With the MLB season just around the corner, it’s a good time to preview some former NC State players who are currently in professional baseball:

Trea Turner, SS, Washington Nationals

After stealing 46 bases in just 98 games last season, the former NC State shortstop is back for another season with the Washington Nationals. Turner battled a wrist injury last season, but still managed to be an immensely productive player, slashing .284/.338/.451 and grading out at 3.0 Wins Above Replacement, according to FanGraphs. As Washington looks to break through the first round of the playoffs for the first time since its Montreal days, Turner will surely be a key cog in the lineup. 

Carlos Rodon, P, Chicago White Sox

Along with Turner, Rodon led NC State to a College World Series appearance in 2013 and was selected third overall in the 2014 MLB Draft by the Chicago White Sox. The talented left-hander has had trouble staying on the field and will begin 2018 on the disabled list while he battles a shoulder injury. 

While that’s a disheartening development, Rodon, when healthy, has shown the potential to be a No. 3 starter or better. After pitching to a 4.04 Earned Run Average with solid peripherals (9.16 K/9, 2.95 BB/9) in 28 starts in 2016, he regressed last year in an injury-riddled campaign. He walked more batters and gave up more home runs against a slight uptick in strikeouts. 

With the White Sox rebuild in full swing, he’ll get his share of chances to prove himself in 2018. It will be interesting to see what he can do at his full potential, but this year is about getting his control back and his walk numbers down.

Andrew Knizner, C, St. Louis Cardinals

Knizner is the most highly-touted prospect hailing from NC State currently. FanGraphs has him pegged as the No. 7 prospect, deservedly so, in the Cardinals organization. The former third baseman and backstop for the Pack mashed his way to Double-A last season, hitting .324 in 202 plate appearances with the Springfield Cardinals.

There were questions about his defense going into pro ball two years ago, but he’s put those concerns to rest. If he keeps hitting well, a September call-up is a real possibility for Knizner.

Evan Mendoza, 3B, St. Louis Cardinals

Mendoza burst onto the scene as a sophomore for NC State in 2016, hitting a team-high .362 a year after converting to the infield after being a pitcher his freshman year. He regressed at the plate in 2017, but his defense was still stellar. He was selected by the Cardinals and has done nothing but hit since, slashing an excellent .370/.431/.549 in the New York-Penn League. He could reach Double-A by midseason if his bat stays hot. 

Joe Dunand, SS, Miami Marlins

Dunand was the highest draft pick from NC State last year, as the slugging shortstop went in the second round to the Marlins after mashing 18 home runs last season. He didn’t play much last season, collecting just 34 plate appearances due to an injury. He’s the No. 24 prospect in the Marlins’ system according to FanGraphs due to his impressive power, but they don’t expect him to stick at shortstop because of his defense.