Former standout Danny Casals joins J.D. Arteaga and the Miami Hurricanes' coaching staff to overhaul a struggling defense, tasking the elite developer with molding a fresh infield roster.
MIAMI, Fla. – The Miami Hurricanes baseball program announced the hiring of Danny Casals to coach J.D. Arteaga’s staff as director of player development/infielders; announced on Monday.
The 29-year-old spent the last seven seasons (2019-2026) at Christopher Columbus High School, serving as an associate head coach. Casals has worked with and helped develop more than 10 players selected in the MLB Draft, including former Hurricanes All-American and third baseman Daniel Cuvet, who capped a three-year collegiate career with 54 total home runs, tied for the third-most in program history.
Casals played in the infield at the University of Maine from 2016 to 2019. He was primarily at third base, but had stints at second. In a four-year collegiate career, Casals batted .292 with a .491 slugging percentage, including 188 hits in 644 at-bats, 42 doubles, four triples, 100 runs batted in, and 26 home runs in 179 games (all starts). He received First-Team All-America East Conference honors in 2018.
The Hurricanes are coming off a 39-20 season, the best win total under Arteaga’s head-coaching tenure. After making the Gainesville Regional, the trip was short-lived; eliminated by the Troy Trojans.
Along with notable pitching inconsistencies, the infield defense had its own issues. The Hurricanes had one of the worst fielding percentages (.958) in Division I baseball. Given several departures, including Cuvet and Jake Ogden to the MLB, Casals will have an opportunity to work on a clean slate – for the most part.
Third baseman Gabriel Milano returns to the Coral Gables program, following a productive freshman campaign. In late April, Cuvet suffered a back injury, opening an opportunity for the Miami native. In 19 starts, Milano batted .310 with a .760 OPS, including 22 hits in 71 at-bats, two doubles, 14 runs batted in, and two home runs.
However, defensive improvements will be a big focus ahead of Milano’s sophomore campaign. He committed five errors last season, along with five putouts and 21 assists in 31 total chances. Milano finished with a .839 fielding percentage.
Shortstop could be a starting position for battle. Although Vance Sheahan returns for a senior season, incoming freshman Rookie Shepard could make a push for a nod in the lineup.
Second and first base are completely open.
Casals will have several voids to fill and positions to evaluate. The Hurricanes are presumed to be College World Series contenders, but given the currently active 25-year National Championship drought, the pressure only grows.
Anthony Aguirre covers the Miami Hurricanes and Miami Heat for Roundtable Sports. Contact info for tips/info: [email protected] & 305-987-3290 | Follow on Instagram/X: @AnthonyA_Sports
