The South Carolina baseball team ended their season less than a week ago, but two players have already announced that they are leaving the program via the transfer portal.
On Sunday, Michael Braswell became the first Gamecock to announce his intention to transfer. The infielder was in a position to compete for a starting job in the middle infield but now will look to do so at another program.
On Tuesday, another transfer portal casualty hit the South Carolina baseball program. Right-handed reliever Brett Thomas joined Braswell in the portal and will be looking for a new team for his senior year. Because of the “Covid redshirt,” Thomas will have a final year of eligibility in his fifth year of college.
Thomas, a graduate student, is from Atlanta, Georgia and made just 24 appearances (37 total innings) for the Gamecocks during his four seasons in Columbia. He made several starts in the mid-week during his junior season in 2022, but Thomas was a deep option in the bullpen during most of his career as evidenced by his lack of appearances. He battled some injuries at times during his Carolina career, only compounding his issues getting time on the mound.
The South Carolina baseball program has also added (officially) two players.
North Florida transfer outfielder Austin Brinling will compete for a spot in next year’s outfield and could be the team’s leadoff hitter. Brinling will have one year of eligibility remaining.
Left-handed pitcher Garrett Gainey will transfer in from Liberty and add depth to a pitching staff that only had two lefties in 2023, including just one who pitched a lot (Matthew Becker). Gainey also will have just one year of eligibility left to use.
Mark Kingston’s club will be in the market on more transfers and already have several other irons in the fire. Bringing in an older player or two in the middle infield and in the pitching staff seems to be a priority.