After losing to Southern Miss and Penn in the Regionals, the Auburn Tigers have undergone some big staff and roster changes during the offseason.
After the 2023 season, the Tigers parted ways with former pitching coach Daron Schoenrock and director of player development Aaron Everett, but fans were introduced to the newest additions — pitching coach Everett Teaford and director of player development Scott Foxhall.
Alongside significant changes in the coaching staff, Auburn needed to add depth to its roster after losing players to the MLB Draft. So, head coach Butch Thompson turned to the transfer portal.
“I’m thankful that the transfer portal existed to be able to get some guys,” Thompson said. “These guys are just becoming more important each and every day.”
Thompson’s staff added 10 transfers — six position players and four pitchers — and 12 signees, five position players and seven pitchers to the clubhouse.
Miami University of Ohio transfer Cooper Weiss commented on the appeal of playing for Auburn and the difference between playing in the Southeastern Conference and the Mid-American Conference.
“...you know, it’s a different level of competition with the (team) here (that) is extremely talented,” Weiss said. “Doesn’t matter if you’re a freshman or transfer or returning guy, I think they’re just raising the level of play across the board…. I think the thing that really stands out is that level of play, and it’s great because you can rely on every single guy, no matter what — one through nine. That’s kind of the glaring difference in this transition.”
With the new additions, Thompson emphasized his confidence in his club, especially in a competitive SEC atmosphere.
“You know, I just love the roster,” Thompson said. “It’s really hard for us, specifically like an SEC baseball team, to look back four years ago because of how much has changed…These rosters are bigger and stronger than ever. I feel that way about our club, but I would imagine everybody in our league feels the same way.”
Thompson acknowledged the bullpen struggles the team went through last season, so the pitching staff is a primary focus this fall.
“Last year was so tough… I mean, that first half was tough, and we grinded through there, and those guys got more comfortable the second half, so you kind of want to pick up where you left off,” Thompson said. “We’re just deeper. The clay that we have to mold with the pitching staff is deeper than it’s ever been — since I’ve been here.”
Junior RHP Will Cannon recognized that Auburn’s bullpen lacked experience last season, but this season, the pitching staff has the veteran structure it needs.
“Last year, we were young on the mound (and) old in the lineup, but this year, we’re young in the lineup (and) old in the bullpen and on the mound,” Cannon said. “(So) we just got to lead the young guys.”
The Tigers will compete in two exhibition games this fall to better evaluate their strengths and weaknesses. Auburn will travel to Tuscaloosa to face Alabama on Oct. 13 for its first game, then to Biloxi to take on Louisiana Tech on Nov. 4.
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Caitlyn Griffin is a sophomore from Huntsville, Alabama, majoring in journalism. She started with The Plainsman in fall 2022.
Twitter: @caitlyngrif99
