Adding a local talent who is very highly rated is just what Clemson baseball fans wanted to see today.
Class of 2027 outfielder/left-handed pitcher Griffin McKain announced his commitment to Clemson on Tuesday. McKain is a 6’3” left-hander who can play outfield, first base, and pitch for his high school team, Charlotte Catholic High School. The Fort Mill, South Carolina, native is graded at a 9.5 via Perfect Game, which places him in a special company. A 9.5 rating from Perfect Game is a rating that is given to players who fall in the range of “elite college player” and “significant MLB draft prospect”.
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“Staying Home! Beyond blessed and excited to announce my commitment to Clemson University,” McKain posted on his Instagram, announcing his commitment decision to Clemson University.
As a left-handed hitter and pitcher, McKain has recorded a fastball velocity of 89 mph according to Perfect Game. Showing his ability to be an effective two-way player, McKain has also recorded an exit velocity of 90 mph, and according to Perfect Game, that places him in the 90th percentile of recruits in the 2027 class with registered exit velocity. His 89 mph fastball velocity also places him in the 98th percentile of his class for fastball velocity.
It is too early in the young baseball player’s career to tell if he is going to be a hitter, pitcher, or two-way player at Clemson. But a recruit coming into head coach Erik Bakich’s program who can hit and pitch is a great asset, and Bakich and the rest of his staff have plenty of time to figure out where McKain fits best into the program.
McKain joins fellow class of 2027 commitments from infielder Vaughn Stenihart and right-handed pitcher Gray Davis in the past two days.
Clemson baseball should be excited to see the 27’ McKain when he steps on campus in 2027. If fans are anxious to get a look at what the team will look like in 2026, the Fall Ball Fan Fest is this Saturday with tickets priced at $10 and free admission to Clemson students.