Resetting Texas Tech softball's roster after transfer portal additions

[ASFN Admin]

With the transfer portal window well closed, it's time to take a fresh look at the Texas Tech softball team's roster and where it stands for the 2027 season.

The Red Raiders once again made big splashes in the portal, looking to get that elusive national championship. In each of the past two years, Texas Tech has reached the finals of the Women's College World Series only to fall to Texas. Now the Red Raiders will try to do the job in 2027, but must do so without the services of NiJaree Canady.

While the loss of Canady — not to mention Jackie Lis and Mihyia Davis — will be felt, Texas Tech has made plenty of moves to get back to Oklahoma City and have just as good a chance to win the whole thing.

Here's a breakdown of what the Texas Tech roster looks like, what positions are strongest, and offering a way-too-early starting lineup projection.

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Examining Texas Tech softball's 2027 roster after transfer portal haul​

Note: Incoming freshmen are not included in this, as it would be hard to figure them into any sort of regular rotational role.

INFIELDERS — Mia Williams (2B), Taylor Pannell (3B), Hailey Toney (SS), Jaysoni Beachum (3B), Jasmyn Burns (C), Lagi Quiroga (C), Bradi Gallaway (SS/2B)

Breakdown: Mia Williams, Taylor Pannell and Hailey Toney should all have their spots secured as the incumbents at their respective positions. Especially Williams, who broke just about every single-season hitting record last season. Jasmyn Burns and Lagi Quiroga will likely split time at catcher again. Florida State transfer Jayson Beachum seems to be the favorite to be the new first baseman (she's playing somewhere, that's for sure) while Louisiana Tech transfer Bradi Gallaway is a young reserve piece to fill in where needed.

OUTFIELDERS — Kasidi Pickering, Moriah Polar, Zoe Bernard, Alana Johnson, Logan Halleman

Breakdown: There are about seven names that could occupy the outfield throughout the season, but Oklahoma transfer Kasidi Pickering and Purdue transfer Moriah Polar, who led the nation in batting average, seem like locks. Alana Johnson is set to return after missing most of last season with an injury. Logan Halleman and Zoe Bernard, a transfer from Michigan State, give Gerry Glasco options depending on lineups.

UTILITY — Lauren Allred, Desirae Spearman

Breakdown: Lauren Allred deserves to have a spot reserved in the starting lineup for what she's done in a Red Raider uniform, but it appears the queen of clutch will have to battle for one of the outfield positions again. Desirae Spearman fell out of the rotation late in the season, but can play infield and outfield and provide some pitching if needed.

PITCHERS — Kaitlyn Terry, Jayden Heavener, Hailey Maestretti, Mallie West

Breakdown: Kaitlyn Terry moves into the unquestioned No. 1 spot in the pitching rotation and, when not in the circle, will likely be the starter in left or right field. Transfers Jayden Heavener (LSU) and Hailey Maestretti (Utah) shouldn't be expected to be Canady's replacements, rather a duo of arms that can provide different things. A redshirt last year, Mallie West should get some opportunities to earn innings as well.

Projecting Texas Tech softball's primary 2027 lineups​

When Kaitlyn Terry pitches​

P: Kaitlyn Terry

C: Lagi Quiroga

1B: Jaysoni Beachum

2B: Mia Williams

SS: Hailey Toney

3B: Taylor Pannell

RF: Lauren Allred

CF: Moriah Polar

LF: Kasidi Pickering

DP: Jasmyn Burns

When Kaitlyn Terry isn't pitching​

P: Jayden Heavener/Hailey Maestretti

C: Jasmyn Burns

1B: Jayson Beachum

2B: Mia Williams

SS: Hailey Toney

3B: Taylor Pannell

RF: Kaitlyn Terry

CF: Moriah Polar

LF: Kasidi Pickering

DP: Alana Johnson

This article originally appeared on Lubbock Avalanche-Journal: Resetting Texas Tech softball's roster after transfer portal additions

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