Similar to the end of its 2024 season, the Michigan baseball team found itself without an NCAA Tournament bid and with holes to fill. Graduations and transfers at the end of the 2024 season shook up the roster and forced the Wolverines to make some quick acquisitions to fill the gaps. With more graduations, transfers and even some players turning professional, the same holes opened up. But instead of moving forward with another batch of graduate transfers, which it found with shortstop Benny Casillas, catcher Matt Spear and first baseman Jeter Ybarra, Michigan has opted for younger talent to cement its roster.
Jasen Oliver, a former player for Indiana, announced his commitment to the Wolverines on X three weeks ago. An incoming junior, Oliver was a prolific hitter his freshmen year slashing .285/.362/.529. But with a 100 point decrease in batting average his sophomore year, his playing time was limited. If he is able to return to form as a second baseman, Oliver’s firepower will be an integral part of Michigan’s offense.
Also an infielder, redshirt freshman Dane Morrow is set to contend for a starting spot for the Wolverines. While he hasn’t seen his first collegiate pitch yet, Morrow had tremendous success at the high school level and is currently showing off his talents in summer ball. Even without having any live reps yet, Morrow will be expected — and depended on — to have an impact on day one.
While Michigan’s pitching staff is certainly in a better position than it was a year ago, the loss of sophomore right-hander Dylan Vigue and senior right-hander Will Rogers are blows to the program’s depth. In response however, as confirmed by Michigan baseball, Utah Tech’s rising junior right-hander Cade Montgomery has joined the program.
After a tough freshman season, Montgomery recorded a 6.91 ERA alongside a .316 batting average against through 43 innings pitched. Making the switch to a full-time starter, his sophomore year Montgomery cut his BAA to .222 and earned a team-low 2.35 ERA. Through his 10 appearances and 57 innings on the mound, Montgomery was the Trailblazers’ ace, posting a record of 4-2. With the addition of Montgomery, the Wolverines have a full bullpen, allowing Michigan coach Tracy Smith to trot out multiple arms to compete for valuable game starts.
With Oliver, Morrow and Montgomery, the Wolverines are gearing up for a season of solid baseball with postseason aspirations. And while the results of the 2025 season fell short of their goals, the Wolverines are en route to having all the pieces they need to compete with their conference foes.
