UNC Baseball: Vance Honeycutt named a preseason All-American

Vance Honeycutt had a strong sophomore season in 2023. Honeycutt had a .257 average with 12 home runs and 43 RBIs in 50 games. He also had an OPS of .910 and stole 19 bases for the UNC baseball program.

Honeycutt did take a step back from his freshman season in which he had a .296 batting average with 25 home runs and 57 RBIs in 64 games in 2022. A lower back injury caused his production to take a dip, but he's ready to make a strong return in 2024. The projected first round pick in the upcoming MLB Draft was named to the Perfect Game preseason All-American third team.

Honeycutt could have went pro right out of high school as he was drafted in 2021 by the San Francisco Giants in the 20th round. He opted not to turn pro and to come to Chapel Hill and play for the Diamond Heels instead. His patience is paid off as he is now a projected top-10 pick in the upcoming MLB Draft in July of 2024. A mock draft by MLB Pipeline has Honeycutt going sixth overall to the Kansas City Royals.

Honeycutt is known for his power on the offensive end but can also run the bases exceptionally well. He is also a phenomenal centerfielder with a strong arm and lots of range. He's an asset that lots of rebuilding MLB teams could use to build a franchise around. Honeycutt will look to help the UNC baseball program improve on their 36-24 record and Terre Haute Regional appearance from 2023.

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