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ASU Baseball: What Does 2017 Have In-Store for the Sun Devils?

By Hunter Robinson

Mar 3, 2015; Scottsdale, AZ, USA; Detailed view of a baseball in the hand of Arizona State Sun Devils outfielder Coltin Gerhart against the Arizona Diamondbacks during a spring training baseball game at Salt River Fields. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports
Mar 3, 2015; Scottsdale, AZ, USA; Detailed view of a baseball in the hand of Arizona State Sun Devils outfielder Coltin Gerhart against the Arizona Diamondbacks during a spring training baseball game at Salt River Fields. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports /
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After a 2016 season plagued with injuries and an underwhelming starting rotation, ASU Baseball is back to prove that 2016 was a fluke.

2016 was not a good year for ASU athletics. After having high hopes for the year, it was quickly realized that ASU athletics needed to look ahead to 2017. With that in mind, it is now 2017 and we are now about to begin another hopeful baseball season.

The Sun Devils had their fair share of injuries in 2016, the biggest being the injury to Hever Bueno, who was supposed to become the ace for the Sun Devil rotation. Despite that, ASU still managed to make their way into the postseason before being ousted by TCU in the Fort Worth Regional championship game.

For ASU, 2017 holds a lot of big expectations. First, they are bringing in one of the best recruiting classes in the nation. Depending on where you look, ASU has been ranked as the No. 1 recruiting class, the No. 5 recruiting class, the No. 7 recruiting class, and so on. Despite having one of the top recruiting classes in the nation, ASU was ranked 33rd in the preseason USA Today Coaches Poll.

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Another reason that 2017 holds a lot of big expectations for the Sun Devils is that the starting rotation is expected to learn from last season and play at a higher level. Last season, ASU’s starting pitching wasn’t up to par and it ultimately cost them a chance at advancing further in the postseason.

There were multiple times where the starting pitcher would only last three innings and it was up to the bullpen to carry the team for the remaining six innings, something that can not happen in 2017. If the starting pitching can put together quality starts, then the pitching staff could be one of the best in the nation come year’s end.

The 2017 season should be an exciting one for ASU baseball. If they can avoid the injury bug and continue to produce solid hitting, then they will be in prime position to make a deep run into the 2017 postseason. If the Sun Devils find themselves struggling in a congested Pac-12, then they may find themselves sitting at home come June.

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