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Former Virginia Tech slugger commits to rising Big 12 program

Garrett Michel is headed to play in the Big 12 next season.
ByScott Roche|
Arizona State head coach Willie Bloomquist watches the action against Arizona in the fourth inning during the Pac-12 Tournament at Scottsdale Stadium in Scottsdale on May 23, 2023.
Arizona State head coach Willie Bloomquist watches the action against Arizona in the fourth inning during the Pac-12 Tournament at Scottsdale Stadium in Scottsdale on May 23, 2023. | Rob Schumacher/The Republic / USA TODAY NETWORK

After another frustrating second half of a season that saw the Virginia Tehc baseball team go from an NCAA Tournament team to a team that missed the 64-team field, changes have begun to made in Blacksburg.

Head coach John Szefc moved on from a pair of coaches after the Hokies were eliminated from the ACC Tournament a couple of weeks ago by Clemson, while a key player, the last three years, hit the transfer portal. Garrett Michel announced on June 1 that he was leaving Blacksburg, and as soon as he entered the portal, the power-hitting left-handed bat became one of the best bats in the portal. It wouldn't have been surprising to see him end up at an SEC or ACC school, but in the end, he's heading to the Big 12.

Former Virginia Tech slugger Garrett Michel commits to Arizona State

Michel's three years in Blacksburg were far from smooth as he only played one full season while the other two, including 2025, ended with injuries, which was frustrating not only for Michel, but Szefc and the Hokies. Now, with a chance that he could be drafted in July's MLB Draft, Michel is heading to the Big 12 next season to play at Arizona State, which made the NCAA Tournament this season.

Before being injured this season, Michel slashed .272/.398/.468 with a pair of home runs, and he drove in 20 runs. In his career at Virginia Tech, he slashed .326/.446/.607 with 17 home runs and 77 RBI. Eleven of his 17 dingers were hit in his freshman season.

Michel leaving creates a big hole in the lineup for the Hokies next season, as he would have been one of the more important returning bats. He's now off to the Big 12, or the MLB Draft, but wherever he ends up playing, hopefully, he can stay healthy, as when he is, he's a big piece of anyone's lineup.

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