GOODRICH - There is no beating around the bush when it comes to what Carson Raether is looking for in a college baseball program.

“I want to find someone who will get me to Omaha,” related the Goodrich High School junior. “It’s always been a big dream of mine.”

But there is one more item the top-ranked 2024 catcher in Michigan understands is important when it comes to his future.

“There’s also the aspect of education,” Raether pointed out. “Both of my parents are teachers and it’s always been important in my life to get it done with the academic work.”

A GPA of 4.03 is proof of that dedication in the classroom, and the second-rated uncommitted junior in the state is also showing that diligence when it comes to athletics.

“I’ve surrounded myself with the right people,” pointed out the 17-year-old, who plans to major in engineering. “I made a change in coaches and the connections needed to get myself better. I’ve gone to the Future Games and that’s the type of thing I needed to do. I just have to trust the process and go with it.”

Improvement is important in making that happen.

“I’ve worked hard on my defense behind the dish,” Raether said. “I’ve always had arm strength, but I needed to correct some things that not everyone sees with my glove work and field presence. I’m trying to take on a leadership role and make everyone better.”

That is a big part of what Raether believes he can provide a program at the next level.

“I’m someone who can lead the locker room and make good connections with everybody,” the 18th-rated junior in the state pointed out. “I’ll make it known that I’m the best player available.”

While no offers have been given and a few visits have been made, “mostly to mid-majors,” Raether has talked with a wide variety of colleges.

“The first one I talked to was an AP Top 10 school,” Raether noted. “I’ve  talked with a Pac 12 school and a few from the Big 10. After that some mid-majors, but I haven’t found a home yet.”

The 5-10 175-pound left-handed hitter, who plays shortstop when not behind the plate, is confident about finding the right place to go to college.

“I’ve got something to prove,” explained Raether, who also plays soccer and basketball at Goodrich. “I’m just looking for the right fit. I want to bring a championship wherever I go and do the best I can for them.”

It was the summer before freshman year when Raether’s intrigue with Omaha developed.

“I went to the College World Series and I was immediately in love with it and thought this is where I want to be,” Raether reflected about the event that ended with Vanderbilt defeating Michigan in the national championship game.

Participating for Team Michigan in the Future Games was a big step in finding a college with potential to go all the way.

“That definitely gave me more connections,” Raether related. “Two days after that I had my first call and things have been rolling ever since.”

Adam Goodwin, PBR Michigan Director of Scouting, sees a big future for Raether at the next level.

"He is one of the top uncommitted catchers in the state with a left-handed bat that has untapped potential,” Goodwin said. “He features a strong arm behind the plate that will help manage the running game. Carson will be an exciting one to follow this spring."

Raether looks forward to the upcoming season while at the same time hoping to find that right fit he has been in search of at the next level.

“I’m just going to play ball and keep working to get myself better every day,” pointed out Raether, who hopes to commit by the end of high school season or by the middle to end of summer. “If the right fit comes I’ll commit, but I’m not going to force a bad situation. I don’t want to rush it. All the people around me assure me there is no hurry and I trust them.”

What Raether is also confident in is being able to contribute behind the plate.

“It’s what I enjoy doing,” Raether said of being a catcher. “I love going on the field and being the leader, running the team and making sure everybody else looks good.”