Clemson's baseball program is charting a new course after a lackluster 2026 campaign that left the Tigers missing the postseason for the first time in years. Head coach Erik Bakich, who has built a reputation for turning the program into a consistent contender, is now focused on restoring the team's former prominence.
A Roster in Flux
The roster reshuffle reflects both loss and opportunity. Several cornerstone players from the previous season, including catcher Nate Savoie and infielder Collin Priest, have departed, with Savoie and Priest eyeing potential selections in the upcoming MLB draft. The departures create openings that the coaching staff hopes to fill through the transfer portal.
Incoming transfers bring a mix of offensive firepower and pitching depth. Troy Sudbrook, a third‑bagger who topped the nation with 32 doubles last year at Toledo, joins the infield, while catcher Isaac Cadena from Southern California brings a .294 average and a near‑perfect .995 fielding percentage. Outfielder Jamie Daly, who led Davidson’s Wildcats with a strong bat in his first two seasons, adds depth to the outfield.
The midfield also welcomes local product Bennett Edwards, a Laurens native who posted a .287 average and earned a spot on the Sun Belt All‑Freshman team, and shortstop Isaac Incinelli from St. Johns River State College, a defensive standout who hit .366 and was named conference defensive player of the year. Their contributions are expected to bolster both the lineup and the team's defensive metrics.
Pitching Priorities
Pitching remains a priority. Clemson has added a trio of tall arms — Landon White, Jackson Miller and Kailen Hackmann — to complement the staff, while top prospect Talan Bell is among four pitchers who have left the program, underscoring the fluid nature of the roster.
Uncertainty also surrounds the return of weekend starter Aidan Knaak and reliever Justin LeGuernic, both of whom are weighing MLB draft prospects, and infielder Jarren Purify, whose draft buzz could further reshape the squad. Despite the churn, Bakich remains steadfast in his mission to bring the Tigers back to the upper echelon of college baseball.