Tuscaloosa – The University of Alabama’s baseball program added two promising freshmen to its roster this summer, and both have earned national recognition. Right‑handed pitcher Hudson DeVaughan was ranked No. 26 and outfielder/first‑baseman Chandler Taylor placed No. 65 on D1Baseball and Prep Baseball’s top‑150 on‑campus list, which spotlights the most highly regarded incoming freshmen across the country.
Hudson DeVaughan’s decision to enroll
DeVaughan comes from Mooresville High School in Mooresville, Indiana. The Kansas City Royals selected him in the 19th round of the 2026 MLB draft, but he turned down the professional offer to join the Crimson Tide. Standing six‑foot‑five, the right‑hander throws a four‑seam fastball that sits between 93‑95 mph, with a ceiling that can reach 98 mph. He also features a two‑seam, cutter (89‑91 mph), a solid curveball, slider, and an occasional mid‑80s changeup. DeVaughan will be draft‑eligible as a sophomore in 2028 and is expected to compete for a spot in Alabama’s weekend rotation this spring after the departures of Tyler Fay and Zane Adams.
Chandler Taylor’s outlook
Ohio native Chandler Taylor was among the top players in the 2026 recruiting cycle. After committing to Alabama, he told Prep Baseball, “When I felt Alabama was the move to make, and I felt good about it, I called Coach Rob Vaughn. It was the best feeling in my life… I want to dominate and bring home a championship to Tuscaloosa.” Taylor brings natural athleticism to the outfield and first base and projects to add significant power at the collegiate level.
Impact on the Crimson Tide
The addition of DeVaughan and Taylor bolsters a recruiting class that already retained the majority of its high‑school signees. Coach Rob Vaughn and his staff hope the newcomers can help Alabama return to Omaha for another College World Series run, the program’s first appearance since 1999. Immediate contributions from the freshman class are a high priority as the Tide looks to build on its recent success.
Fans can follow further updates on Alabama baseball, basketball, and football through local reporter Simon Besnoy on Twitter (@SimonBesnoy) or by visiting Tide1009.com for daily coverage.
Original reporting: The Tuscaloosa Thread — read the source article.
