Alabama Baseball 2022 Season Preview: Infield

Omaha, NE - JUNE 27: A general view of a baseball on the field prior to game two of the College World Series Championship Series between the Oregon State Beavers and the Arkansas Razorbacks on June 27, 2018 at TD Ameritrade Park in Omaha, Nebraska. (Photo by Peter Aiken/Getty Images)
Omaha, NE - JUNE 27: A general view of a baseball on the field prior to game two of the College World Series Championship Series between the Oregon State Beavers and the Arkansas Razorbacks on June 27, 2018 at TD Ameritrade Park in Omaha, Nebraska. (Photo by Peter Aiken/Getty Images)
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Alabama Baseball
Alabama (Photo by Alika Jenner/Getty Images)

Zane Denton

Transitioning to the other side of the diamond, Denton returns for his third season as the Crimson Tide’s everyday third baseman.

One of the most-impactful players for the 2021 Crimson Tide, the switch-hitting junior is coming off a phenomenal 2021 season in which Denton slashed a combined .308/.405/.489 with 10 home runs and 40 RBI’s. Also included in Denton’s sophomore season that resulted in Newcomer All-SEC Team were a team-lead in AVG, OBP, and BB (35), as well as an SEC All-Defensive Team selection at third base.

After posting only a .618 OPS across 13 games during the shortened 2020 season, Denton truly had a breakout campaign a year ago for Alabama Baseball, one that resumed last summer with the Savannah Bananas of the Coastal Plain League.

Likely filling a similar spot in the middle of the Crimson Tide’s everyday lineup, the switch-hitting Denton will once again be a prominent player for Alabama Baseball in 2022. Don’t be surprised if yet another SEC honor is in store for Denton in 2022, potentially even First or Second Team All-SEC.

2022 Season Prediction: .300 AVG, .410 OBP, .500 SLG, .910 OPS, 12 HR, 45 RBI, 2 SB