Vanderbilt’s Commodores Baseball Opens 2025 Season at Desert Invitational

PHOENIX, Ariz. — The Vanderbilt Commodores baseball team kicks off its 2025 season at the MLB Desert Invitational on February 14, facing off against the Grand Canyon Antelopes at 7 p.m. CT. This tournament marks an important start for the Commodores as they look to capitalize on their strong roster filled with seasoned players and promising newcomers.

Ranked No. 16 by D1 Baseball and No. 18 in the USA Today Coaches Poll, Vanderbilt is entering the invitational with high expectations. All three of their opening opponents—Grand Canyon, Nebraska, and UC Irvine—were NCAA Tournament participants in 2024, adding complexity to an already challenging opening weekend.

“We’re excited to start the season against some quality opponents,” said head coach Tim Corbin, who is embarking on his 23rd season with the program. “This tournament will test our team early and set the tone for the rest of the year.”

Junior left-hander JD Thompson is slated to take the mound for the Commodores against Grand Canyon, after a solid sophomore season in which he compiled a 5-2 record and a 4.15 ERA across 12 starts. “I’ve put in a lot of work during the offseason and I’m ready to contribute,” Thompson said. “It’s a big opportunity to show what we can do.”

The Antelopes will counter with right-handed pitcher Isaac Lyon, who also had a stellar performance last season, finishing with a 6-1 record and a 3.97 ERA in 11 starts. Lyon’s experience may create a challenge for the Commodores as they seek to build momentum in their opening game.

In total, Vanderbilt returns 22 players from its 2024 roster while adding 21 newcomers, including seven transfers. Among the returning players are key contributors such as shortstop Jonathan Vastine, named one of the top seniors in college baseball by Perfect Game, and RJ Austin, featured on the 2025 Golden Spikes Award Preseason Watch List.

“We have a good mix of experienced players and talented newcomers,” said Vastine. “The chemistry should be strong, and I believe we’ll make a deep run this year.”

With many of their games being against teams that participated in last year’s NCAA Tournament, the Commodores will face a grueling path this season. Out of 56 games, 30 are scheduled against tournament opponents, including a significant number that reached the prestigious College World Series in Omaha.

The Commodores’ next matchups include Nebraska on February 15 at Salt River Fields, followed by UC Irvine on February 16 at Sloan Park. Both games will be broadcasted on the MLB Network, allowing fans to support the team from afar.

As the season gets underway, Vanderbilt’s roster dynamics, alongside the challenges posed by their opponents, have set the stage for an intriguing season of college baseball.