Our last blog post discussed many of the changes we witnessed with the new D1 College Baseball recruiting rules that went into effect in April 2023.
Today we will focus on how those rules, along with the transfer portal, have affected some of the other levels of college baseball and their recruiting.
While many 2025 players anticipated initial offers on August 1st, that was not generally the case. We previously discussed some of the reasons why, such as the need to get to know the player on a personal level first. Yet another factor that played into this, was many coaches/schools were still figuring the potential impact of any last minute transfer portal additions and/or subtractions from their own rosters.
This takes us to the impact on D2/D3/NAIA/JUCO recruiting. With over 2,000 players entering the transfer portal, there are only so many landing D1 destinations. Many D1 players in the portal without any real collegiate body of work found themselves heading towards the D2 level. Those that had 3 years or more of remaining eligibility found that the JUCO route may be best for their careers. The idea of getting valuable collegiate playing time and development can only help their chances of potentially getting back to the D1 level.
This trickle down effect has only bolstered the level of play at these divisions below D1. There have been some D2 programs that were recently able to get into the 10+ number wise of D1 transfers. And why not from their perspective? Adding depth with older, more experienced players, even if they did not have much playing time at a higher level, could only help these programs. After all, they are getting players, who, coming out of high school, were recruited at the highest division of collegiate baseball. On a side note. That being said, there are many D2 programs across the country in such conferences as the Sunshine State Conference (amongst others) that can more than compete on the field with many D1
programs. The proof is in the pudding by taking a look at some of these high powered D2 programs and how many drafted players they have produced over the years.
So with many D1 transfer portal players finding themselves having the best opportunity being at the D2 level, there continues to be a trickle down effect to the JUCO levels.
Back in the draft and follow days of the MLB Draft, it was not uncommon for high caliber players to get drafted, usually in the rounds after 10 to wind up attending a Junior College, and in many cases, forgoing their 4-year D1 school scholarship. The reason was that by attending a Junior College under control of the MLB team that drafted them, they would have the potential opportunity to sign with that team after their freshman season, or they could go back in the draft and sign with another team. By attending a D1 four year school, that same player would have to wait until their junior season and/or when they turned 21 (whichever came first) to be able to sign with an MLB team. As a former head coach in Junior College, the draft and follow rule was a huge part of our recruiting. Our roster would consist of as many as 12-15 drafted players that were under an MLB team’s “control.” The level of play at the JUCO level was very competitive, to say the least. The residual effect of having a talented roster that has multiple drafted players on it was tenfold. Players were competing against a high level of competition within their own team for playing time, along with competing against other JUCO teams with similarly talented rosters. D1/D2/D3/NAIA schools that recruited at the JUCO level were getting battle tested, ready made players to compete at their respective levels.
In 2007, MLB decided to eliminate the draft and follow the process. The JUCO route for some became less appealing, despite the fact that they still could sign with a MLB team earlier than if they went to a four year school, whether they were drafted out of high school or not. What ultimately happened was that there was a decline in the amount of higher talented players attending a JUCO. This resulted in a decline in the overall caliber of play. I had one longtime JC coach call and ask back in 2007, what was he supposed to do now once the draft and follow process was eliminated. He relied heavily on that type of player, along with MLB scouts recommending draft and follow type players to him and also recommending to the player going the JC route.
Fast forward to 2023 and the transfer portal trickle down effect. Many D1 programs are smartly recruiting/offering approximately 30% less high school players scholarships. The reason being, they know they can fill a more immediate need with a transfer portal player. Who would not want an older/more experienced/more physically ready player. It only makes sense in todays college baseball recruiting world. The pressure to win has exponentially increased across the college baseball world as schools put more and more resources into their baseball programs. With an increase in spending in facilities and coaching salaries comes a win now or at least a win sooner mentality.
This now puts back another 30% or so of high school players that are looking to continue their playing careers into the mix. Players who in the past, may have had a D1 or D2 opportunity. This is where the JUCO route may become a more attractive and necessary alternative to the player. The idea of playing sooner means developing sooner. Factor in the transfer portal D1 players on current JUCO rosters as well and we now have similar talent across the board pre 2007. There are some great programs across the country at the JUCO level. Many of these programs have also drastically increased spending across the board for their baseball programs. From facilities, to scholarships, to coaching salaries, JUCO baseball is on the rise once again. This is not to say it was not a great opportunity post 2007 to pre transfer portal. JC baseball has always presented a tremendous opportunity for the young player to develop. What is happening, without question, is an increase in the upper levels of talent currently playing at the JC level.
The transfer portal has changed college baseball in more ways than one. High school players more than ever need to become more educated about ALL levels of collegiate baseball. Back in my coaching days at the JC level, when out on the recruiting trail, and recruiting a high level player(one that would have D1 interest/potential draft ability), I would ask that player, “Have you ever seen us or another JC in our conference play?” This question was asked by me when I thought the player may have thought he was too good for our level. The response every time was that they had not seen a JUCO game. I would always invite them out to a game and/or practice so that they can see for themselves what the level of play was. It was always an eye opener for the player and family.
The importance of the education and familiarization of all levels of play is of the utmost importance. This should begin no later than the sophomore year. There are tremendous opportunities at all levels of play. Whether it is D1/D2/D3/NAIA/JUCO, be educated and informed. This will help you make the right decision for your post high school baseball playing career.
The last thing I will leave you with is the game has gotten way more physical in the last 5-10 years. Todays players are not necessarily better than players of the past, but they are certainly bigger, faster, and stronger. In order to compete, todays player, no matter what level, has to put quality time in the weight room. Strength and conditioning is not not an option. When a player enters high school and begins thinking about playing at the collegiate level, at the same time should be thinking about working with a professional and/or school certified strength and conditioning coach.
We here at Florida Diamond Recruiting Services hoped this was an informative piece for the players and families alike. Thank you and be on the lookout for our next blog post!
