Steve Sabins, the head coach of the West Virginia Mountaineers, along with his entire coaching staff, has leveraged the transfer portal to close the gap on the 2027 roster. The bulk of the team’s positional holes have already been filled, leaving only a handful of targeted additions.
Bullpen priorities
The staff’s top priority is a left‑handed reliever who can neutralize elite left‑handed hitters in postseason play. While Josh Surigao is being considered for that role, the program cannot afford to pin its hopes on a single arm. Complementary power arms, capable of throwing mid‑to‑high 90s, are also on the wish list, a trait that has become a hallmark of the nation’s elite pitching staffs.
The departure of Ben McDougal, who excelled late in the previous season, creates a vacancy that the staff hopes to fill with fresh talent. Former prospect Chase Meyer, once projected as a power arm, was dismissed early in the year, and Mac Stiffler’s control issues prevented him from carving out a consistent role. Meanwhile, JJ Glasscock’s recovery from Thoracic Outlet Syndrome surgery has kept him sidelined for most of the campaign.
Corner bat depth
In the field, the Mountaineers boast a deep pool of newcomers and returning players who can man the corner infield and outfield spots. Adding another left‑handed bat would not only increase depth but also provide greater lineup flexibility, a factor the coaching staff believes could be decisive in tight conference matchups.
With the roster nearly complete, the program is poised to enter the 2027 season with a balanced mix of experience and fresh arms. The next few weeks will determine whether the targeted bullpen pieces materialize, but the overall trajectory points toward a competitive campaign.