WVU Baseball Adds Transfer Reliever Zane Barnhart

WVU Baseball picked up another Division II transfer on Sunday, with right-handed pitcher Zane Barnhart announcing his commitment via Instagram. 

Barnhart, a rising senior, pitched three years for Hillsdale College in Michigan, largely serving as the closer for the past two seasons. He compiled a 2.06 ERA in 20 appearances in 2023, including one start. Barnhart has the endurance (and the efficiency) to mow through several innings if needed, and with younger Mountaineers’ relievers like Aidan Major and David Hagaman potentially moving to the rotation next season, a proven bullpen arm or two is a big need, especially with the departure of proven relievers like Noah Short.

The right-hander stands 5-foot-10 and is playing in the MLB Draft League this summer for the Mahoning Valley Scrappers, where he has yet to give up a run in 9.2 innings pitched—perhaps a better indication of his ability than Division II ball. Barnhart strikes out batters at a healthy clip, averaging roughly two strikeouts per inning in the Draft League, and he has one year of eligibility remaining.