The season is around the corner for NC State baseball, which means it’s time for lineup predictions. After observing a recent intrasquad scrimmage, here is how I’d project the Pack’s starting lineup.
Locks
After a breakout freshman campaign, sophomore center fielder Ty Head could be even better in 2026. With his impressive speed and reliable ability to reach base, Head is an excellent fit to bat lead off for the Pack again. Of all the outfield spots, Head is the one I’m most confident will be in the lineup early.
Speaking of returning stars, junior first baseman Chris McHugh brings plenty of power and looks to be a safe bet at first base again. As one of NC State’s strongest batters, McHugh is a perfect complement to Head’s steady presence, and they make an excellent 1-2 punch. There’s a significant chance that McHugh leads all NC State players in home runs this year.
Junior second baseman Luke Nixon is the other lock in the red-and-white’s infield. A speedy threat to steal bases, expect Nixon to hit in the middle of the lineup. He’s also a reliable presence at second base and is as sure to start as any player on the roster.
Senior outfielder Brayden Fraasman rounds out the locks and should be set to return to right field like last season. Fraasman is a key piece of the Wolfpack lineup thanks to his power hitting. With an impressive 11 home run total, Fraasman could step in as NC State’s clean-up hitter this year.
Leans
The Pack has multiple options at catcher, but redshirt junior Drew Lanphere appears to have the inside track. Starting 23 games last year, Lanphere is an experienced presence behind the plate who already has chemistry with the pitching staff. It’s also worth watching redshirt freshman catcher Preston Bonn, who appeared steady in the Wolfpack’s recent scrimmage.
Another key spot is designated hitter. Any of the players who don’t earn spots in the field are in play, but Tennessee transfer senior Dalton Bargo stands out. With 54 starts last season and proven SEC experience, Bargo can shine at the plate. In the Pack’s recent scrimmage, he nailed a home run to right-center field, showcasing his impressive power. Bargo is likely a case of being too talented to keep off the field, even if there’s not a clear spot for him in the field.
At shortstop, the Wolfpack has two primary options — LSU transfer sophomore Mikey Ryan and freshman Christian Serrano, who is the brother of former NC State star Eli Serrano. While both options have real upside, I’d lean towards Ryan starting. Ryan made multiple impressive plays in the field during the Pack’s recent scrimmage, successfully making tough throws to first base.
Every team needs a short stop with a strong and accurate arm, which is exactly what Ryan brings. At the plate, Ryan smacked a double in the scrimmage in an all-around impressive showing.
Battles
One of the biggest questions for the Wolfpack is who will start at third base this season. Junior Sherman Johnson and senior Wyatt Peifer should contend for the spot.
Johnson is a speedster who can make impressive throws across the diamond. While at the Junior College World Series last year, Johnson earned Most Outstanding Defensive Player. Meanwhile, Peifer transferred in from James Madison and is very good at finding ways on base, with 48 hits last year. Peifer can also make the necessary throws at third.
While it is close to a coinflip, I’d lean towards Johnson starting due to his speed on the base path.
The final spot up for grabs is left field, where freshman Rett Johnson and Indiana transfer junior Andrew Wiggins will compete.
Considered one of the top high school prospects in college baseball, Johnson is a two-time state champion who won’t shy away from big moments. In the recent scrimmage, Johnson played a very clean game in the outfield and earned a hit. Meanwhile, Wiggins is a speedster, stealing seven bases last season and is capable of making the running catches needed in left field.
For now, I’d expect Johnson to start as he appears to be slightly ahead at the plate. However, both options are capable of starting.
