UConn's Minick Showcases Versatility on Baseball Diamond

Junior Tyler Minick transitions to outfield after two seasons at first and third base

Published on Feb. 14, 2026

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Junior Tyler Minick of the UConn baseball team will display his versatility this season by playing in the outfield for the first time, after spending his first two seasons at first and third base. Minick hit .362 with 18 home runs and 62 RBIs last season, and UConn coach Jim Penders believes he has the potential to be named the Big East Conference Player of the Year or even the National Player of the Year.

Why it matters

Minick's transition to the outfield showcases his athletic abilities and the depth of talent on the UConn baseball team, which is looking to build on a successful 2025 season. His performance will be crucial to the Huskies' success as they aim to compete for a conference title and potentially make a deep run in the NCAA tournament.

The details

Minick, a junior from Reading, Pennsylvania, had two hits, including a double, and drove in a run in UConn's 12-2 loss to Nebraska in the season opener in Scottsdale, Arizona on Friday. Coach Jim Penders believes Minick has the potential to be one of the most dynamic players the program has had in a long time, and that he has the ability to be named the Big East Conference Player of the Year or even the National Player of the Year.

  • UConn lost to Nebraska 12-2 in seven innings on Friday, February 14, 2026 in Scottsdale, Arizona.
  • Minick is a junior this season, after spending his first two seasons playing first and third base for the Huskies.

The players

Tyler Minick

A junior on the UConn baseball team who is transitioning to the outfield this season after spending his first two seasons playing first and third base. Minick hit .362 with 18 home runs and 62 RBIs last season, and is expected to be one of the team's top players.

Jim Penders

The head coach of the UConn baseball team, who believes Minick has the potential to be named the Big East Conference Player of the Year or even the National Player of the Year this season.

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What they’re saying

“I mean, he might be one of the most dynamic players that we've had in a really, really long time. He's got tremendous ability. I think he can do a good job in center field. He's going to try center field and first time out of the infield in our program. He's got the ability to be the (Big East) conference player of the year, but I wouldn't be shocked if he were the national player of the year. That's how talented he is.”

— Jim Penders, Head Coach, UConn Baseball (wtnh.com)

What’s next

Minick and the Huskies will look to bounce back from their season-opening loss when they take on Nebraska again on Saturday, February 15th in Scottsdale.

The takeaway

Minick's versatility and talent make him a key player to watch for the UConn baseball team this season, as they aim to compete for a conference title and potentially make a deep run in the NCAA tournament. His transition to the outfield showcases his athletic abilities and the depth of talent on the Huskies' roster.