FSU softball: How transfer Annabelle Widra's commitment impacts the Noles

FSU softball went into the 2024 season with little to no proven experience in the circle. Sophomore Makenna Reid was the most proven commodity but pitched in the shadow of FSU ace Kathryn Sandercock. The pressure to replace Sandercock appeared early, and Reid got off to a rough start, with freshman Ashtyn Danley getting thrown in the fire early. Senior Allison Royalty tried to help alleviate some pressure, but in the end, injuries to Reid and Royalty left much of the load on freshman Danley's left arm. She pitched admirably, but FSU needed more help from the transfer portal inside the circle. Reid and Danley return in 2025, along with sophomore Mimi Gooden, who was solid in spurts as a freshman. FSU added a solid left-handed pitcher from the transfer portal recently, Julia Apsel. FSU added another arm on Tuesday, Auburn transfer Annabelle Widra. How does Widra's commitment impact the Noles?

All of her Auburn stats are in the tweet above, but I want to focus on the last year. It's a limited sample, but I like what I see. She pitched 41.2 innings, allowing THREE walks and 38 strikeouts. Her 1.12 WHIP is better than any FSU pitcher on the roster last year. The Noles struggled with walks, and Widra appeared to consistently throw strikes, with only three walks in over 40 innings. It's concerning that 26 percent of the hits allowed were home runs, but if there isn't much traffic on the bases that's something you can live with. She only hit two batters and had a lower ERA than anyone on FSU's staff last year. I'm curious what her contributions can look like next year. Widra and Apsel combined with Reid and Danley should be an improvement over what FSU had in the circle last year. If we throw in any progression Gooden, Reid, and Danley? FSU should have the depth to compete deep in the playoffs. If the offense can mimic what it did in 2024 or improve? Anything's possible. Widra could also swing the bat in a pinch if they need it.