In the dog-eat-dog world of SEC baseball, there’s little room for extended slumps, especially on the mound. Yet, for Alabama left-hander Zane Adams, the 2025 season has been a tale of rediscovery, redemption, and resilience. After a shaky start in the bullpen and a series of inconsistent performances, Adams has thrived since being reinserted into the Crimson Tide’s starting rotation. His recent outings suggest that the lefty is back to the dominant form that made him one of Alabama’s most exciting arms when he first arrived in Tuscaloosa.
A Promising Start, Then a Detour
Zane Adams burst onto the scene as a freshman in 2023, flashing elite command, a fluid delivery, and a sharp breaking ball that kept hitters guessing. Hailing from Porter, Texas, Adams was highly recruited out of high school, and his early contributions earned him the trust of Alabama’s coaching staff. By the end of his freshman campaign, he was seen as a future Friday night starter.
However, 2024 was an uneven year. Adams saw his ERA balloon into the mid-fours, and he struggled with command, walking 30 batters in 58 innings. As the 2025 season opened, head coach Rob Vaughn opted to move Adams to the bullpen, a decision based more on fit than on raw talent.
“We knew Zane had the stuff,” Vaughn said earlier this month. “But he was pressing. Sometimes it’s about taking a step back to find that edge again.”
From Bullpen Blues to Starting Spotlight
The shift to the bullpen didn’t immediately help. Adams was serviceable but not dominant, giving up hard contact in high-leverage situations and struggling to maintain consistency from outing to outing. His velocity ticked up in shorter stints, but his command remained erratic.
That changed dramatically in late March, when an injury to starting pitcher Luke Holman forced Vaughn to shuffle the rotation. Adams was tapped to start against then-No. 6 South Carolina, a move that raised eyebrows across the SEC. Few expected him to be more than a stopgap.
Instead, Adams delivered six innings of one-run ball with eight strikeouts. He pounded the strike zone, mixed his pitches effectively, and carried himself with the poise of a seasoned ace.
“We saw something click,” said Alabama pitching coach Jason Jackson. “His tempo was better, his confidence returned, and most importantly, he was attacking hitters.”
Return of the Real Zane
Since that start, Adams has been arguably Alabama’s best pitcher. Over his last five starts, he’s posted a 1.89 ERA with 42 strikeouts and only 7 walks in 33.1 innings. His WHIP has dropped below 1.00, and he’s holding opposing batters to a .193 average.
What’s changed?
First, his fastball command has returned. Adams now consistently spots his 92-94 mph heater on the edges, getting ahead in counts and setting up his devastating breaking ball. His curveball, once loopy and inconsistent, has regained its bite, and he’s added a harder slider that gives hitters another look. Perhaps most notably, his changeup has emerged as a true weapon against right-handers, fading late and inducing weak contact.
“Everything’s working right now,” Adams said after a recent win over LSU. “But the biggest thing is mental. I’m trusting myself again.”
SEC Hitters Taking Notice
Alabama’s resurgence in conference play has mirrored Adams’ rise. With him leading the weekend rotation, the Crimson Tide has taken series wins over LSU, Auburn, and Arkansas—critical results that have vaulted them back into the NCAA Tournament conversation.
Opposing hitters have spoken openly about the challenge Adams presents.
“He’s not the same guy we saw last year,” said Arkansas shortstop Peyton Stovall. “He’s sharper, more aggressive. That slider is legit now. He’s making SEC hitters look bad again.”
Indeed, Adams’ advanced metrics back up the eye test. His chase rate has climbed to 34%, one of the best among SEC starters, and his swinging strike percentage has jumped from 10.2% last season to 15.8% in 2025. That puts him in elite company—on par with the likes of Tennessee ace Drew Beam and Florida’s Hurston Waldrep.
The Road Back Wasn’t Easy
Adams admits it wasn’t a smooth journey. At one point last fall, he considered entering the transfer portal, unsure of his role or future under Vaughn, who had just taken over the program.
“There were some tough conversations,” Adams said. “I love Alabama, but I needed to believe that I could get back to being that guy again. Coach Vaughn and Coach Jackson never gave up on me. They challenged me, and that pushed me to work harder.”
That work included overhauling his mechanics slightly to improve balance and reduce strain on his arm. Adams also worked with a sports psychologist to rebuild his confidence and develop a more consistent mental routine on game days.
What This Means for Alabama
Alabama’s postseason hopes hinge largely on its pitching staff, and Adams’ emergence as a dependable starter has changed the calculus. With him anchoring the rotation, the Tide can now go toe-to-toe with the SEC’s elite arms. His presence also eases pressure on the bullpen, allowing Vaughn to deploy relievers more strategically.
“Zane’s growth has been monumental,” said junior catcher Mac Guscette. “When he’s locked in, it makes everything easier for us defensively. The tempo he brings is contagious.”
As of April 29, Alabama sits at 30-14 overall and 12-9 in SEC play. Adams is now projected to be the team’s Game 1 starter in any regional matchup, a role that seemed out of reach just two months ago.
Draft Buzz Rekindled
Scouts have taken notice of Adams’ resurgence. Once a mid-round MLB Draft projection, Adams is now climbing back up boards. His refined arsenal, strike-throwing ability, and left-handed profile make him an intriguing Day 2 target, with some outlets suggesting he could sneak into late Day 1 if he finishes strong.
“Lefties who throw strikes and have three pitches don’t grow on trees,” said one NL scout anonymously. “He’s back on the radar in a big way.”
If Adams continues to dominate down the stretch—especially in high-pressure SEC Tournament or NCAA Regional scenarios—he could solidify himself as a Top 100 pick.
Looking Ahead
Alabama’s remaining schedule includes pivotal series against Ole Miss, Texas A&M, and Georgia. Each game carries weight in the SEC standings, and Adams will play a key role in determining where the Crimson Tide finishes.
Vaughn has no hesitation about giving Adams the ball in critical moments.
“He’s earned that trust,” Vaughn said. “He’s pitching like the Zane Adams we always believed he could be. It’s been a joy to watch him grow into the guy we need.”
As for Adams, he’s focused on the now—not the draft, not the scouts, not the headlines.
“I’m just trying to help this team win games,” Adams said with a smile. “The rest will take care of itself.”
Final Thoughts
Zane Adams’ story is a testament to perseverance, belief, and the power of a second chance. After being written off by some and relegated to bullpen duty, he’s risen to become one of the SEC’s most effective starters. His turnaround has not only reignited Alabama’s season but reminded everyone why he was once considered one of the top young lefties in the country.
In a sport that often moves on quickly, Adams’ resurgence is a welcome reminder: talent never truly disappears—it just needs the right moment to resurface.
