Southern Miss Secures Commitment of Toledo Right‑fielder Cade Baker
Southern Miss baseball announced the addition of Cade Baker, a right‑fielder from the Toledo Rockets, to its 2026 transfer portal class. The move bolsters the team's outfield depth and adds a versatile bat to the lineup.
Baker entered the portal after completing a single season with Toledo, where he posted a .312 batting average, eight home runs and 49 RBIs. He also stole 18 bases on 21 attempts, showcasing his speed on the bases.
His most memorable performance came against Youngstown State on April 21, when he hit two home runs and drove in five runs. That game highlighted his ability to impact the game in multiple ways.
Prior to his time at Toledo, Baker excelled at Alvin College, where he hit .335 and launched seven home runs in 2025. His collegiate journey also included stints at Grand Canyon University and Pearl River Community College.
The Golden Eagles will be without Ben Higdon, who has exhausted his eligibility after starting in right field during the 2026 season. Baker joins fellow transfers Cannon Peery and Drew Harrison, forming a promising group of newcomers.
Coaches emphasized that Baker's defensive skills and base‑running prowess align with the program's strategy to compete strongly in the upcoming season. His addition reflects Southern Miss's active approach to leveraging the transfer portal for talent acquisition.