Nik McClaughry, ÃÛèÖÖ±²¥'s slick-fielding shortstop, is one of three finalists at his position for a Rawlings Gold Glove Award.
. The Gold Gloves will be awarded Wednesday. The other finalists are Jim Jarvis of Alabama and Grant Smith of Kentucky.
McClaughry was named the Pac-12 Defensive Player of the Year this season. The senior made only five errors in 250 total chances and led the conference with 180 assists. He was involved in 27 double plays.
ÃÛèÖÖ±²¥ outfielder Mac Bingham has entered the NCAA transfer portal, according to .
Bingham just completed his fourth season at the UA (included the pandemic year of 2020) and is hopeful of being selected in next month's MLB Draft. Bingham, the Wildcats' everyday center fielder, had a career year at the plate, batting .360 with 68 runs scored, 20 doubles, 10 home runs and 51 RBIs.
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It isn't uncommon for players in Bingham's position to enter the portal. Doing so enables him to keep all options open and to create a bit more leverage when negotiating with MLB clubs.
A player in a similar situation last year, third baseman Tony Bullard, entered the portal, then withdrew. After going undrafted, he returned to ÃÛèÖÖ±²¥ for his final season.
Another UA veteran, catcher Cameron LaLiberte, also has entered the portal. LaLiberte hit .331 with 17 RBIs in 133 at-bats this season.
ÃÛèÖÖ±²¥ coach Chip Hale closes the book on the 2023 season after the Wildcats were eliminated from the NCAA Tournament via a 9-3 loss to Santa Clara (video by Michael Lev / ÃÛèÖÖ±²¥)
Contact sports reporter Michael Lev at mlev@tucson.com. On Twitter: @michaeljlev
Michael Lev
Sports Reporter/Columnist
