With roster turnover looming and defensive errors mounting, Coach J.D. Arteaga must decide if a strategic position shift or a transfer addition can solidify the diamond.
MIAMI, Fla. – Ahead of the 2027 college baseball season, coach J.D. Arteaga will likely have a new-looking infield. Shortstop Vance Sheahan returns, but second baseman Jake Ogden, catcher Alex Sosa, and All-American third baseman Daniel Cuvet depart to chase MLB dreams. The Miami Hurricanes have the talent to fill those voids, but there might be a major concern at first base.
Graduate student Brylan West played the right corner role. In 53 games (49 starts), he batted .298 with a .841 OPS, including 51 hits in 171 at-bats, nine doubles, 42 runs batted in, five home runs, and 75 total bases. Following a swollen ankle injury on May 8, West would make one more start as a designated hitter against Florida State, then appear in three more pinch-hitting games.
Sosa filled in at first base the rest of the season.
The Hurricanes had the worst fielding percentage (.958) and committed the most errors (87) among Atlantic Coast Conference programs. Along with the pitching staff, the middle defense struggles held the team back from Omaha hopes.
Along with Sheahan’s return, the Hurricanes can easily insert Gabriel Milano at third and possibly Jailen Watkins at second. However, a true first baseman isn’t featured on the roster. It would require someone to move and learn the position.
Coach Arteaga could experiment with Dawson Harman playing first base. The South Carolina transfer has the combination of size and power to play the role. He’s 6-4 and 234 pounds – batted .227 with a .779 OPS, including 29 hits in 128 at-bats, eight doubles, a triple, 21 runs batted in, five home runs, and 54 total bases in 40 games (all starts).
Another option would be moving Trent Caraway from third to first. The LSU transfer is coming off a down year, but has the frame and past production to make a run for the open corner spot. He batted .243 with a .713 OPS, including 18 hits in 74 at-bats, three doubles, a triple, 16 runs batted in, two home runs, and 29 total bases in 30 games (24 starts). Caraway played a critical role in Oregon State reaching the 2025 College World Series.
The power and production is there, but needs resurfacing.
If the Hurricanes want to get drastic, Dylan Dubovik could be a fit. In a limited freshman season, the local Coral Springs native delivered an immediate impact. Dubovik batted .312 with a .864 OPS, including 43 hits in 138 at-bats, six doubles, 30 runs batted in, seven home runs, and 70 total bases in 42 games (34 starts). He’s listed at 6-4 and 205 pounds – currently on summer ball assignment with the Wareham Gatemen in the Cape Cod Baseball League.
There’s a long way before next season, but having an idea of who plays where is important to immediately address. An interesting situation to track.
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Anthony Aguirre is the Miami Hurricanes beat writer for Roundtable Sports. Contact info: [email protected] | 305-987-3290 | Follow on Instagram/X: @AnthonyA_Sports
