Auburn’s baseball program is reshaping its infield after a wave of departures that left the team thin at the corner positions. The loss of two star infielders and a high school signee in the recent MLB draft forced the coaching staff to look beyond the traditional recruiting pipeline, turning to the transfer portal for immediate impact.
A Transfer Portal Boost
Enter Cooper Sheff, a former UNLV standout who brings a proven bat and defensive versatility. In his last season with the Rebels he hit .295, launched nine home runs and drove in 38 runs, while also posting a season‑high four‑hit game against Washington State. His ability to string together multiple hits in 14 different contests gives Auburn a reliable middle‑of‑the‑order presence.
Sheff will not be alone in the new mix. The Tigers also welcome Iowa transfer Ben Swails, who adds depth at second base, and will rely on returning shortstop Brandon McCraine and first baseman Ethin Bingaman to anchor the lineup. Together with Chris Rembert and Eric Guevara — both of whom were selected in the 2026 MLB Draft — the infield promises a blend of experience and fresh talent.
Draft Impact and Future Plans
The recent draft saw Rembert and Guevara drafted, opening opportunities for younger players to step into larger roles. Coach Chris Maloney has emphasized that the incoming transfers will compete directly for starting spots, ensuring that the team’s defensive reliability improves while the offense gains additional power.
With the 2027 season on the horizon, Auburn’s coaching staff is optimistic that the combination of Sheff’s bat, Swails’s agility, and the home‑grown core will restore the program’s competitiveness. The infusion of talent from both the portal and the draft signals a strategic pivot that could position the Tigers as a formidable force in the SEC.