South Carolina’s baseball program is undergoing a seismic shift as head coach Kevin Schnall exploits the NCAA transfer portal to rebuild his roster ahead of the June 30 deadline.
The Gamecocks have secured 19 new transfer commitments while seeing 24 players depart, a maneuver that underscores the growing reliance on portal mobility in college sports.
Incoming talent
Among the most prominent arrivals are Walker Mitchell, a Gamecock legacy who batted .313 last season at Coastal Carolina, and right‑hander Dominick Carbone, who posted a 2.36 ERA in 2025 before a 2026 injury halted his campaign. Luke Jones, also from Coastal Carolina, contributed a 4.44 ERA and 67 strikeouts in the previous year.
The staff also welcomed shortstop JD Stein, who hit .266 in his final year at Wake Forest, and versatile outfielder Luke Costello, an All‑ACC selection in 2026 after posting a .302 average with 17 home runs.
Future targets
Scouts are tracking several high‑profile prospects, including Connor Shouse from Texas Tech, who led all transfers with a .353 batting average, 10 homers and 66 RBIs in 2026, and Casey McCoy of Louisiana Tech, a 2026 Conference USA All‑Freshman Team member who hit .281 with five homers.
Ethan Sutton of South Florida, who recorded nine saves and a 4.31 ERA last season, is another name on the radar as the Gamecocks aim to bolster both pitching and hitting depth.
Departures
The roster losses include Will Craddock, who batted .260 with 10 home runs in 2026, and utility player KJ Scobey, a career .254 hitter with 17 homers who struggled with fielding errors. Their exits create openings for the newly signed transfers.
With the portal set to close on June 30, the Gamecocks’ final roster will reflect a blend of experienced transfers and emerging talent, shaping their outlook for the upcoming season in the highly competitive SEC.