Oklahoma Sooners Make a Strong Push for a Transfer Portal Pitcher as They Prioritize Rotation Strengthening Ahead of 2025 Baseball Season

As the 2025 college baseball season rapidly approaches, the Oklahoma Sooners find themselves at a critical juncture. The program is doubling down on its efforts to reinforce the pitching rotation — a priority that has become essential in today’s increasingly competitive collegiate landscape. Central to this strategy is a keen focus on acquiring a proven pitcher from the transfer portal, a move that could reshape the Sooners’ pitching staff and bolster their chances of success next year.

In recent years, college baseball has undergone significant shifts. The transfer portal has revolutionized team-building strategies, allowing programs to fill immediate gaps with experienced players rather than relying solely on high school recruits or slow-developing pitchers. This influx of talent available through the portal provides coaches with more options but also increases the stakes in identifying the right player to complement the roster.

For the Oklahoma Sooners, the rotation has historically been a foundation of their competitive edge. However, the last couple of seasons exposed some vulnerabilities, particularly when it came to depth and consistency. The 2024 campaign featured moments of brilliance from certain starters, but an overall lack of pitching depth contributed to inconsistent performances and missed opportunities in crucial games.

Understanding this, the Sooners’ coaching staff, led by head coach Skip Johnson and pitching coach Mike Anderson, has made it clear that 2025 will be a year where the pitching rotation takes center stage in their offseason priorities.

Pitching is arguably the most critical element in college baseball. A strong rotation not only keeps opposing offenses in check but also allows the bullpen to remain fresh and effective throughout the season. Moreover, quality starting pitching can change the complexion of a game, especially in tournament settings where every pitch carries extra weight.

For Oklahoma, a rotation with reliable starters capable of pitching deep into games is a necessity to compete within the highly competitive Big 12 Conference. Over the past seasons, the Sooners’ starting pitchers showed flashes of potential, but the staff’s overall consistency remained elusive. High walk rates, trouble with strikeout-to-walk ratios, and a lack of a true “ace” led to increased pressure on the bullpen and, at times, defensive lapses due to fatigue.

These factors underscored the need for immediate improvement. Simply put, recruiting fresh arms through traditional means — high school recruits and underclassmen development — takes time, and time is something the Sooners don’t have if they want to make a run in 2025.

The transfer portal has become a dynamic resource for college baseball programs seeking instant upgrades. It allows players to explore opportunities elsewhere, and programs to acquire talent with known college experience — reducing the developmental uncertainties of younger prospects.

For the Sooners, this portal represents a chance to inject mature talent into their rotation, ideally someone with a track record of success at the collegiate level who can step in as a reliable starter from day one.

Over the last offseason, Oklahoma has been aggressively scouting and communicating with several pitchers currently in the portal. The coaching staff’s goal is to land a player who can immediately impact the team, provide leadership in the pitching room, and help stabilize the rotation.

The ideal portal pitcher for Oklahoma is a right-hander or left-hander who possesses a combination of velocity, control, and experience. Specifically, the staff is eyeing pitchers who have demonstrated the ability to command three or more effective pitches, show durability through innings, and possess a competitive mindset.

In terms of statistics, candidates typically have:

• An ERA under 4.00 at their previous school
• WHIP (Walks plus Hits per Innings Pitched) near or below 1.30
• A strikeout-to-walk ratio above 2.5
• Experience starting 10+ games in a season
• Demonstrated ability to pitch in high-pressure situations, such as conference tournaments or NCAA regionals

Additionally, character and work ethic play a big role. The Sooners are searching for a player who can integrate seamlessly into the team culture, mentor younger pitchers, and embrace the leadership role that comes with being a cornerstone of the rotation.

While the Sooners have kept their cards close to the vest, rumors and insider reports have linked them to several notable pitchers currently available in the transfer portal. Some names generating buzz include:

• Jake Thompson (Missouri State): A junior right-hander who posted a 3.50 ERA in 2024 and started 14 games. Known for his deceptive slider and ability to keep hitters off-balance, Thompson would bring stability to the rotation.
• Logan Ramirez (Texas Tech): A left-hander with a 3.75 ERA and 110 strikeouts in 90 innings last season. Ramirez’s durability and strong fastball command make him an attractive candidate for the Sooners’ staff.
• Eli Moreno (New Mexico): A versatile right-hander who can start or relieve, Moreno’s experience in multiple roles could provide valuable flexibility for the pitching staff.

Though no official commitments have been announced, the Sooners’ interest in these players indicates a clear intent to elevate their rotation with experienced talent from within the portal.

Adding a transfer portal pitcher does not mean the Sooners are abandoning their existing rotation talent. In fact, it complements the development of returning starters and younger pitchers who showed promise in the 2024 season.

The current staff features a mix of upperclassmen and underclassmen who have contributed varying innings, including:

• Brady Hayes (Sophomore): Showed glimpses of brilliance with a mid-90s fastball but needs more consistency.
• Cole Peterson (Junior): A crafty lefty with solid control, though with limited innings.
• Matt Harmon (Sophomore): A high-upside prospect who made a few starts but struggled with command at times.

By adding a reliable transfer starter, the Sooners’ coaches can ease the pressure on younger arms, giving them more time to develop while ensuring competitive pitching in every game.

Moreover, the presence of an experienced pitcher from the portal can raise the overall standard in practice and games, pushing the entire pitching staff to elevate their performance.

Despite the allure of the portal, securing the right pitcher is no small feat. Other programs within the Big 12 and beyond are also hunting for similar talent, making the competition fierce.

Additionally, some portal pitchers are weighing professional opportunities, medical concerns, or academic considerations, which complicate their decision-making process.

The Sooners’ coaching staff must not only present an attractive athletic opportunity but also sell the overall program vision: contending in the Big 12, playing in NCAA regionals, and developing a path to the pros.

Timing is also critical. Some transfer pitchers make decisions early in the offseason, while others delay until the spring semester starts. The Sooners must stay patient but persistent, ensuring they remain at the forefront of potential candidates’ minds.

While the portal remains a vital component, Oklahoma’s plan is multifaceted. The coaching staff is investing heavily in offseason training, sports science, and pitching analytics to improve the effectiveness and health of their pitchers.

• Training: Personalized regimens focusing on strength, flexibility, and mechanics aim to reduce injury risk and enhance velocity.
• Analytics: Using advanced data to fine-tune pitch selection, sequencing, and location helps pitchers maximize their effectiveness against opposing hitters.
• Mental Skills: The staff is incorporating sports psychology to build mental toughness, focus, and resilience — essential traits for pitchers facing high-pressure situations.

This holistic approach aims to turn the Sooners’ pitching rotation into a well-rounded unit capable of competing with the best teams in the country.

A strengthened pitching rotation could have ripple effects across the Oklahoma baseball program:

• Improved Team Morale: Success breeds confidence, and a strong pitching staff can lift the entire team’s performance.
• Recruiting Boost: High-profile pitching acquisitions demonstrate the program’s commitment to winning, making it easier to attract top talent in future recruiting classes.
• Fan Engagement: More competitive seasons and exciting pitching performances reignite fan interest and attendance, fueling the program’s growth.
• NCAA Tournament Aspirations: A dominant rotation is often the cornerstone of postseason success, and the Sooners’ ambition is to make deeper runs in the NCAA tournament.

With spring training around the corner, all eyes will be on how the Oklahoma Sooners finalize their roster, particularly the pitching rotation. The addition of a transfer portal pitcher could be the catalyst the team needs to transform from a solid competitor to a Big 12 powerhouse.

The coaching staff remains optimistic but grounded, understanding that chemistry, health, and consistency will determine the ultimate success of their pitching plans.

Regardless of how the portal acquisition pans out, Oklahoma is clearly sending a message: their 2025 baseball season will be fueled by a strategic emphasis on pitching strength, with an eye toward competing at the highest level.