When Arkansas head coach Dave Van Horn looks at the upcoming fall workouts, one name dominates the conversation: Shogo Miyauchi. The 18‑year‑old right‑hander from Japan will step onto the Razorbacks’ campus in August, and Van Horn says the program is eager to see how the young arm performs in live action.
Miyauchi arrives after a thorough scouting process that relied on video supplied by a contact in Japan. Van Horn, who previously worked with the USA Baseball Collegiate National Team, notes that Japanese players tend to be well‑coached and disciplined, traits he hopes will translate to the SEC.
The coach is especially intrigued by Miyauchi’s size — 6‑foot‑5 and 207 pounds — and his willingness to challenge himself in the United States and the SEC. Though he can speak some English, the pitcher will face a cultural adjustment when he first travels to Arkansas.
Van Horn says the staff will keep an open mind about how Miyauchi fits into the rotation, but the fall will include four exhibition games, three of which are already tentatively scheduled. These games should give the team a clearer picture of the pitcher’s readiness for the regular season.
Another story line involves Jackson Kircher, who earned a spot in the Cape League All‑Star Game after a strong summer with the Bourne Braves in Massachusetts. The reliever posted a 1.08 ERA and a 0.90 WHIP over 16 2/3 innings, striking out 22 batters while walking just five.
Van Horn highlighted Kircher’s improved confidence and performance this summer, noting that the pitcher’s recent outings have been markedly sharper than earlier in the year.
Outfielder Brenton Clark will also be a focal point after undergoing surgery to repair a torn labrum in his right shoulder. The player showed solid production at the plate during the 2025 fall and is expected to be a key contributor next season.
Beyond player development, the conversation turned to rule proposals that could shape college baseball in 2027. The Division I Baseball Rules Subcommittee has floated the Automated Ball‑Strike system, which the SEC tested at its conference tournament in May, overturning 56 % of on‑field calls.
Potential Rule Shifts for 2027
Van Horn expressed curiosity about how the ABS system might affect game flow and strategy, while the SEC plans to discuss experimental pitching rules that mirror Major League Baseball’s recent adjustments.
Other ideas on the table include 18‑inch square bases, video replay for tag plays, and a 30‑second clock for mound visits and offensive timeouts. If adopted, these changes could alter the pace and tactical decisions teams make on the field.