UNC Tar Heels Shine in Major League Baseball During 2024 Season

During the 2024 Major League Baseball season, several former UNC Tar Heels have been making waves in the big leagues. Michael Busch and Trent Thornton are among the standout players who have been performing exceptionally well.

Under the coaching of Mike Fox and current head coach, [Coach’s Name], the University of North Carolina has seen a total of 74 players make their way to the Major Leagues, with a significant portion of them achieving this milestone since 2002.

One of the notable players, Daniel Bard, who played for UNC from 2004 to 2006, has unfortunately been battling injuries this season. Bard, a pitcher for the Colorado Rockies, had to undergo season-ending surgery after dealing with a flexor strain in his right elbow.

J.B. Bukauskas, a right-handed pitcher for the Milwaukee Brewers and a UNC alum from 2015 to 2017, has been sidelined due to a right triceps strain. Despite a strong start to the season, Bukauskas has faced setbacks that have kept him off the field.

Michael Busch, who plays first base for the Chicago Cubs and represented UNC from 2017 to 2019, has been a standout rookie this season. Busch’s impressive performance at the plate has seen him rank among the top players in key offensive categories in the National League.

Cooper Criswell, a right-handed pitcher for the Boston Red Sox and a UNC player from 2018, was recently called up from Triple-A to make a start for the team. Criswell has shown promise on the mound and even earned accolades for his performance in the minor leagues.

Kent Emanuel, another UNC pitcher from 2011 to 2013, had a stint with the Miami Marlins this season but was later sent outright to Triple-A Jacksonville. Emanuel’s journey in the Majors has had its ups and downs, but his resilience remains commendable.

Zac Gallen, a right-handed pitcher for the Arizona Diamondbacks and a UNC graduate from 2014 to 2016, has been dealing with a hamstring strain that kept him out of action for a significant part of the season. Gallen had started strong with multiple impressive outings before his injury.

Ryder Ryan, a pitcher for the Pittsburgh Pirates and a UNC player from 2015 to 2016, recently saw himself being optioned to Triple-A after a mixed performance in the Majors. Ryan has shown flashes of potential and will be looking to make a strong comeback.

Jacob Stallings, a catcher for the Colorado Rockies who played for UNC from 2009 to 2012, has been a reliable presence behind the plate for his team. Stallings has showcased his defensive skills and clutch hitting throughout the season.

Finally, Trent Thornton, a right-handed pitcher for the Seattle Mariners and a UNC alum from 2013 to 2015, has been a key contributor to his team’s success this season. Thornton has excelled in his role, posting solid numbers and playing a vital part in the Mariners’ strong showing in the American League West.