In a strategic move to fortify their pitching arsenal, the Texas Tech baseball team has added a remarkable 17 pitchers to their 2025 roster. This influx of talent comes as the Red Raiders bid farewell to 14 players who have departed the program over the offseason, either through graduation or the transfer portal. Head coach Tim Tadlock has embraced the power of the transfer portal, recognizing it as a crucial tool in rebuilding and strengthening his team's pitching depth.

Unlocking the Potential of the Transfer Portal

The utilization of the transfer portal has been a game-changer for the Texas Tech baseball program. Coach Tadlock acknowledges the importance of leaving no stone unturned in the quest for top-tier talent. "With the portal, you're trying to turn over every stone that's out there," he stated. The strategic addition of 12 transfer players, coupled with the recruitment of 5 junior college talents, has resulted in a well-rounded and versatile pitching staff.

Depth and Versatility: The Hallmarks of the Red Raiders' Pitching Corps

The team's overall strength now lies in its depth at the mound and the versatility of available lineups. Tadlock emphasizes the depth of this group, stating, "[We got] A lot of good baseball players. Overall this group is really deep." This depth not only provides the Red Raiders with a wealth of options on the mound but also allows for strategic lineup adjustments, ensuring the team can adapt to various game situations.

Introducing the New Faces: Unlocking Untapped Potential

Among the new additions, Lukas Pirko, a sophomore pitcher from California Baptist University, has caught the attention of the coaching staff. Pirko's impressive performance at CBU, where he posted a 3.84 ERA that ranked among the top 20 in the Western Athletic Conference, has made him a valuable asset to the Red Raiders. Tadlock is particularly excited about Pirko's changeup pitch, which was instrumental in earning him Pitcher of the Year honors in high school. "The kid from Cal Baptist can really pitch," Tadlock said. "(He's) got an above average change up."Another notable addition is Zach Crotchfelt, a transfer from Auburn University. While not as experienced as some of the other players, Crotchfelt's physical abilities have caught the eye of the coaching staff. "Crotchfelt out of Auburn (is) left-handed, a guy that's been up to 97 (mph) it's hard to turn it down even though it's not going to be that all the time," Tadlock said. The Red Raiders are eager to harness Crotchfelt's raw talent and help him develop into a valuable contributor on the mound.

Addressing the Pitching Woes: A Timely Boost

The offseason additions to the Texas Tech baseball team come at a crucial time, as the Red Raiders struggled with pitching last season. In the 2022 campaign, the team had the second-worst ERA in the Big 12 Conference, finishing with a dismal 6.19 ERA. The influx of new talent, both through the transfer portal and junior college recruits, is expected to address this weakness and bolster the team's overall pitching performance.As the Red Raiders prepare for the upcoming season, the annual Red/Black series will kick off on Wednesday at 3 p.m. Fans can look forward to witnessing the new-look pitching staff in action and the continued evolution of the Texas Tech baseball program.