Miami’s recent poaching of Alex Sosa left NC State without a proven starting catcher, but it also opened the door for Drew Lanphere’s return to the program. Lanphere had entered the transfer portal likely in search of a full-time role elsewhere, but with playing time now available in Raleigh, he’s back in the fold with a clear path to significant innings.
Over two seasons with the Wolfpack, Lanphere has posted a .244/.376/.341 slash line, appearing in 27 games behind the plate while also seeing time in the outfield and at designated hitter. While his offensive numbers dipped in 2025 — hitting just .217 — he maintained strong plate discipline, walking 22 times against only 13 strikeouts and finishing with a .383 on-base percentage. That’s a promising sign heading into 2026, especially with more consistent at-bats on the horizon.
Lanphere may not be a difference-maker offensively, but he brings experience and stability to a position of sudden need. NC State likely still has some work to do in the portal to round out its starting lineup, but bringing Lanphere back is a solid step toward plugging the gap behind the plate.
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