The transfer portal, for the most part, has been a very good source for the Iowa Baseball program over the past few years. Rick Heller and his staff have been able to find the right pieces to fill positions of need, although, the new 34-player roster cap will limit how many additions they can make. Still, that hasn’t stopped the coaching staff from making a number of additions at key positions.
On Thursday afternoon, the Hawkeyes earned their sixth commitment of the portal cycle, landing Dallas Baptist outfielder Joey Nerat. The Campbellsport, Wisconsin native has spent the first three years of his collegiate career as a member of the Patriots program, appearing in 84 games, including 59 starts.
“First and foremost, I want to thank God for his guidance and his benevolent Grace through this process. With that being said, I am excited to announce my commitment to the University of Iowa,” Nerat said in a Twitter post on Thursday afternoon.
Rated as the #5 outfielder in Wisconsin in the class of ’22 by Perfect Game, Nerat has spent the first three years of his collegiate career at Dallas Baptist. As a sophomore in 2024, Nerat appeared in 34 games, with 22 starts, slashing .241/.362/.517, with 21 hits, seven doubles, five home runs and 17 RBI’s. He tallied four multi-hit games, including a two-hit, four-RBI game against Abilene Christian.
This past season, as a junior, he was improvement with some of his numbers, appearing in 46 games, with 35 starts. Nerat slashed .285/.395/.401, with 39 hits, seven doubles, three home runs and 23 RBI’s. He totaled 12 multi-hit games, including a career-high four-hit game against Middle Tennessee State in March.
The addition of Nerat to the Hawkeyes outfield gives them a much-needed piece of added depth. Miles Risley is a returning starter in centerfield, while Wagner transfer Bryce Phelps was an All-NEC selection this past season. At the moment, it would appear that Kellen Strohmeyer and Joey Nerat could potentially battle for the remaining outfield spot, while Jaylen Ziegler and Colin Coonradt would provide more depth.
Iowa Baseball Transfer Portal Additions
– Illinois State RHP Joe Husak
– Illinois State RHP Tanner Perry
– Florida International RHP Logan Runde
– Wagner OF Bryce Phelps
– North Alabama C Matthew Delgado
– Dallas Baptist OF Joey Nerat
Iowa Baseball Transfer Portal Subtractions
– C/DH Reese Moore (South Carolina)
– 1B Blake Guerin (South Alabama)
– UTL Andrew Holub (USC Upstate)
– OF Jackson Beaman
– RHP Sam Hart
– LHP Elliot Cadieux-Lanoue
– RHP Rowan Donels