The Michigan baseball team continues to bolster its evolving roster with the addition of transfer Jeter Ybarra from Washington. Ybarra marks Wolverines coach Tracy Smith’s second commitment in just two days, as he continues his trend of recruiting in batches and gaining seasoned competitors.
Ybarra announced his commitment to Michigan Monday on X, just seven weeks after he entered the transfer portal June 3. The Wolverines will be the third program that Ybarra has been a part of after he started his collegiate career at Ohlone Community College before transferring to the Huskies as a redshirt sophomore. A versatile player, Ybarra has found himself at numerous positions throughout the diamond, but most often provides infield support at first base. Ybarra found success at Washington by working as a team player within the Huskies’ system.
While Ybarea made all 51 of his starts this season at first base, he wasn’t a stranger to other parts of the field. In his collegiate career, Ybarra has found himself at first base, third base, left field and even has experience on the mound as a left-hander with 31.1 innings pitched under his belt. Over time, his role with Washington expanded as his experience grew where he became a consistent starter in two seasons. At the plate, Ybarra floated around the lineup before becoming a dependable cleanup batter, driving in 39 runs this past season.
Ybarra’s consistency at the plate was on full display when Washington took on Texas in mid-March. In their first game of the series, the Huskies looked to take down the Longhorns’ and set the tone early in their season. Ybarra understood the assignment perfectly, registering five hits — the first Washington player to accomplish this since 2019. Ybarra ended the outing with three doubles, four RBIs and two runs scored, clearly displaying the spark he brings to the plate.
This power at the plate is a quality that Smith yearns for as he continues to look for depth in the lineup after Michigan finished the 2024 season with the second-lowest batting average in the Big Ten at .256. But arguably more important than his presence at the plate is the influence Ybarra has in the infield.
The Wolverines ended the 2024 season with the second-most double plays in the nation with 60, which wouldn’t have been possible without the duo of shortstop Kyle Dernedde and second baseman Mack Timbrook. As both Timbrook and Dernedde are leaving the program, Smith must find someone to fill their shoes so that Michigan can continue their infield dominance that’s necessary to support its inconsistent mound. Ybarra is no stranger to double plays himself, leading the Huskies this past season with 36. Ybarra may just be one half of the solution to Smith’s missing double-play pair.
Smith is well-versed in obtaining experienced transfers, and has already added vast talent in the 2024 postseason as he attempts to fill the holes of lost players. Looking to fortify his infield and add depth to his lineup, Ybarra’s experience and power will likely be key to the success of Smith’s strategy.
The post Michigan adds Washington transfer Jeter Ybarra to clubhouse appeared first on The Michigan Daily.
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