Owen Paino, a top 25 prospect from the 2024 recruiting class, withdrew his name from the MLB Draft on Saturday, giving head coach Mike Bianco a significant piece from the recent recruitment class. A top 100 commit has followed, with Cade Townsend confirming he will head to Oxford for the 2025 season.
Townsend, an RHP, posted on social media that he was heading to play for the Rebels after testing the 2024 MLB Draft waters.
The California native finished 2024 with 96 strikeouts in 63 innings and a 6-0 record with Santa Margarita Catholic High School. He posted a 1.56 ERA and held opponents to a .165 average. Cade Townsend was ranked the No.4 RHP in California by Perfect Game.
Townsend is a potential weekend starter for Ole Miss, but maybe not until later in the season. We will see how the talented pitcher's off-season goes.
Pair of Ole Miss pitchers to return to Ole Miss for 2025 season
Cade Townsend heading to Oxford isn't the only good news surrounding Ole Miss baseball these last few days. Upperclassmen RHP Riley Maddox and RHP Connor Spencer announced they would return to the Rebels team and not turn pro.
I’m back #REBS pic.twitter.com/sQYVvlsiAU
— Riley Maddox (@riley_maddox1) July 16, 2024
Both players played significant roles for the team during the 2024 season. Riley Maddox started 14 games, leading the team in games started, innings pitched, and strikeouts looking while finishing second in total strikeouts.
Connor Spencer made 18 appearances during the season. He led the team in games finished and saves with seven, holding opponents to a .194 batting average. Spencer struck out 28 hitters while giving up 14 hits and ten walks.
Head coach Mike Bianco's roster looks much healthier than it did several weeks ago. However, he still has much work to do before this team can be a contender in the 2025 season.