Josh Kuroda-Grauer has built on his freshman year success

Josh Kuroda-Grauer is building on a strong freshman season.

Coming into the 2023 season, Josh Kuroda-Grauer had high expectations. The Rutgers baseball infielder hit .299 as a freshman in 53 games while making a great first impression. During the 2023 campaign, he has built his success and continued to be a hits machine for the Rutgers offense.

Through 149 at-bats, the New Jersey native has posted a .295 batting average and set a career-high in stolen bases with seven. While he also has 14 extra-base hits, Grauer has continued to get on base at a high rate, providing a spark to the offense. That has made it hard to keep his bat out of the lineup.

Additionally, Grauer has continued to add to an already stacked resume. Last season the Franklin High School product was named to the 2022 All-Big Ten Third Team and 2022 Big Ten All-Freshman Team. The 2023 campaign is far from over, but those accomplishments may have some company in the coming months.

While Grauer has been a reliable bat, his durability has also been displayed this season. He is one of six Rutgers players who have appeared in every game this season. Doing that and maintaining an average close to .300 is no easy task.

Part of his success can be tied to Grauer’s improved plate discipline. He has tied his walks total from last year with 20 and has gotten on base five times via a hit-by-pitch. Being able to adjust to advanced competition is encouraging when thinking about what his future holds.

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Over the next few weeks, Grauer will be a player to watch. He has been crucial to Rutgers success this season and has shown no signs of slowing down.

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