Zahir Barjam, a freshman infielder who helped West Virginia University reach the College World Series, has entered the transfer portal, ending his first year with the Mountaineers.
His departure comes as WVU continues to reshape its roster, with multiple pitchers and position players also opting to explore new opportunities through the portal.
Barjam, a native of Santo Domingo, Dominican Republic, arrived in Morgantown as one of the most highly touted recruits of his class, earning recognition as the top shortstop and second‑overall player in South Carolina according to Perfect Game.
During his rookie season he logged 33 at‑bats, drove in three runs, doubled four times and batted .273, contributing as a pinch hitter and occasional starter.
Coaches had projected him as a starter for the 2027 campaign, expecting his bat and defensive versatility to anchor the infield.
Rebuilding Through the Portal
The Mountaineers’ strategy reflects a broader trend in college baseball, where programs are increasingly relying on the transfer market to fill gaps left by departing talent.
WVU has added outfielders, shortstops and pitchers from other institutions, aiming to restore depth and competitiveness in the highly competitive Big 12 conference.
The moves also involve collaborations with other collegiate programs, such as Le Moyne College, Seton Hill University and the University of Tennessee, which have supplied additional talent to the squad.
Athletic officials have highlighted the importance of leveraging platforms like D1 Baseball and P27 Academy to scout and secure promising players for the upcoming seasons.
The departure of Barjam underscores the volatility of roster composition in modern college sports, where a single freshman can become a cornerstone for future success.
Fans and analysts alike will watch closely how the Mountaineers integrate their new additions and whether the revised roster can sustain the momentum generated by their recent College World Series run.