On June 18th, WVU baseball had their catcher for the 2026 season. Less than two weeks later, they were scrambling for a new one. Read more: John Lemm flips to Alabama, Mountaineers tab D3 Catcher of the Year in his place.
John Lemm had originally selected Morgantown as his next home for 2025. It was a big addition for the Mountaineers, as the Brisbane, Australia native had hit .272/.443/.661 with 19 homers and 56 RBI to go with a 1.104 OPS (sixth-best in the conference). He also earned a second team All-Missouri Valley Conference selection in his junior year following two seasons at South Suburban Community College.
However, less than two weeks later, Lemm flipped his commitment to the Alabama Crimson Tide.
BREAKING: SIU transfer catcher John Lemm has announced his commitment to Alabama.
The Australian native had some impressive slash line (.255/.428/.620) last season with the Salukis.
Lemm amassed 19 HRs and 56 RBIs.
In addition, Lemm drew 48 BBs to 42 K’s. Quite impressive.… pic.twitter.com/EgxvkQhjdV
— Crimson Coverage (@CrimsonCoverage) June 30, 2025
Jon Lemm Flips
My earlier reporting on Lemm described his initial decision to commit to WVU. You can read about that decision here.
So how does head coach Steve Sabins choose to fill this void? Well… how does a National Catcher of the Year sound?
In steps Michael Smosna. The Lubbock, Texas native starred at McMurry State, where he was named the NCAA Division III Catcher of the Year. While he produced as a freshman (.942 OPS) and as a sophomore (1.049 OPS), he put himself on the Division I radars in his junior year, where he hit .439/.507/.672 with 1.248 OPS, earning himself national recognition.
While Smosna is set to share time with returning sophomore Gavin Kelly behind the dish, some are speculating that 2025 starter Logan Sauve may return instead of getting drafted.
From what has been relayed to me, at this time it does appear Logan Sauve comes back to WVU. However, time will tell if that is what Sauve decides to do. If he does indeed come back to WVU, then it 100% makes sense as to why John Lemm went to Bama over WVU. https://t.co/mdvow95N8g
— James (@mountaineerjdub) June 30, 2025
In this case, Kelly’s versatility may come into play. The Pittsburgh native played 27 games at second base and five in left field this past season.
John Lemm flips to Alabama, Mountaineers tab D3 Catcher of the Year in his place
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In addition, Lemm drew 48 BBs to 42 K’s. Quite impressive.… pic.twitter.com/EgxvkQhjdV
— Crimson Coverage (@CrimsonCoverage) June 30, 2025
Jon Lemm Flips
My earlier reporting on Lemm described his initial decision to commit to WVU. You can read about that decision here.
So how does head coach Steve Sabins choose to fill this void? Well… how does a National Catcher of the Year sound?
In steps Michael Smosna. The Lubbock, Texas native starred at McMurry State, where he was named the NCAA Division III Catcher of the Year. While he produced as a freshman (.942 OPS) and as a sophomore (1.049 OPS), he put himself on the Division I radars in his junior year, where he hit .439/.507/.672 with 1.248 OPS, earning himself national recognition.
While Smosna is set to share time with returning sophomore Gavin Kelly behind the dish, some are speculating that 2025 starter Logan Sauve may return instead of getting drafted.
From what has been relayed to me, at this time it does appear Logan Sauve comes back to WVU. However, time will tell if that is what Sauve decides to do. If he does indeed come back to WVU, then it 100% makes sense as to why John Lemm went to Bama over WVU. https://t.co/mdvow95N8g
— James (@mountaineerjdub) June 30, 2025
In this case, Kelly’s versatility may come into play. The Pittsburgh native played 27 games at second base and five in left field this past season.
John Lemm flips to Alabama, Mountaineers tab D3 Catcher of the Year in his place