OPINION: Projecting Miami's starting infield, a group loaded with talent

OPINION: How Miami Hurricanes outfield will shape up with a lot of talent … and competition

Miami Hurricanes baseball had a very talented infield in 2022 after a host of changes from the season prior. Alex Toral, Raymond Gil, and Anthony Vilar all departed ahead of last season, bringing three new starters into the fold for Gino DiMare.

Every new piece seemed to flourish last season. A trio of sophomores emerged as key pieces for the Hurricanes, while a rotating shift at second base all remained stable defensively and at the plate.

This season could be one of the most loaded UM infields in years. Three starters from this infield could be selected in the first 10 rounds of the 2023 MLB Draft, including one piece that’s been a consensus first-round selection.

Miami also nailed their recruits for 2022. Talented infielders like Blake Cyr and Jason Torres could all be midweek starters for UM throughout the season.

As far as weekend series go, UM might be very set across the diamond this season. Here is my projection for the Miami Hurricanes’ infield in 2023:

1B – #2, C.J. Kayfus

Nobody could’ve predicted how influential Kayfus could have been for the Hurricanes last season. There was plenty of potential, he had been named to the All-Gainesville Regional team in 2021, but only made 10 starts before last season.

Sixty starts later, Kayfus bloomed into arguably the best leadoff batter in the ACC.

There’s not a whole ton of first baseman who typically hit leadoff, steal 16 bases, or hit over .360 in a season. Kayfus is one-of-a-kind in college baseball right now.

Whether he hits leadoff or in the third spot, like he did in the Alumni game, Kayfus knows the keys to success.

“Gino pulled me aside and told me he doesn’t want me to change my approach,” Kayfus said. “He wanted me to do exactly what I did last year, whether that’s what I did last year or in the three-hole.

The Wellington, Fla. product has reached base safely in 63 of his last 65 appearances for the Hurricanes. Kayfus lead the team in batting average, walks, and on-base percentage last season, named Team MVP and earning Second Team All-ACC honors.

This is one of the easy shoe-ins for DiMare for Opening Night. Kayfus proved his talent last season and has his eyes on leading Miami to an even better season in 2023.

2B – #0, Dorian Gonzalez Jr.

This will be one of the positions that could potentially be different week-by-week. Miami is very deep at the right side of the infield, and one of three players could start at second this season.

Gonzalez has the best chance to start for Miami against Penn State on Friday. He has the most experience of the three likely options and impressed in his freshman season for the Hurricanes last season.

What’s stood out to coaches has been his work in the off-season.

“Dorian’s worked really hard,” hitting coach Norberto Lopez said. “He’s laying off bad pitches now and using the whole field. He’s walked a lot more this fall.”

His contact shined through at the start of ACC play, recoding five hits in his first ACC series against Boston College. He showed off his power occasionally, including his home run in Miami’s game one win over then-No. 22 North Carolina.

The biggest downside for Gonzalez was an injury setback. He missed roughly a month of last season due to a lower body injury and didn’t look the same when he returned in May. Overall, his balanced plate approach gives him plenty of reason to open his sophomore season in the starting lineup.

As the season progresses, keep an eye on fellow Sophomore Ariel Garcia and newcomer Blake Cyr to challenge for the position.

3B – #35, Yohandy Morales

Miami might have the best corner infield combination in the ACC this season. Two juniors, two ridiculous five-tool talents at either bag, Kayfus and Morales are two of the scariest players to face in the conference.

There’s not too much to say that Morales hasn’t been able to achieve with Miami. He’s led the team in home runs, RBI, and runs scored in both of his two seasons with the Hurricanes.

The six-foot, four-inch corner infielder launched 18 home runs with 59 RBI in 2022, emerging as one of the clear leaders for Miami.

“Everybody looks up to him, the eyes are on him,” DiMare said. “You don’t ever see him down; you don’t ever see him pouting.”

He leads by example with clutch hitting. 15 of Morales’ 29 career home runs have either been game-tying, go-ahead, or game-winning home runs. He came through in many huge series for UM last season, including Florida, North Carolina, and Virginia (all ranked opponents).

His postseason should just about tell you how good Morales was, with a home run against N.C. State in the ACC Tournament, three home runs in UM’s win over Canisius, and a home run in the Coral Gables Regional elimination game against Arizona.

Morales also earned All-ACC Second Team honors with Kayfus and might be hitting next to the first baseman this season.

“Having C.J. and Yoyo hit together does interest me, a lot,” DiMare said. “I think that’s something that could be beneficial to both guys.”

Morales should be a strong contender for All-ACC First Team honors and beyond this season. He is consistently being mocked in the first round of numerous MLB Draft networks and has a great opportunity to impress this season.

SS – #19, Dominic Pitelli

This one isn’t as sure as the corner infield spots, but there’s no denying what Dominic Pitelli gives to Miami’s middle infield.

From his first series at Florida in 2020, Pitelli has provided a consistent defensive impact for the Hurricanes. His flashy versatility has seen him made numerous web gem caliber plays and routinely turn double plays.

His defense was remained strong in his sophomore year, recording 25 more putouts and a .952 fielding percentage.

What stood out about Pitelli’s play last season was the drastic leap offensively. From his four-for-four opening night performance, it just seemed like the shortstop was destined for a strong Sophomore year.

“I’ve been working a lot about lowering my strike zone,” Pitelli said. “I think I have a lot of pop for my size.”

Pitelli tripled his RBI output from 14 to 45, while launching eight home runs. There was a significant difference in his game, and the Hurricanes were much better with it.

The biggest thing to watch for proof is simple. Pitelli had 14 multi-hit performances last season, Miami went 13-1 in those games. He’s sure to be a lock for Miami’s lineup on Friday.