RBIs across 56 games. He was named the WAC Freshman of the Year and was a second-team Freshman All-American. Following the conclusion of the season, Aloy entered the transfer portal and eventually committed to Arkansas.
Aloy has a physical build at 6-foot-1 and 195-pounds, and he possesses plenty of natural strength. He has an interesting setup at the plate and stands slightly hunched over with a low handset. Aloy uses a toe tap as a timing mechanism and has above-average bat speed. He is able to generate quality contact and can drive the baseball into either gap with authority. Aloy has above-average raw power, especially to the pull side, and in 2023 posted a max exit velocity of 111.1.
While Aloy’s aggressive approach last spring warranted positive results, it also led to high chase rates across the board. One bugaboo seems to be picking up spin, as he has the tendency to swing-and-miss as well as expand the strike zone.
Aloy’s defense at shortstop last spring was a little inconsistent, and he made 17 errors. However, from April 29 on, he committed just one. Aloy has average arm strength, and his overall defensive skill set may be best suited for second base. This spring, he projects to be Coach Dave Van Horn’s everyday shortstop, and facing SEC pitching will be a new challenge. Aloy has performed well this fall, and with another strong spring he could establish himself as a slam-dunk first-round pick.
6. Payton Tolle, LHP/1B, Texas Christian
In his two seasons at Wichita State, Payton Tolle quietly played himself into one of the premier two-way talents in all of college baseball. As a true freshman, Tolle hit .317/.357/.471 with 10 extra-base hits while working a 4.48 ERA with 49 strikeouts on the mound. Last year, Tolle was even more successful on both sides of the baseball and was named a second-team All-American after slashing .311/.361/.538 with 22 extra-base hits and 50 RBIs. On the bump, Tolle pitched his way to a 4.62 ERA with an impressive strikeout-to-walk ratio of 97-to-19 across 85.2 innings.
At 6-foot-6 and 250-pounds, Tolle is a mountain of a man. In the box, he has a rather quiet operation with a minimal load and stride with above-average bat speed. Tolle lets his immense strength do all of the work, and he is able to generate premium impact as evident by his maximum exit velocity of 119.5 mph. He has plus raw power, and although his pure hit tool lacks polish, Tolle is still a force in the box and figures to be a middle-of-the-order bat for the Horned Frogs.
Tolle is also an imposing presence on the mound. He attacks from a three-quarter slot and possesses above-average arm speed. Tolle has some natural deception in his operation and hides the ball well. His fastball will sit in the 90-93 range, though it has been up to 95 and 96. It has carry through the zone, and Tolle has advanced control of the offering.
His low-80s slider is his best secondary offering. It has long, sweeping action as well as some depth. On top of generating a 39% miss rate in 2023, it held opposing hitters to a minuscule .126 average. It is particularly effective against lefthanded hitters. Lastly, Tolle features a mid-80s changeup that, at times, will feature heavy tumbling action.
Not only does Tolle project to make a huge impact on both sides of the baseball, but he also could be a top three to four–round draft pick this July.
7. Cannon Peebles, C, Tennessee
The Hanover High School (Hanover, Va.) product mashed his way into an everyday role last season with the Wolfpack and was a member of the All-ACC Freshman Team after hitting .352/.456/.697 with 11 doubles, 12 home runs and 50 RBIs in 46 games. Even after a successful first season, Peebles decided to enter the transfer portal and ended up committing to Tennessee.
A switch-hitter, Peebles does damage from both sides of the plate. While the sample size is smaller, he also hit an impressive .433 from the right side with five home runs. Peebles’ setup in the box is nearly identical on either side, though as a lefthanded hitter, his front side is a bit more open and he is slightly more hunched over in his stance. His barrel tip is also a bit more pronounced from the left side, but he has the same plus hand speed and feel to hit. Peebles has an above-average approach and pitch recognition skills, as well as an advanced feel for the barrel. His power and pure hit tool would each grade out as above average.
His defensive skill set will need refining, and he has an average arm, though it is important to keep in mind he had limited reps behind the dish last spring. A lot of the polish to his game will come naturally with more consistent playing time, and it will be interesting to see how his defense progresses this spring. Should Peebles continue to hit and establish himself as a pro-level catcher in the process, he will likely earn himself an invitation to play for Team USA this summer and has a chance to be a first-round draft choice in 2025.
