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South Carolina baseball gets a pair of key returnees back for 2027 season

The Gamecocks got some great news on the diamond.
ByMorgan Moriarty|
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South Carolina center fielder Tyler Bak (17) scores against Vanderbilt an on RBI-single hit by Ethan Lizama during the second inning at Hawkins Field in Nashville, Tenn., Thursday, May 14, 2026.
South Carolina center fielder Tyler Bak (17) scores against Vanderbilt an on RBI-single hit by Ethan Lizama during the second inning at Hawkins Field in Nashville, Tenn., Thursday, May 14, 2026. | ANDREW NELLES / THE TENNESSEAN / USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images

June is a busy time of year for college baseball across the country. In Omaha, the College World Series is well underway. The transfer portal is also open, which means players from several teams are entering the portal and seeking new opportunities elsewhere. 

For South Carolina, the Gamecocks just got a pair of key returnees back for the 2027 season. Pitcher Cooper Parks announced on Friday evening that he would be returning to the Gamecocks next year. Per Gamecock Central, he made the announcement during new head coach Kevin Schnall's official introduction at Founder's Park.

But that's not the only good news South Carolina baseball got. On Saturday, rising senior outfielder Tyler Bak announced in a post via his Instagram that he would be returning to the Gamecocks in 2027. 

Both are key pieces for new head coach Schnall as he builds his team next season. Parks led the Gamecocks in ERA this past season, allowing just 2.36 and going 4-1 as a starter. He struck out another 26 batters as a sophomore, and likely had several suitors that were interested in his pitching services. Given that he is so young, getting him to remain in Columbia is big for Schnall and this South Carolina program. 

Kevin Schnall's South Carolina coaching staff is starting to take shape

Bak is a big piece returning offensively for the Gamecocks. This past season, he had a .404 slugging percentage, including nine doubles, six home runs and 28 RBIs. He also led the  team with nine stolen bases. He started his college baseball career at Wofford before arriving at South Carolina before the 2026 season. He is a native of Sugar Hill, Ga.

In addition to Schnall getting two of South Carolina's biggest stars to return to Columbia, he has also brought in a lot of big-name talent. So far seven Coastal Carolina players have followed Schnall to his new gig, including pitchers Hayden Johnsn and Colby Richardson. Schnall also landed Marshall outfielder Evan Bottone. 

Schnall could be adding more guys to his roster soon, as he reportedly will host some top pitchers that have entered the portal this weekend, too.

As South Carolina saw 22 players enter the portal since the 2026 season ended, getting Bak and Parks back is huge for Schnall as he builds for 2027 and beyond. 

ALSO READ: South Carolina baseball transfer portal tracker: Who is Kevin Schnall bringing in?

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