FSU baseball: Analyzing newest RHP transfer commit Grant Cherry

FSU baseball head coach Link Jarrett continues to retool his roster in the off-season. The Noles have had several departures via the transfer portal from guys that didn't play much or at all this past season. They've had several new commits from the JUCO ranks and the transfer portal. They added another via the latter option Wednesday evening in Long Beach State right-handed pitcher Grant Cherry. He signed with Tennessee out of high school, ranking as the No. 7 player in Alabama in 2021. Cherry transferred to Long Beach State, where he's played the past two seasons. Cherry has always had good stuff but lacked control and consistency in the strike zone. His early numbers reflect that, but he's harnessed his stuff much better lately, and it is reflected in his 2023 numbers.

Cherry's fastball is 92-95 mph with a hard slider and change-up. He appeared in 22 games with one start. He pitched 32.1 innings, allowing 25 hits(four home runs and seven doubles), 18 walks, and 38 strikeouts. Opposing batters only hit .212 against him and he had two saves. Cherry should be a solid addition out of the bullpen capable of getting outs as long as he can avoid walks. For context, Cherry had a 1:1 walk-to-strikeout ratio in his first two collegiate seasons. However, that ratio improved to 2:1 last season. FSU pitching coach Micah Posey helped several guys drastically enhance with only one season working with them. Cherry's 2023 stats are nearly identical to FSU relief pitcher Joe Charles. Charles was someone Posey helped a great deal this season and he primarily threw sliders with occasional fastballs mixed in. Cherry does have the changeup, so it'll be interesting to see how much progression we could see from Cherry under Posey. I mentioned FSU could benefit from the Texas A&M coach leaving for the Texas job and several A&M players have entered the portal. FSU had added several pitchers, now it's time to get some bats.