8. Luke Holman, RHP, Louisiana State
Holman showed flashes of his upside in 2022 as a true freshman, and in 19 innings he sported a 5.68 ERA with 24 strikeouts to eight walks. Last year, Holman’s entire repertoire took a step forward and he anchored the Alabama rotation. He pitched his way to a 3.67 ERA with 87 strikeouts to 31 walks across 81 innings. Holman earned an invitation to Team USA’s Collegiate National Team, and he struck out 17 while holding opposing hitters to a .175 average. Following the conclusion of the season, Holman opted to enter the transfer portal and decided that his new home would be LSU.
Holman has a prototypical pitcher’s frame at 6-foot-4 and195-pounds with some room to add strength. He attacks hitters from a high-three quarter slot and has a short arm stroke. Holman hides the ball well and pitches in the 92-95 range with his FB. It plays well in the top half of the strike zone given its riding life and in 2023, it averaged an impressive 20+ inches of induced vertical break.
He features two distinct breaking balls in a high-70s curveball and a low-80s slider. The curveball has a big shape and sharp 12-6 break. Last year, it generated a 38% miss rate and held opposing hitters to a .159 average. It currently grades out as a plus pitch. Holman throws his slider almost exclusively to righthanded hitters, and it flashes decent depth and plays well to the glove side. It is an above-average pitch that had a 48% miss rate last spring.
Holman’s mid-80s changeup is a potentially average fourth pitch, and at times will flash tumbling action. He has an intriguing combination of pitchability and stuff. Holman is a definite starter professionally and is a potential top 50 overall pick this July.
9. Colby Shelton, SS, Florida
Shelton last year was one of the most productive hitters in a deep Alabama lineup to the tune of a .301/.419/.729 slash line with 10 doubles, an Alabama Freshman record 25 home runs and 51 RBIs. On top of being named a second-team Freshman All-American, Shelton was named to the SEC’s All-Freshman team. After entering the transfer portal and receiving calls from dozens of schools, Shelton decided to commit to Florida.
Shelton has a quiet setup in the box with a normal handset and he sits pretty deep in his base. He slightly picks up and puts down his front foot as opposed to an actual stride, and he possesses above-average bat speed. Shelton rotates really well in his swing, and drives the baseball with authority to all fields. His power is real, and it would grade out as plus.
After almost exclusively playing third base for the Crimson Tide, Shelton this spring will man shortstop for the Gators. Last year he flashed range to either direction, especially the glove side, and at times showed off an above-average arm. It will be interesting to see how his actions translate, but if Shelton is able to sell teams on his ability to stick at shortstop, he is a likely day one draft choice.
10. Mason Molina, LHP, Arkansas
Following a true freshman season in which he spent time between the bullpen and rotation, Molina anchored the Red Raiders’ pitching staff in 2023. He sported a 3.67 ERA and tallied 108 strikeouts across 83.1 innings, en route to a second-team All Big-12 selection. In addition to his all-conference selection, Molina earned an invitation to pitch for Team USA’s Collegiate National Team. This season, Molina will pitch in Fayetteville alongside fellow southpaw Hagen Smith and Brady Tygart in what figures to be one of the best rotations in the SEC.
Molina has a physical build at 6-foot-2 and 215-pounds, and boasts a true four-pitch mix. He has a smooth, repeatable operation on the mound with a long arm stroke and attacks from a high-three quarter slot with present arm speed. Molina’s fastball sits in the 89-92 range, but it plays up due to its big-time riding life through the zone. He does a nice job of staying behind the baseball, and in 2023 it averaged over 19 inches of induced vertical break. It generates the most swing-and-miss when located in the top half of the zone and to the arm side, and consistently gets over the barrel of opposing hitters.
Molina features a high-70s gyro slider that he has advanced feel for, and he manipulates its shape well. Against righthanded hitters, it flashes more depth and vertical break, but against lefthanded hitters, it takes on a longer look with more horizontal break. In 2023, it generated an impressive miss rate of 42% and held opposing hitters to a .105 average.
He also features a mid-70s curveball that he throws mostly to righthanded hitters. It flashes big depth and almost true 12-to-6 movement. Lastly, Molina throws a low-80s changeup. It is a fine fourth pitch, and at times will show late tumbling life as well as slight fade to the arm side.
