Despite facing a challenging preseason ranking, Vanderbilt's baseball team is gearing up for an exciting 2025 season. The Commodores have been placed at No. 16 in the D1Baseball preseason poll, marking their lowest position since the poll's inception in 2015. While this may seem like a setback, it also serves as motivation for the team to prove themselves on the field. Among the nine Southeastern Conference (SEC) teams listed, Vanderbilt finds itself behind several rivals but ahead of others, indicating a competitive balance within the conference.

The 2024 season saw Vanderbilt record a 38-23 overall performance, with a less-than-stellar SEC record of 13-17, the worst since 2009. In response to these results, Coach Tim Corbin made significant changes to his coaching staff, bringing in fresh perspectives with new assistants Jayson King and Ty Blankmeyer. However, the core of the team remains strong, with key players returning, including senior shortstop Jonathan Vastine, who has been hailed as the top senior player in college baseball by Perfect Game. Alongside him are familiar faces such as Jayden Davis, RJ Austin, JD Thompson, and most of last year’s bullpen. Additionally, the arrival of freshman Brodie Johnston and transfers Mike Mancini and Cody Bowker adds depth and talent to the roster.

The Commodores will kick off their season on February 14th against Grand Canyon at the MLB Desert Invitational in Arizona. This early-season tournament offers an opportunity for Vanderbilt to showcase its revamped lineup and demonstrate that they are ready to rise above their preseason ranking. With a mix of experienced veterans and promising newcomers, the team aims to not only improve upon last year’s performance but also to set a positive tone for the future. The upcoming season promises to be a testament to resilience and determination, as Vanderbilt seeks to reclaim its place among the elite programs in college baseball.