Drew Lanphere gives NC State a steady, defense-first anchor behind the plate
In the 2026 season, NC State catcher Drew Lanphere has been valued more for his glove and toughness than pure bat speed, posting a .227 average with 3 home runs and 23 RBI while handling a heavy workload behind the plate. He’s a left-handed hitter with a right-handed throw, brings solid receiver/throwing value, and has been praised as a dependable defensive option who can stabilize a staff; the bat is the swing skill, but the floor is real.
