2025 Baseball Preview Series: Outfielders

The preview series on our 2025 baseball team continues with a look at the outfield for the upcoming season. There are technically three returners after Tristan Moore comes back for his second stint in a Privateer uniform.
 
Moore clubbed 19 home runs and drove in 55 in his 2023 season that saw him win Southland Hitter of the Year honors and ABCA All-Region (Second Team) recognition. Moore's 19 homers are tied for the third most in a single season in program history and he hit .318 in his first year with the Privateers.
 
"Tristan is a veteran player and he knows this program," said Coach Dax Norris. "We were jumping up and down when we got him to come back. His swing is starting to get back in a groove and he goes about things the right way. He's done an outstanding job being a leader and he's a big part of what we do."
 
Alexander Saunier is a returner who was on the squad in 2024. Saunier hit .268 in his first season with the Privateers. That included six doubles, four home runs and 34 RBI while playing in 51 games and starting 39.
 
"Saunier's approach has continued to improve at the plate and he's played very well in center for us through the preseason. He's a big part of our lineup and he knows what we expect and how we approach every day as a team."
 
The coaching staff has seen a fierce battle particularly for the spot in right field throughout the offseason that has involved a pair of Division I transfers and a JUCO transfer from a national championship team.
 
Justin Best came from Florida State where he redshirted last season. He was the fourth ranked prospect out of North Carolina and hit .471 in his senior season. Jahlani Rogers came over from Missouri State where he played in 41 games last season. He had five home runs and 24 RBI. Prior to that, he was a .298 hitter at Santa Fe College.
 
Collin Husser was part of an LSU-Eunice team that won an NJCAA national championship in 2024. He hit .320 with a .476 on-base percentage in 2024. At Ponchatoula HS, Husser earned All-State honors in his senior season.
 
"We've had great competition in the outfield. Unfortunately, only three can play out there but we can run different guys out there and not feel like there's a drop off. Justin, Jahlani and Collin have all played out in right and Justin and Jahlani have also played in center."
 
Marco Mueses also returns after getting a few at-bats late in the 2024 season. The true sophomore was 3-for-11 last year. Newcomer, Anthony Ruiz made the NJCAA Region 8 All-Tournament Team and had a .338 career average at Palm Beach State College.
 
"Marco has put in a lot of work and he's a high energy player who has done a lot this offseason. Anthony also gives us even more depth. I feel great about our depth in the outfield, which is a good problem to have. We just have to push the right buttons."
 
Our preview series continues with starting pitchers on Tuesday.

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