Top 5 SEC batters who could make an impact in 2024 College World Series ft. Christian Moore
The 2024 College World Series is an SEC/ACC showdown. As the two leagues battle for college baseball supremacy, a close race could come down to a handful of heavy hitters.
Here are five big SEC bats that might give the league a leg up in the College World Series.
Top five SEC batters who could make an impact in 2024 College World Series
#1 Christian Moore, Tennessee
The Tennessee second baseman has always been a standout, but his 2024 season has gone above and beyond. Moore is hitting .385 with 33 home runs and 72 RBIs.
In Tennessee's College World Series opening comeback win over Florida State, Moore was 5 for 6 at the plate and hit for the cycle. He's capable of those types of performances in virtually any game.
Moore was a monster in SEC play and has become the engine behind the dynamic Tennessee offense. He could be decisive in the College World Series.
#2 Jac Caglianone, Florida
The best two-way player in the country is hitting .411 with 33 homers and 68 RBIs. Cags has hit four homers in seven NCAA Tournament games this fall, entering Saturday. He has also taken 52 walks against just 25 strikeouts all season. Caglianone makes consistent contact and drives the ball with authority.
Florida remains the biggest underdog in the College World Series field. But Caglianone and his strength at the plate could be an immediate equalizer. If the Gators are going to make more noise, Caglianone will likely be in the middle of it.
#3 Jace LaViolette, Texas A&M
Braden Montgomery has been the top hitter for the Aggies but has gone for the season with a leg injury. The good news for A&M is that LaViolette has been the other part of a 1-2 punch all season. Now, he has got to be the man to carry the Aggies.
LaViolette is hitting .314 with 28 home runs and 77 RBIs on the season. He has six multi-homer games on the season. With Montgomery on the shelf, LaViolette could stand to pick up his consistency. He's just 4 for 18 in the NCAAs heading into Saturday's late game, but if he gets going, watch out for A&M.
#4 Ryan Nicholson, Kentucky
Kentucky isn't a big power hitting team. The Wildcats have just 87 homers on the year as a team and have two double-digit homers on their roster. That makes Nicholson even more important for UK, as he's hitting .308 with 22 homers and 62 RBIs on the year.
Nicholson had a homer on Saturday against NC State. That makes four homers in six NCAA Tournament games. Nicholson is 10 for 23 during that run, and if he keeps hitting that way, Kentucky could continue its postseason success.
#5 Dylan Dreiling, Tennessee
The Vols are the nation's top team and have the toughest overall offensive team. Dreiling might be the guy who puts the Vols over the top. Dreiling is hitting .329 with 20 homers and 67 RBIs. Dreiling is 12 for 29 in the NCAA Tournament for the Vols, including three home runs and seven RBIs.
In Friday's battle with Florida State, Dreiling delivered the game-winning hit. On a UT team chock full of outstanding offensive performance, Dreiling's red-hot performance might push the Vols over the top.
Which SEC standouts are you looking forward to seeing in the College World Series? Let's hear your thoughts below in the comments section: