South Carolina Baseball: Infielder hits the transfer portal

South Carolina baseball’s season came to an end Saturday at the hands of the Florida Gators in the super regional round of the NCAA Tournament. Just a day later, the Gamecocks suffered another loss when infielder Michael Braswell elected to enter his name into the transfer portal.

Braswell announced via his personal Twitter account.

In Braswell’s post, he thanked the University of South Carolina and the fans for his two years in Columbia.

#7 did not give any specific reason for his decision to transfer, but there were rumors that he, as one of the best defensive infielders on the team, was unhappy with his lack of playing time in the first half of the year. Braswell started down the stretch (and for most of his freshman season in 2022), but it was primarily due to several infielders dealing with injuries.

With starting middle infielders Braylen Wimmer and Will McGillis both likely moving on after the season, it seemed as if Braswell was the favorite to take over one of the jobs at shortstop or second base next season on a more full-time basis. Now, it appears Gamecock fans won’t have the chance to see that happen.

McGillis, a fifth-year grad transfer, is out of eligibility. Wimmer just finished his fourth year of college baseball. Because of the “Covid redshirt,” he could return in 2024, but he seems destined to be chosen in the 2023 Major League Baseball Amateur Draft. He was selected in 2023 but elected to return to school.

Gamecock utility man Will Tippett is well-liked by the coaching staff for his effort, speed, and defensive ability. He played much of this year while dealing with a wrist issue and is considered a player who could eventually play shortstop if Wimmer does end up going pro. Tippett would have likely battled it out with Braswell and some newcomers for the middle infield jobs in 2024.

The Gamecocks also have several incoming freshmen who could factor into the battle in the middle infield next season.