EAST LANSING- The Michigan State Spartans baseball team just caught a huge break, as star LHP Joseph Dzierwa has withdrawn his name from the transfer portal. 

Dzierwa entered the transfer portal earlier this off-season and was committed to play for Vanderbilt, but yesterday announced he was opting to stay in the Big Ten and return to East Lansing for the 2025 season.

The six-foot-seven southpaw was fantastic last season, pitching to a 4.03 ERA with a 6-3 record, and was second in the Big Ten in innings (84) and strikeouts (91). 

Dzierwa also held opponents to a .230 average and was third in the Big Ten in WHIP (1.19) while pitching in 2024. 

With MSU losing seniors Nick Powers and Aaron Mishoulam, Dzierwa’s return looms all the more important as the Spartans look to bounce back from their 24-27 campaign last season and look to return to the Big Ten Tournament. 

Dzierwa was undoubtedly the Spartan’s ace last season and was selected for All-Big Ten honors on the second team. 

His return is great news for Michigan State baseball, as the brightest spot of their 2024 season will stay around in 2025.