Joey Ruller, a right‑handed pitcher who concluded his collegiate career at Queens University, announced his commitment to the University of North Carolina’s baseball program on social media, securing a spot on the Tar Heels’ 2027 roster.
Ruller’s final season with the Queens Eagles was marked by a 5‑8 record, a 4.47 earned run average and 79 strikeouts across 90 ⅔ innings, earning him third‑team All‑ASUN honors despite the team’s 16‑38 finish.
His statistical trajectory reflects a steady progression: in 2025 he appeared in 16 games, including eight starts, posting an 8.25 ERA and 50 strikeouts; a year earlier, he made six appearances before a season‑ending injury, finishing with a 4.71 ERA and 1.67 WHIP.
Ruller’s 2023 campaign saw him log 13 appearances with six starts, covering 41 innings — the most among the incoming transfers — showcasing durability that attracted the attention of UNC coaches.
A Strategic Boost for the Rotation
He becomes the second player to join the Tar Heels via the transfer portal this cycle, following former William & Mary shortstop Jamie Lskofski, a move that underscores the program’s strategy of bolstering depth through experienced collegiate talent.
Coaches highlighted Ruller’s blend of experience and upside, noting that his background at Queens, combined with his academic pursuits, aligns with the Tar Heels’ developmental philosophy.
The addition of Ruller and Lskofski signals a pivotal shift in the Tar Heels’ recruiting approach, emphasizing the transfer portal as a conduit for immediate impact players who can contribute from day one.
The new arrivals are expected to compete for starting positions in the upcoming season, adding depth to a pitching staff that has faced its share of injuries.