The pandemic has had lasting effects on college baseball -- from the shortened 2020 season, to an additional year of eligibility for players impacted, to expanded rosters for the 2021 season, to an unpredictable future for the sport at the college level.
Many college coaches are currently trying to fit five classes of players onto one roster, while others -- like those in the Ivy League -- are faced with an even worse outcome: the cancellation of the 2021 season.
That new reality is putting a squeeze on college coaches, who need to figure out how to divvy up scholarship money and roster spots. Some coaches are finding it difficult to manage the fact that despite the expansion of rosters, there are still only nine positions on a baseball field. It's tough to keep everyone happy when they're not playing.
For those players who do not foresee a roster spot or a road to playing time on their current teams next season, there is always the NCAA Transfer Portal. Players opting to go into the transfer portal are not required to transfer or guaranteeing they will transfer, but it leaves the door open — and allows other schools’ coaches to speak with them.
