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The Oregon Ducks are still reeling from a shocking transfer decision on Monday. Star freshman outfielder Angel Laya entered his name into the transfer portal, breaking up a young nucleus the Ducks had hoped to build around.
While the loss hurts, the Ducks were able to make their first acquisition through the portal this offseason, adding another outfielder who could play a role in Oregon's success next season.
Outfielder Jake Books announced his commitment to the Ducks on Monday night, transferring to Eugene from the University of Tampa. Books won a Division II national championship with the Spartans last season after transferring there from Coastal Carolina, which made it to the College World Series in 2025. Books definitely has some experience in big games.
Books will come to Oregon as a graduate with just one year of eligibility remaining. In his lone season in Tampa, Books slashed 338/.465/.545 in 59 games with eight home runs and 58 RBIs. He also stole six bases and played some first base, which could be beneficial to the Ducks.
Although his playing time at Coastal Carolina was inconsistent at times, he did see some quality pitching with the Chanticleers that could translate into success against Big Ten foes. In 2024, Books had his best season with Coastal Carolina, slashing .292/.416/.549 with a .964 OPS. He hit eight home runs and added 35 RBIs. Books has a hit tool that the Ducks cherish, which is simply putting the ball in play.
He won't pound a ton of home runs, but as Ryan Cooney did for the last few seasons for the Ducks, he could set the table or keep the line moving by making the defense work.
Mark Wasikowski is surely not done with the transfer portal, as more Ducks are expected to enter and leave the program, and more could leave through the MLB draft. Wasikowski will have to use the portal to fill some of the gaps in the roster, and Books is certainly a nice start.
Contact/Follow @Ducks_Wire on X (formerly Twitter) and like our page on Facebook to follow ongoing coverage of Oregon Ducks news, notes, and opinions.
This article originally appeared on Ducks Wire: Division II champion OF Jake Books transferring to Oregon
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While the loss hurts, the Ducks were able to make their first acquisition through the portal this offseason, adding another outfielder who could play a role in Oregon's success next season.
Outfielder Jake Books announced his commitment to the Ducks on Monday night, transferring to Eugene from the University of Tampa. Books won a Division II national championship with the Spartans last season after transferring there from Coastal Carolina, which made it to the College World Series in 2025. Books definitely has some experience in big games.
Books will come to Oregon as a graduate with just one year of eligibility remaining. In his lone season in Tampa, Books slashed 338/.465/.545 in 59 games with eight home runs and 58 RBIs. He also stole six bases and played some first base, which could be beneficial to the Ducks.
Although his playing time at Coastal Carolina was inconsistent at times, he did see some quality pitching with the Chanticleers that could translate into success against Big Ten foes. In 2024, Books had his best season with Coastal Carolina, slashing .292/.416/.549 with a .964 OPS. He hit eight home runs and added 35 RBIs. Books has a hit tool that the Ducks cherish, which is simply putting the ball in play.
He won't pound a ton of home runs, but as Ryan Cooney did for the last few seasons for the Ducks, he could set the table or keep the line moving by making the defense work.
Mark Wasikowski is surely not done with the transfer portal, as more Ducks are expected to enter and leave the program, and more could leave through the MLB draft. Wasikowski will have to use the portal to fill some of the gaps in the roster, and Books is certainly a nice start.
Contact/Follow @Ducks_Wire on X (formerly Twitter) and like our page on Facebook to follow ongoing coverage of Oregon Ducks news, notes, and opinions.
This article originally appeared on Ducks Wire: Division II champion OF Jake Books transferring to Oregon
Continue reading...
