UNC Baseball alums set to start 2024 season with MLB clubs

As Major League Baseball officially kicks off its 2024 regular season, a good amount of former UNC baseball standouts have earned a spot on their respective team's big league roster.

Here's the full list of former Diamond Heels who are currently on big league rosters:

Daniel Bard- Colorado Rockies
J.B. Bukauskus- Milwaukee Brewers
Michael Busch- Chicago Cubs
Zac Gallen- Arizona Diamondbacks
Ryder Ryan- Pittsburgh Pirates
Jacob Stallings- Miami Marlins
Trent Thornton- Seattle Mariners

Gallen is the most notable of the bunch, as he will be the Diamondbacks' opening day starter for the second consecutive season. His last outing was one to remember, as he took a no-hitter into the seventh inning during Game 5 of the 2023 World Series.

After playing in 25 games for the Los Angeles Dodgers a season ago, Michael Busch is going to have the opportunity to see everyday at-bats for the Chicago Cubs. Busch is a player who could easily be considered a breakout candidate, as his extended playing time should benefit him as he aims to carve out a long-term career in the big leagues.

Jacob Stallings is a former Gold Glove Award winner who will look to help anchor a young Marlins pitching staff, while the rest of the former Diamond Heels in the big leagues are pitchers. Bard, now 38-years-old, has carved a role in the Rockies bullpen, as he had two consecutive seasons of 20+ saves from 2021-2022.

The focus on this time of year is obviously college basketball, but it's important to keep tabs on what the former (and current) Diamond Heels are up to. North Carolina has gotten off to a strong start during the 2024 season, as the hope is that its alum will continue the trend at the sports' highest level.