By james art 
WATCH: Here’s what Link Jarrett has to say about FSU baseball this coming season
Florida State baseball returns for its opening day of the 2024-25 season. Head coach Link Jarrett talks about his expectations and what needs to be done.
Florida State baseball pitchers finished fall practice on a solid note, providing a glimpse into the future in 2025.
Seminoles coach Micah Posey likes his options with a pitching staff that includes established arms and nine new players cut by five from the transfer portal.
Additionally, 11 of the 21 pitchers on the roster are left-handed, led by ace Jamie Arnold.
The junior ranks among the top pitchers in the nation after going 11-3 with a 2.98 ERA and 159 strikeouts last season for the College World Series semifinalist Seminoles (49-17). Arnold, who added a changeup that Posey described as “elite” to his fastball/sider arsenal, finished third nationally and second in the ACC in strikeouts. He played for Team USA’s varsity national team last summer.
Overall, FSU pitching last season ranked 50th nationally in ERA (4.93), 38th in hits allowed per nine innings (8.67) and ninth in strikeouts per nine innings (10.7) .
“I think we have some depth and we’re going to try to figure out the starting position and the roles — we’re not there yet,” Posey said.
“It seems there are some options. I thought it was a nice drop. It started off a little slow. But I thought towards (the end of) the fall … guys started to attack more. A lot of new guys come in here trying to figure out what this should look like.
“It definitely doesn’t seem like it’s a lack of talent or anything, that’s for sure.”
Transfers Wes Mendez, Joey Volini could fill big roles for FSU baseball
Two transfer newcomers started in Friday’s Garnet and Gold game at Hauser Stadium in lefties Wes Mendez (Ole Miss) and Joey Volini (USF).
They combined to throw five scoreless innings, allowed just two baserunners and featured multiple pitch mixes with fastballs in the low to mid-90s.
Mendes made 17 appearances with two starts last season at Ole Miss. His parents attended FSU, according to Posey. Volini pitched against the Seminoles last season in a relief appearance for the Bulls. Both can push for rotation slots in the spring.
“Wes, his stuff is as loud as any lefty in the country,” Posey said. “When he’s attacking forwards, he’s going to be tough on guys. Volini is a model of consistency.”
Additionally, Mendez, Volini, Arnold and returning right-hander John Abraham (5-2, 4.72 ERA) share a unique connection — they played at Tampa Jesuit High. That list also includes freshman Noah Sheffield, son of former MLB star Gary Sheffield.
Posey, a former North Florida Christian pitcher, is entering his second season with the Seminoles and coach Link Jarrett. He is enjoying returning to his hometown after coaching three seasons at Dallas Baptist, where he helped lead the Patriots to three NCAA Tournament appearances.
Posey likes the makeup of his FSU team, which showed the ability in the fall to mix and match against hitters. The closer role, like last season, could be decided by committee.
Other newcomers to the Garnet and Gold game were junior right-hander Evan Crest (Jacksonville), sophomore right-hander Peyton Prescott (Jacksonville), sophomore right-hander Chris Knear (Indian River State College) and junior right-hander Nick Greaney (McLennan Community College). .
“Overall, I thought it was a good fall,” Posey said.
“To be fair to the kids, we’ve barely got things in place. But I like it because it tells us where we are, the areas we need to work on. I really like where we ended up, but we still have a lot of work to do.
“I think we’re in a good position as of today.”
Cam Leiter injury update
Returning right-hander Cam Lighter, an ace prospect who last played on March 28, 2024 and missed the rest of the season with an undisclosed injury, continues his rehabilitation from an offseason procedure.
“Cam’s handled this whole thing like a pro,” Posey said.
“It’s not ideal for him, but there are some good things that come out of it. With him in person, seeing his development was pretty cool. Obviously we hope to get it back. He is one of the best pitchers in the country. For him, it’s just day to day. He was a professional in this regard.