Florida State's baseball program has secured a notable addition for the upcoming season: Cooper Malamazian, a junior transfer from Indiana University. The move brings a player who has already logged two full collegiate campaigns at the shortstop position, and his arrival coincides with a reshaping of the infield following the departure of Gabe Fraser.
A Fresh Face in the Infield
During his first two seasons with the Hoosiers, Malamazian started every game at shortstop and posted a .301 career batting average. In his sophomore year he compiled 40 extra‑base hits, including four home runs, ten doubles, three triples and 36 RBIs, while also earning a Perfect Game second‑team Freshman All‑American nod in 2025. His .501 slugging percentage as a true freshman highlighted a power surge that saw him lead the team with 17 doubles.
The competition for the starting shortstop role is now open. Fraser, who held the position in the previous season, managed only eight extra‑base hits and committed ten errors in 107 chances, whereas Malamazian posted 14 errors in 180 chances. The coaching staff, led by head coach Link Jarrett, view Malamazian's defensive range and offensive production as a potential upgrade, though they remain cautious about integrating a new defensive rhythm.
More Than One Arrival
Malamazian is not the sole newcomer. The Seminoles' roster also welcomes Ty Peeples, Jackson McKenzie, Coy Clements and Cayden Suchy, all of whom arrived via the transfer portal. Together they form a five‑player influx that promises to reshape the team's depth chart and provide additional flexibility for Jarrett's offensive schemes.
The broader implications extend beyond the lineup. With a blend of experienced returnees and fresh talent, Florida State hopes to rebound from a modest recent record and contend more aggressively in the ACC. The infusion of talent from Indiana and other programs signals a strategic push to restore the program's traditional competitiveness, and early preseason assessments suggest the team could be a dark horse in the upcoming schedule.