The Oregon Ducks baseball season came to a disappointing end on Sunday Night in the Austin Super Regional at the hands of the Texas Longhorns. After a disappointing start to the Super Regional with an all around mess of a game, Oregon got off to a terrible start in Game 2 before battling back to take a late lead. The lead proved not to hold as Devin Bell allowed the tying and winning runs to score, ending the Ducks' season.
This season brought a ton of promise for the Ducks, which makes it disappointing the season ended, but easy to look ahead to next season. Barring major transfer activity, Mark Wasikowski will return an impressive young core with how many breakout freshmen the Ducks had this season.
If Oregon is going to get over the hump and get to Omaha next season, it'll start with how the Ducks attack the Transfer Portal, which is already open. Before any decisions affect the roster, 3 potential needs stand out for the Ducks to address this Summer.
The 3 holes Mark Wasikowski should fill for Oregon in the Transfer Portal
Starter
Obviously, Transfer Portal and MLB Draft decisions could change the picture, but Oregon could return Will Sanford, Miles Gosztola, Collin Clarke, and Cal Scolari. While all could take a nice jump, the Ducks should look to the Transfer Portal either with the thought of a bullpen role or to push the rotation. The staff needs more arms you can count on in big games, and adding a big arm could be the solution.
Closer
Devin Bell is a Senior, meaning he's no longer in the picture, and with how he struggled against UCLA in the Big Ten Tournament and in the game against Texas, it would've been hard to return him in that role. Tanner Bradley could fill the role, but with what he showed all season, and in the season finale, it wouldn't be smart to put him in a 1 inning role. When you look at how dominant Cozart was against the Ducks, that level of closer would go a long way in the postseason.
Drew Smith replacement
Mark Wasikowski will have the toughest time trying to replace Senior Drew Smith, who hit .338 on the season with 15 home runs, and was lights out in the NCAA Tournament. Whether it's directly replacing Smith at 3rd base or with another stellar hitter, the Ducks need to go add another big piece as this lineup will have the talent to reach Omaha.
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