Clemson ranked top 5 in way-too-early Baseball America Top 25 rankings

Clemson baseball coach Erik Bakich has been one of the most active coaches in the transfer portal since his team’s 2024 season ended in the Super Regional.

The Tigers have made a splash of additions via the portal this off-season, including former Purdue first baseman and Big Ten Freshman of the Year Luke Holman .

Michigan infielder Collin Priest and Indiana State outfielder Dominic Listi were two of the first names added. Wake Forest left-hander Hudson Lee became the Tigers’ latest addition earlier this week.

Clemson has added seven players total via the portal and lost four: infielders Nolan Nawrocki, Cooper Blauser, right-hander Billy Barlow and outfielder Nathan Lee.

The Tigers also had five players chosen in the 2024 Major League Baseball Draft: senior infielder Blake Wright, right-hander Austin Gordon , left-handers Tristan Smith and Rocco Reid and outfielder Will Taylor . Taylor, a fifth-round pick by the Pittsburgh Pirates, is the only Tigers player that has yet to sign his professional contract.

RELATED: Clemson baseball sees five players chosen in 2024 MLB Draft

Earlier this week, Baseball America released its first way-too-early Top 25 rankings for the 2025 season. Clemson checked in at No. 4, one spot below Florida State at No. 3.

Per Baseball America:

“Clemson is coming off a super regional appearance and will be looking to make its first trip to Omaha since 2010. The Tigers will be led by center fielder Cam Cannarella, who is one of the favorites to win Player of the Year honors. On the mound, righthander Aidan Knaak and lefthander Ethan Darden return to lead the rotation.

“Needing to replace its two leading power threats in Jimmy Obertop and Blake Wright, as well as closer Austin Gordon, Clemson hit the portal for some pop and landed Big Ten freshman of the year Luke Gaffney (Purdue). Erik Bakich’s third year at the program’s helm should be an exciting one.”

Clemson was ranked as high as No. 2 in the USA TODAY Sports baseball coaches poll last season after starting the year 28-3. They ended the season at 44-16 overall and finished No. 9 in the final coaches poll .

LSU was No. 1 in Baseball America’s way too early Top 25 with Florida at No. 2. Reigning national champion Tennessee was No. 7.

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