UNC Baseball loses incoming transfer to MLB Draft
The UNC baseball program has lost one of its incoming transfers, as Luke Russo has elected to test the professional baseball route.
Scott Forbes and the UNC baseball program saw a few of their own selected as part of the recent 2023 MLB Draft.
One of those players selected was Luke Russo, who the Philadelphia Phillies picked in the 16th round. Russo was a projected incoming transfer for the UNC baseball program, as he was set to arrive in Chapel Hill after four seasons at Eastern Michigan.
The reason Russo elected to originally transfer to North Carolina was to measure himself up against higher-level talent. However, given that he was selected in this year’s draft, Russo has decided to forgo his final season of eligibility to turn pro.
Luke Russo of Howell had a chance to pitch in one of the top leagues in college baseball, but turning pro was a choice he couldn't pass up. https://t.co/yW6habylu2
— Livingston Daily (@LivingstonDaily) July 12, 2023
Russo is an intriguing arm that was expected to make an impact on Forbes’ pitching rotation next season. Given his pitch repertoire and skillset, it isn’t shocking that a Major League organization took a chance on a pitcher with a high ceiling.
One of the more eye-popping numbers for Russo is his Called Strikes plus Whiffs (CSW) percentage, as he ranked third nationally in this category behind two elite pitchers.
Incoming UNC transfer Luke Russo tells @BillKhan that he will sign with the Phillies.
— Pat James (@patjames24) July 12, 2023
As previously mentioned, there are some really intriguing numbers with Russo – most notably his CSW%, which ranked third nationally.
1. Chase Burns, 37.5%
2. Paul Skenes, 37.3%
3. Russo, 36.5% https://t.co/r8OQMNtJ7O
The UNC baseball program took a hit during the MLB Draft, as they are expected to lose a few key players. Russo is certainly one of them, as the Diamond Heels, unfortunately, won’t see him on the mound at Boshamer Stadium next season.
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