A wave of departures reshapes FSU baseball
The Seminoles' baseball program is confronting a significant reshuffling after a wave of players opted to test free agency through the transfer portal, a move that has already altered the team's composition heading into the next season.
Among those who have announced their intent to move on is Charlie Buckles, a redshirt freshman who spent his opening year on campus as a first baseman but saw limited playing time, preserving four years of eligibility for his next destination.
Buckles joins pitcher Manny Lantigua and infielder Kelvyn Paulino Jr. in the portal, adding to a list of departures that includes several key contributors from the 2025 recruiting class.
Rebuilding the Infield
The cumulative effect is a vacancy at first base that the coaching staff must address, either by recruiting a proven collegiate transfer, tapping into the junior college market, or promoting a developing prospect to fill the gap.
Outfielder Chase Williams and several other teammates have also signaled their plans to transfer, while prospects like Myles Bailey are projected as early picks in the 2027 MLB Draft, highlighting the talent pipeline leaving the program.
Ben Barrett and Eli Putnam, both out of eligibility, round out the group of players whose departures will force Florida State to rebuild depth across the infield and outfield, prompting the program to explore new talent sources.