Coaching changes are a time of transition for rosters no matter the sport and Clemson baseball is no different.
Several players have transferred out of Clemson and a couple of previously committed recruits decided to go another way once Monte Lee was relieved of his duties.
But it also works in reverse as the new coach, in this case, Erik Bakich, has been able to get six players previously committed to Michigan to flip to Clemson, along with two transfers.
Now, it’s new pitching coach Jimmy Belanger’s turn, as the former Florida State coach has seen one of his former Seminole recruits flip to Clemson.
Class of 2023 right handed pitcher Chance Fitzgerald of Sanford, Florida has flipped to the Tigers according to his twitter.
After long hours of talking and thinking, I am more than excited and blessed to announce that I’ll be furthering my academic and baseball career at Clemson University! #gotigas pic.twitter.com/bRIvqs80Iq
— Chance Fitzgerald (@ChanceFitzgera4) July 16, 2022
Chance Fitzgerald has a projectable frame and arm with another year of high school ahead he could be a candidate to go early in 2023 MLB Draft.
Fitzgerald is rated as a 9.5 on Perfect Game with a 93 MPH fastball, per his PG profile, but he’s also got a slider.
"6-2 180 lb. frame from Sanford, FL who attends Lake Howell HS. Athletic frame with present strength and room to add more. Primary right-handed pitcher who only pitched during the event. Quick paced delivery with some moving parts. Three-quarters arm slot with a longer arm stroke. Lands slightly closed with crossfire to add deception. Fastball topped out at 90 mph and got a fair bit of whiffs when elevated. Slider has two plane break with sweeping action. Fastball has good carry at the top of the zone and flashed a slider late. Tremendous student."
Fitzgerald had been committed to the Noles for 2 years, ever since he was a 160 pound fifteen year old.
One thing to note here is Fitzgerald is a Class of 2023 recruit which means he has another year of high school and given his projectable frame and arm he could be a candidate to go early in the 2023 MLB draft.