The Rebuilding Phase Under Coach Mike Freeman

When Mike Freeman took over as head coach of the Wake Forest baseball program in 2019, he inherited a team that had finished below .500 in four of the previous five seasons. Freeman, a former Wake Forest player himself, brought a clear philosophy: develop talent through detailed preparation and high-character leadership. The results have been gradual but unmistakable.

In his first five seasons, Freeman has led the Deacons to three winning campaigns, including a 35-26 record in 2023 and a berth in the ACC Tournament. While Wake Forest has not yet returned to its early-2000s glory days—when the program made four straight NCAA Tournaments from 2000 to 2003—there’s a growing sense that the foundation is solid.

Key Developments Under Freeman

• Pitching Development: Freeman, a former minor league pitcher with the Toronto Blue Jays, has prioritized rebuilding the pitching staff through the use of analytics and individualized training. His staff now ranks consistently in the top half of the ACC in earned run average (ERA).
• Positional Flexibility: Freeman emphasizes athletes who can play multiple positions, a philosophy that allows for deeper lineups and in-game adjustments. This adaptability was evident in 2023, when several players moved seamlessly between infield and outfield roles.
• Recruiting Strategy: Freeman has shifted the recruiting focus toward high-character, high-effort players from smaller programs and junior colleges, often targeting athletes who were overlooked by larger programs. This approach has led to improved team chemistry and a stronger work ethic.

2024: A Season of Opportunity

The 2024 campaign represents a pivotal moment for Freeman and the Deacons. With a core of experienced players returning—including senior outfielder Brock Wilken and junior pitcher Will Merriweather—the team is positioned to contend in a competitive ACC Atlantic Division.

Wake Forest opens the season with a challenging non-conference slate, including series against Coastal Carolina and Clemson. While these matchups may not yield wins, they serve as critical learning experiences for a young team. The real test will come in conference play, where Wake Forest must navigate road trips to Florida State, Clemson, and Louisville.

2024 Outlook: Strengths and Challenges

1. Offensive Firepower: The Deacons return their top three hitters from 2023, led by Wilken, a potential All-ACC candidate. The lineup boasts power from both sides of the plate, with multiple players capable of hitting home runs.
2. Starting Pitching Depth: Merriweather anchors a rotation that includes two other returners with starting experience. The bullpen, however, remains a question mark, with several new faces competing for closing and setup roles.
3. Defensive Questions: While the infield is solid, the outfield features two new starters. Speed and range will be critical, especially in the expansive outfields of ACC ballparks.
4. Schedule Strength: The non-conference schedule, while tough, provides opportunities to build confidence. The ACC schedule, however, is unforgiving, with series against top-10 teams like Duke and Virginia looming early in the season.

Broader Implications for ACC Baseball

The resurgence of Wake Forest baseball is part of a broader trend in the ACC, where programs like Duke, Pittsburgh, and Virginia Tech are investing heavily in facilities and coaching to close the gap with traditional powers like Florida State, Miami, and Clemson. Wake Forest’s progress underscores a shift toward sustained competitiveness rather than sporadic success.

This evolution has implications for recruiting. As Wake Forest and other mid-tier ACC programs improve, they become more attractive to top-tier recruits who might otherwise bypass them for SEC or Big 12 schools. The ability to compete for postseason spots—even if not for national titles—is becoming a key selling point.

Moreover, the emphasis on player development over flashy recruiting is a model that could influence other programs. Freeman’s approach aligns with the growing trend of prioritizing process over immediate results, a philosophy that often leads to long-term stability.

“We’re not trying to be Clemson or Florida State overnight. We’re building something that lasts, and that means investing in the right people and the right culture.” — Mike Freeman, Head Baseball Coach, Wake Forest University

What’s Next for Wake Forest Baseball?

As the 2024 season approaches, the expectations for Wake Forest baseball are higher than they’ve been in years. The program is no longer an afterthought in the ACC, but it’s not yet a contender. The difference between this year and Freeman’s early seasons is the presence of proven talent and a clearer path to postseason play.

The Deacons’ ability to capitalize on their opportunities will depend on several factors: health, clutch hitting, and the development of young arms in the bullpen. If Freeman’s system continues to produce results, Wake Forest could find itself in the NCAA Tournament conversation by late May.

For fans, the 2024 season offers a chance to see a program in transition—one that’s moving from rebuilding to competing. While championships may still be a year or two away, the foundation is being laid for a return to national prominence.

And if Freeman’s track record is any indication, that day may come sooner than anyone expects.