FSU baseball: What JUCO RHP commit Chris Knier could provide in 2025

FSU baseball coach Link Jarrett knew pitching was an area the Noles needed to improve going into the 2024 season. FSU saw major improvement but dealt with injuries to two starting pitchers and some guys who never made it into the season, which limited the bullpen. The latter was a weakness that showed up time and time again, but it looks like Jarrett is determined to turn that weakness into a strength in 2025. FSU landed its sixth JUCO pitcher commitment from right-handed pitcher Chris Knier on Friday afternoon. Knier comes from Indian River State College, where he made 19 appearances(one start) in 2024. He pitched 63.2 innings, with a 2.12 ERA, two saves, .93 WHIP, 88 strikeouts, and only 14 walks.

The strikeout-to-walks ratio is outstanding and is what FSU missed in its bullpen in 2024. Knier ranks as the No. 24 player among the top 50 JUCO guys eligible for the 2024 MLB Draft.

Knier was the No. 253 overall RHP in the 2023 class according to Perfect Game.

Knier throws a fastball, curveball, and slider. The fastball looks like it has good life with movement up in the zone. His curveball is nasty, not quite 12-6, but a hammer when he gets on top of it. He can throw it for strikes when he wants.

It's not clear how many of these JUCO guys will forgo their commitment to FSU and sign with an MLB team. We should have a better idea next month, but it appears Link Jarrett is stockpiling arms just in case. Knier is the sixth right-handed pitcher to commit to FSU between JUCO and the transfer portal. FSU will likely return quite a bit from last year's staff, especially its starters. However, if the majority of these transfers arrive in Tallahassee, it could be tough for opposing teams to do much with FSU offensively. Now, FSU needs to find more offense from the portal or JUCO ranks.