Breaking down the 2024 Penn State baseball signing class: Position players

Position players

The Nittany Lions offense benefited highly from head coach Mike Gambino in his first season. Penn State finished second in the Big Ten in batting average (.306), trailing only Rutgers (.307), per the Big Ten official website. RF Adam Cecere led the Big Ten in slugging percentage (.676) and was third in the league in home runs (17). Catcher and designated hitter J.T. Marr finished second in the Big Ten in batting average (.416).

Penn State said goodbye to RF Adam Cecere, SS Grant Norris, and middle infielders Kyle Hannon and Kevin Michaels via graduation. LF Bobby Marsh transferred to Miami, joining former Penn State head coach Rob Cooper. With many spots to be filled, head coach Mike Gambino hit the transfer portal and the recruit market to find the next men up.

Penn State added nine position players via the transfer portal, and five of which come from other Division I schools. The Nittany Lions also added five freshmen to the roster, with only one in-state newcomer (Alec Warden). These 14 transfers and recruits cover every position need for the Nittany Lions, especially in the outfield. Outfielder Paxton Kling won a national championship with LSU in 2023. Outfielder and first baseman Cole Wagner was part of the Red Land Little League team that won the United States Championship in 2015. Find out about who's new to Happy Valley below:

Transfers

Voss played at Michigan for a year before entering the JUCO route, but his time at Iowa Western CC was marked by his .704 slugging percentage. With his Power Conference experience and recent performances benefiting him, he could be a good catcher and designated hitter alongside Matt Maloney.

With the Hawks last season, DeMucci threw out 14 runners out of 34, as he makes up for his lackluster hitting with great fielding. If he has a good Fall Ball outing, he could be in consideration as a backup catcher to Matt Maloney.

Wagner, most notably known for his Little League run with Red Land in 2015 (see above), did not play in 2024, but in 2023 he had six home runs and 23 runs batted in. His effect is shown through numbers and community trust, and that should land him a spot as the first baseman, outfielder, or designated hitter in the everyday lineup.

Weingartner had a fantastic season in the Atlantic 10 in 2024, with a slash line of .316/.410/.597 and 59 runs batted in. With the exit of shortstop Grant Norris, Weingartner could fit nicely into that spot.

Graham played for two seasons in the JUCO level, touting a .442 on-base percentage and 60 runs batted in. He'll have to battle Derek Cease for the starting spot at second base.

Jesse joins his brother Joe after a year at the JUCO level, slashing .407/.505/.683 and stealing 14 bases. As a former player of North Carolina, his experience and skills can propel him towards a starting spot in the outfield.

Mercado spent two years with ACC member Boston College, where he was most known for his speed with 10 stolen bases in 55 career games. Formerly having had Mike Gambino as his head coach, their reunion will serve as an advantage for Mercado as he fights for a spot in the outfield.

As the biggest pickup of the transfer portal for Penn State, Kling was part of the 2023 LSU baseball team that won the CWS National Championship. Kling should be an everyday starter the second he reaches campus in the fall.

After not getting any playing time at UCF, Porter entered the JUCO route in 2024, where he had a .622 slugging percentage and 57 runs batted in. As a utility player, Porter could throw his hat into the ring of a contested second baseman battle.

First-year newcomers

As a clarification, all ranks found in the player profiles below can be found on Perfect Game.

Lombardo was the #41 catcher in the California Class of 2024, and with IMG Academy Gold last season, he had a .600 slugging percentage and 15 runs batted in. Alongside Matt Maloney, Nate Voss, and Joey DeMucci, Lombardo will gain experience as he fights for a spot on the roster.

Rowling was the #21 overall player in Virginia and the # 236 shortstop in the overall Class of 2024. He needs to be versatile in order to have a shot to play this year.

Haarde was the fourth-best shortstop in the Massachusetts Class of 2024 and the #358 shortstop in the overall Class of 2024. He could switch to second base and try to fight for a spot alongside Derek Cease, Patrick Graham, and Jack Porter.

Gardner played baseball in Connecticut, despite his profile saying California, and was the #76 shortstop in the California Class of 2024. His prep school experience could help him, but there is a chance that he won't make the spring roster.

The Thomas Jefferson product was the #22 shortstop in the Pennsylvania Class of 2024. He might not make the spring roster, but if he does, he likely won't see the field.

The recruiting class needs some work, but all five freshmen have the potential to be great in the coming years. As for the transfers, they fill every position need and provide significant depth. It helps that almost all of the transfers are incoming juniors, as eligibility comes into play. With experience, skills, and a great potential for player development, these position players now have a lot to prove.