AUBURN, Ala. – After a year like no other in 2020, the 2021 college baseball season shapes up to be a season like no other, in terms of talented rosters.
The option for seniors to return after the coronavirus pandemic prematurely ended the 2020 season, coupled with the Major League Baseball Draft limited to five rounds, means players who would normally be playing minor league baseball in 2021 will instead remain on campus.
Auburn will be no exception. While the Tigers lost ace pitcher Tanner Burns in the first round and left-hander Bailey Horn in round five, Auburn will return key pitchers Cody Greenhill and Jack Owen and outfielder Steven Williams, who resisted overtures from MLB teams to remain on the Plains.
"We just have a lot of unfinished business," said Williams, whose dramatic home run as a sophomore vs. Georgia Tech in the 2019 Atlanta Regional paved the way for Auburn's first College World Series appearance in 22 years.
The Tigers will return their entire outfield, with Williams in right, Kason Howell in center, and Judd Ward in left.
"We're going to be really experienced, that's for sure," Williams said. "Most of our guys are coming back but I'm sure there will be a few spots here and there that some of the new guys can try and compete and earn some playing time, so I'm excited."
Rankin Woley, who moved from first base to third in 2020, plans to return for what will be a second senior season to anchor the left side of the infield with junior shortstop Ryan Bliss.
Opportunities for newcomers and returners like utility stalwart Brody Moore exist at second base, first base, designated hitter and catcher, with Matt Scheffler leaving to pursue a professional baseball career.
"Come in and just do your thing. Your time will come," Williams said of his advice to Auburn's incoming players. "Come in with an open mind and be ready to do whatever the coaches need."
On the mound, Cody Greenhill intends to join the rotation after serving as Auburn's closer for three seasons.
"I was a starter in high school, so I kind of know the ropes," said Greenville, who saved 19 games for the Tigers from 2018-20. "I'm excited to get back to work. Having a full year with Tim [Hudson, Auburn's pitching coach] is going to help a lot. Can't wait.
"Sadly, the freshmen this past year didn't get to experience the SEC, but I think they're ready to work and get back at it. Hopefully these new guys coming in are going to watch what we do, be ready to jump on and get to work."
After the 2020 season ended so quickly and unexpectedly, Auburn's baseball student-athletes will take a renewed appreciation for the game into the 2021 season.
"It shows that it can be taken away like that," Greenhill said.
"We've all been playing baseball since we were 5 years old," said Williams, who's launched 23 home runs in his first three seasons on the Plains. "I think we're all ready to get back going in the fall."
Jeff Shearer is a Senior Writer at AuburnTigers.com. Follow him on Twitter: @jeff_shearer