RALEIGH — Christian Serrano watched his brother, Eli, be a massive contributor at NC State in 2023 and 2024. During that time, he quickly decided that he wanted to be a part of the Wolfpack when it was time to play college baseball. That desire was so fierce, he enrolled at the school early, joining the team for the 2026 season. Just a few months after signing on, he’s making an impact.
In the Wolfpack’s last three games, Serrano filled in for the injured Mikey Ryan at shortstop, starting in all three. He hasn’t missed a beat, starring in his new role with seven hits, seven runs and a 3-run home run in his team’s 13-6 over the Miami Hurricanes in the second leg of Friday’s doubleheader. Rather than feel the pressure of his brother’s shadow, he’s forging his own legacy, and he’s doing it quickly.
Nothing like a pep talk
We told you he had motion. @c_serrano1121 first collegiate home run gives the Wolfpack the lead!P.S. Happy birthday @eliserrano__pic.twitter.com/riM1zWG9fb
— NC State Baseball (@NCStateBaseball) May 2, 2026
In two seasons with the Wolfpack, Eli Serrano hit .288 with 71 RBI and 16 home runs. Now a part of the New York Mets organization, he celebrated his 23rd birthday on Friday. Of course, his younger brother called him to wish him well, but Eli gave the newest member of the Wolfpack some words of wisdom that Christian shared after Friday’s victory.
“He motivates me every day… I told him happy birthday, and he told me to just be me,” Christian said. “He just told me to play my ass off and… It’s been a big step in my journey for sure.”
Connective tissue and a sense of family dominate the Wolfpack clubhouse. The main reason for that sentiment is longtime skipper Elliott Avent, now in his 30th season with the program. Having coached Eli and now Christian, he knows what makes the Serrano brothers tick. That doesn’t make him any less proud of the way the younger one has stepped up in the last week for the Wolfpack…