Southern Miss University’s baseball program has secured a new piece of talent through the transfer portal, welcoming Toledo outfielder Cade Baker to the Golden Eagles for the upcoming season.
A Calculated Move
The addition marks the third transfer‑portal acquisition for Southern Miss since the season concluded, underscoring the program’s intent to rebuild quickly after a competitive 2026 campaign.
From Toledo to Hattiesburg
Baker entered the portal on May 26 after completing a single season with the Rockets, where he also demonstrated his defensive reliability in right field.
Stat Sheet Snapshot
Across 56 games for the Rockets, Baker stole 18 bases on 21 attempts, a success rate that mirrors the team’s overall aggressiveness on the bases, as Southern Miss recorded 21 stolen bases as a unit in 2026.
His most memorable outing came against Youngstown State on April 21, when he launched two home runs and drove in five runs, a performance that helped Toledo secure a 12‑5 victory.
Roster Dynamics
The incoming outfielder will join a group that already includes transfers Cannon Peery and Drew Harrison, while veteran right‑fielder Ben Higdon, who started for Southern Miss in 2026, will be out of eligibility after this season.
Coaches expect the new arrivals to provide depth and competition, especially in the outfield where the team aims to improve both offensive production and defensive stability.
With the transfer portal deadline looming, Southern Miss’s athletic director highlighted the strategic importance of locking in talent that can contribute immediately, a sentiment echoed by head coach Lance Guidry, who praised Baker’s work ethic and versatility.