Why Florida State softball must use the transfer portal to strengthen weaknesses

Florida State failed to advance past regional play for the first time since the 2022 season, falling to Stetson and UCF. It was a team with some bright spots but also obvious weaknesses. Pitchers are relying heavily on changing speeds, the inability to put batters away, and a clear lack of power in the offensive lineup were the two biggest issues.

One of your best pitchers is playing two ways, which is likely affecting one or both facets of her game. FSU has a lot of talented young players who you’d expect to take more strides in year two.

Anna Hinde, Marin Heller, and Makenna Sturgis have great potential. However, FSU only had three hitters with double-digit home runs, and two of them reached that mark after the regular season ended. The top of the lineup was deadly, but there are too many spots where there isn’t much of a threat. That’s why FSU must go to the transfer portal and get at least one proven hitter who has the potential to hit 10+ home runs( or has already done it).

If they do that and add Isa Torres, Jaysoni Beachum, and Ashtyn Danley? Kennedy Harp regains her pre-injury form, and Anna Hinde and Hayley Griggs develop and take another step forward? That would give FSU a good shot to reach the 100 HR mark, something nearly all of the top teams nationally did in 2026.

I have a ton of respect for Coach Alameda, but there's no reason not to use the transfer portal if their are players available who can elevate the team.

FSU must get a shutdown pitcher. They had one in 2023 when Kathryn Sandercock was one of the best pitchers nationally. That’s the last time they reached the Women’s College World Series. I have no doubt that Jazzy Francik, Danley, and Bella Dimitrijevic will continue to improve. However, a top pitcher from the portal would be a game-changer.

For those arguing that Jazzy Francik is a top pitcher. She is very good, and it’s true she won the ACC Pitcher of the Year, but freshman Vic Moten (Alabama) had a better season. They either need a freshman like Moten to join the team or a top pitcher from the transfer portal.

I know Lonni Alameda chose not to use the transfer portal last year and cited team culture and all that. However, adding the right 1-3 transfer portal pieces would change this outlook of this team drastically. It’s not like the other top teams are not using the portal, even with top recruiting classes. I said before this season that 2027 is their best shot to win a national title. However, based on what I saw this year, and without taking any transfers? It’s likely another Super Regionals team, and maybe a trip to the Women’s College World Series if they get all the breaks. However, the other top teams have too much firepower overall, more than likely, unless Florida State does like everyone else and uses the portal to strengthen its weaknesses.

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I have a ton of respect for Coach Alameda, but there's no reason not to use the transfer portal if their are players available who can elevate the team.

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