The disappointing conclusion of the 2024 Arkansas baseball campaign is still on the edge of everyone's mind, but head coach Dave Van Horn must turn his focus to the offseason following the opening of the transfer portal on Monday.
Who will stay and who will go from the current Razorback roster is a question looming around the program, and the answer will play a large part in what positions the coaching staff prioritizes over the coming months.
As of now, shortstop Wehiwa Aloy is the only everyday starter in the lineup that Arkansas should feel really good about returning. Soon-to-be sophomores Nolan Souza and Ryder Helfrick will have good chances of locking down positions in the infield and at catcher, respectively, but that still leaves plenty of spots open for replacements.
"We’ve lost our complete outfield again," Van Horn said on Sunday. "They’ll all be gone. Going to lose your second baseman. I don’t think the first baseman will be back. Starting catcher’s gone. Starting third baseman graduates.
To add insult to injury, all three starting pitchers have a chance of being selected in the 2024 MLB Draft. Ace lefty Hagen Smith is all but a lock, and juniors Brady Tygart and Mason Molina will likely entertain organizations that are interested in their arm talent.
"Your whole rotation will probably go if they get an opportunity," Van Horn said. "I could go on and on. I think about it every day. It’s just the way it is. It’s the way it is these days."
With that being said, here are early names to watch for the Razorbacks in the transfer portal. These are subject to change, so be sure to follow along at The Trough premium message board for updates on all the offseason action:
