Tre Phelps arrived at Georgia with a clear mission: help transform the culture of the Bulldogs’ baseball program. He bought into head coach Wes Johnson’s vision of building Georgia into a national powerhouse and set his sights on guiding the Bulldogs back to the College World Series for the first time since 2008.
After falling short in last year’s NCAA Tournament Super Regionals, Georgia has rebounded in a big way this season. The Bulldogs are rolling through the schedule and appear primed for a deep postseason run, with their sights set on Omaha, Nebraska.
Phelps has faced more adversity this season than his standout freshman campaign, but the sophomore has remained a key contributor and a selfless, team-first presence.
“In the offseason, I just put extra focus on making sure everything is done in favor of my team,” Phelps said. “I really want to go to Omaha. That is my goal.”
Since arriving on campus, Phelps has made a consistent impact. He has helped Georgia pile up wins and raised his profile as a pro prospect. Scouts are intrigued by his well-rounded skill set and defensive versatility. Many project Phelps as a likely second- or third-round pick in July’s MLB draft following the Bulldogs’ postseason push.
“Once you stick to the plan you are given, expect it,” Phelps said. “The coaches set us up for the recipe for success. It’s just about how you are going to attack it. I am just glad to see how everything has panned out so far, and I am excited to see how everything pans out over the next few years of my career.”
Phelps, a 6-foot-2, 202-pound draft-eligible sophomore, bats right-handed and impressed as a freshman with his ability to make consistent hard contact while rarely striking out. This spring, however, he hasn’t found the same rhythm at the plate. At times, he has pressed, expanding the strike zone and chasing pitches. Still, when Phelps stays within himself and uses a compact swing, he drives the ball with authority to all fields.
In addition to his tangible tools, Phelps brings a strong work ethic and an intense drive to win and compete at a high level.
“My biggest strength is my ability to put the bat on the ball at a high level consistently,” said Phelps before the season. “The great players I have watched do things well that don’t take as much talent. That includes just showing up to the field with the biggest smile on my face. I think that is the best thing I do is showing up every day and just being Tre Phelps.”
Phelps arrived at Georgia as a third baseman but has since developed into a valuable, versatile contributor over his two seasons with the program. In addition to serving as a designated hitter, he has seen time at first base, third base and both corner outfield spots.
A solid athlete with a strong arm, Phelps likely profiles as a corner outfielder or first baseman at the professional level.
“I can make any play that comes to me because of the preparation and the confidence it gives me in when I put the work in,” he said.
After hitting a tough five-game losing streak just two weeks ago, the Georgia Bulldogs (39-11, 15-9) have turned their season around with a six-game win streak.
In that span, Georgia won the series against SEC opponents Oklahoma and Missouri. Now, the Bulldogs sit tied for third in the conference as they set their eyes on their final two regular-season series before postseason play begins.
“Playing in the SEC and in the super regionals is like playing two super regionals in one year,” Phelps said. “You have to take punches while giving your best punches at the same time.”
Dan Zielinski III has covered the MLB draft for 10 years. He has interviewed 580 of the top draft prospects in that period, including four No. 1 overall picks. Multiple publications, including Baseball America, USA Today, MLB.com, The Arizona Republic and The Dallas Morning News, have quoted his work, while he has appeared on radio stations as a “MLB draft expert.” Follow him on Twitter @DanZielinski3.
