Cape Cod League Star Ty Dalley Commits to Clemson, Says He’s ‘Trusting The Plan’ After Going Undrafted in MLB Draft

Clemson baseball’s roster just got a significant boost with the official commitment of power-hitting first baseman and outfielder Ty Dalley. The incoming transfer made his intentions clear in a heartfelt social media post, announcing he is “Trusting The Plan” and ready to don orange and purple in 2026.

“Tiger Nation, let’s do it! 🐅 Proverbs 3:5,” Dalley posted, referencing the Bible verse that reads, “Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding.” The announcement came just days after the MLB Draft wrapped up without Dalley hearing his name called, despite a red-hot summer showing in one of the nation’s most prestigious amateur circuits.

Dalley was a standout this summer in the Cape Cod Baseball League, where he earned Franklin Sports Player of the Week honors — an accolade reserved for the very best in a league known for showcasing future MLB talent. With his towering home runs, aggressive baserunning, and versatility at both first base and the corner outfield, Dalley left no doubt that he belonged among the nation’s top collegiate players.

While going undrafted may have surprised some scouts and fans alike, Dalley’s decision to transfer to Clemson appears to be part of a bigger vision — one he’s clearly embraced with both faith and determination.

A Journey of Resilience and Growth
Originally recruited as a raw but promising power bat out of high school, Dalley spent the early part of his college career developing at a mid-major program. He battled through the growing pains that many young players face — mechanical adjustments at the plate, refining his defensive skills, and learning how to carry leadership responsibilities.

But it was this past spring and summer when everything started to click. In his most recent collegiate season, Dalley posted a breakout year at the plate, hitting above .300 with double-digit home runs and slugging over .550. His improvements in plate discipline and pitch recognition made him a constant threat, especially in late-game situations.

Scouts were particularly intrigued by his performance in the Cape Cod League. Facing the best collegiate pitchers from across the country — many of whom are destined for early-round MLB selections — Dalley not only held his own, but often stole the spotlight.

One Cape League scout described him as “a gamer with major-league raw power and the attitude to match. He was the heartbeat of his team this summer.”

That kind of impact, especially in a wood-bat league, is what turned heads across the country. But in the end, Dalley didn’t hear his name called in the 20-round MLB Draft.

Rather than dwelling on the disappointment, he leaned on his faith and quickly pivoted to the future — one that now runs through Tigertown.

Why Clemson?
Dalley’s decision to choose Clemson wasn’t just about baseball — it was also about culture, opportunity, and alignment with his values. Clemson’s coaching staff, led by head coach Erik Bakich, has established a reputation for developing gritty, versatile players and preparing them for both professional baseball and leadership beyond the diamond.

Bakich and his staff emphasized to Dalley that he wouldn’t just be a cog in the machine — he would be a foundational piece in their lineup and clubhouse. With the Tigers making strides on the national stage in recent seasons and pushing for a return to the College World Series, Dalley saw the fit as perfect.

“It’s a place where I can keep getting better, be pushed every day, and play for something bigger than myself,” Dalley told a local reporter following his commitment. “Coach Bakich really believes in me — and I believe in what they’re building.”

Clemson fans also have reason to be excited. The Tigers are returning a solid nucleus from their 2025 squad but were looking for a left-handed power bat to anchor the middle of their order — a role Dalley could step into immediately.

His ability to play both first base and corner outfield gives the Tigers additional flexibility with matchups and lineup construction, while his leadership style is already earning praise from teammates who’ve connected with him during visits and workouts.

Cape Cod Spark
The Cape Cod Baseball League has long been considered the proving ground for elite college players. It’s where aluminum bats are replaced with wood, and where success is often the best indicator of a player’s ability to translate to the pros.

For Dalley, the Cape was more than just a proving ground — it was a launching pad. He hit .342 with five home runs over a three-week stretch, including two walk-off hits and a 4-for-4 performance that clinched his Player of the Week honors.

“I’ve never felt more locked in,” he said during a Cape League broadcast interview. “It wasn’t just about results — it was about competing every single pitch, against the best guys in the country.”

The Franklin Sports Player of the Week award is given to one standout among hundreds, and Dalley’s selection underscored his rising stock heading into the draft. That’s what made the eventual snub all the more surprising — but perhaps also, all the more motivating.

Faith as the Foundation
While many young athletes take to social media with frustration after the draft, Dalley’s response struck a different tone. His reference to Proverbs 3:5 sent a clear message: he’s anchored in faith, not fear.

That mindset, he says, has shaped every major decision of his life — including the transfer to Clemson.

“I prayed about this for a long time,” Dalley told a Clemson team media outlet. “And when I stepped on campus, I felt peace. That’s when I knew.”

His maturity, humility, and work ethic are already resonating with Tigers fans. The Clemson baseball program is no stranger to star transfers — and if Dalley continues his trajectory, he could be the latest name to make a major impact in orange and white.

The Road Ahead
With the 2026 college baseball season still months away, Dalley will now focus on acclimating to the Clemson program, continuing his strength and conditioning plan, and building chemistry with teammates.

He’ll also have plenty of motivation.

Undrafted doesn’t mean unwanted. For Dalley, it means unfinished business.

There’s a growing belief in and around Tigertown that his story is far from over — and that his best baseball may still be ahead.

He enters the ACC at a time when the conference is overflowing with elite talent and national contenders. For Dalley, it’s the perfect stage. If he can replicate his Cape Cod performance with the Tigers, pro scouts will no doubt come calling again — this time with more urgency.

For now, though, he’s focused on the task at hand: helping Clemson win, leading by example, and trusting the plan.

As he wrote on his post: “Tiger Nation, let’s do it!”

With a fresh start in Tigertown and a fire fueled by faith and purpose, Ty Dalley might just be the next name to roar at Doug Kingsmore Stadium.