Every year, NAIA baseball programs welcome a new wave of junior college (JuCo) players looking to continue their collegiate careers. With each recruiting cycle, different schools rise to the top by securing standout JuCo talent to strengthen their rosters. Below is this year’s list of the top 25 programs ranked by their JuCo transfers.

  • Georgia Gwinnett Grizzlies: GGC reloaded this year with JuCo talent, adding five key pieces to an already stacked roster. After landing six of the top 50 NAIA transfers, the Grizzlies continued their recruiting conquest in the JuCo ranks and secured an elite group of playmakers. The newcomers include Trey Smith (OF, Richland), a 1st Team NJCAA Division III All-American; Kyle Phin (OF, Cerro Coso), a CCCAA 2nd Team All-American; Jackson Legg (1B, LSU-Eunice), a power-hitting corner infielder; Lance Bratlien (OF/P, Miles), a dynamic two-way threat and 3rd Team All-American; and Ashton Fuselier (OF, LSU-Eunice), another standout who bolsters GGC’s already elite outfield.
  • LSU-Shreveport Pilots: Coming off the most historic season not only in program history but in all of college baseball, LSUS looks to continue its dominance by securing top JuCo talent. LSUS would pick up five key players from JuCo consisting of Quaterrion Walton (INF, National Park), is the #3 overall transfer and a 2nd Team NJCAA Div. 2 All-American. Dorien Jackson (OF, Nunez CC), a highly-ranked outfielder who is known for covering ground and doing damage in the box. Carlos Sanchez (UTL, Florida Southwestern), a versatile player who can be placed anywhere in the field and produce. Bronson Neave (INF, Arizona Western), a player with strong JuCo experience that he will bring to the lineup. And finally Jalen Gellings (INF, Madison CC), A preseason All-American who will bring infield depth to this LSUS lineup. 
  • Bellevue Bruins: One of the smaller classes on this list, but where they lack in quantity they will make up for in quality. The two key players to look out for are Riley Schrader (OF, Ellsworth), a strong bat that the Bruins will be adding to their lineup. And Louis Felix (C, Howard), a catcher who will take control of the pitching staff and will provide a valuable bat in the lineup. 
  • Webber International Warriors: The Warriors landed William Gisriel (CF, Fredrick), a top 10 NAIA transfer, who is poised to be their starting centerfielder and will make a major impact on both defense and offense.
  • Southeastern Fire: Southeastern has once again reloaded its roster for the upcoming season, bolstering both its infield and outfield depth. Behind the plate, the Fire landed catcher Max Valerio (Northeastern JC), who will play a crucial role in managing the pitching staff. In the infield, SEU added a trio of standouts: Nathan Hopkins (Seward CC), a steady presence with a strong JuCo pedigree; Victor Esquivel Perez (College of the Desert), who adds valuable depth to an already stacked group; and Isaiah Baez (Palm Beach State), a key piece in this impressive class. Rounding out the additions is outfielder Jett Wolfe (Bishop State CC), whose speed and athleticism will provide a spark to the Fire’s lineup.

Classes Ranked 6-25

  • Cumberlands (KY) Patriots: Top Players: Ronald Almanzar (1B, Monroe), Andrew Harris (INF, Patrick & Henry), Justin Veloz (OF, Chattanooga Valley)
  • Ottawa (KS) Braves: Top Players: Juan Salaverria (SS, Dawson), Declan Brown (3B, Wenatchee Valley – NWAC 1st Team), Eduardo Cardenas (1B, Lamar)
  • Texas Wesleyan Rams: Top Players: Jorge Herrera (1B, Eastfield), Jose Rangel (SS, St. Petersburg), Giuseppe Buttaci (SS, Oakton)
  • St. Thomas Bobcats: Top Players: Alan Nava (1B/DH, El Paso)
  • Judson Eagles: Top Players: Yasiel Trinidad (RHP/OF, Carl Sandburg), Alex Wickett (INF, Marshalltown CC), Derek Clinton (INF, Carl Sandburg)
  •  USAO Drovers: Top Player: Connor Martin (OF/LHP, College of the Desert)
  • Southwestern Christian Eagles: Top Players: Royce Florenzano (1B/OF, Carl Albert), Dominic Ornelas (C, Carl Albert), Nate Anderson (CF, Redlands)
  •  Montreat Cavaliers: Top Player: Matt Brunner (CF, RCSJ Gloucester) – #2 Overall Transfer
  • Texas A&M-Texarkana Eagles: Top Player: Michael Caputo (OF, Eastfield) – #1 Overall Transfer (NJCAA Div. 3 2nd Team)
  • Texas A&M-Victoria Jaguars
  • Arizona Christian Firestorm
  • Saint Xavier Cougars
  • Oklahoma Wesleyan Eagles: Top Players: Daury Manzanillo (CF, Connors State), Wally Diaz (1B, Connors State), Joseph Guttierrez (SS, Connors State)
  • LSU-Alexandria Generals: Top Player: Logan Deloach (1B, Southeast Arkansas)
  • Ottawa (AZ) Spirit: Top Player: Isaiah Nava (INF, Brookhaven)
  • Saint Francis Cougars: Top Player: Steven Drewyor (INF/OF, Glen Oaks)
  • Abraham Baldwin Stallions
  • Midway Eagles: Top Players: Taylor Voorhees (C/INF, Morton), Noah Atherholt (INF, Jackson MI)
  • Warner Royals
  • Florida National Conquistadors

 

NAIA Ball x JuCo Baseball Blog

Cooper Carter

NAIA Ball Staff Writer

 

Noah Sharp

Juco Baseball Blog