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Clemson LHP BJ Bailey enters NCAA transfer portal

IMG_0985by: Griffin McVeigh06/10/25griffin_mcveigh
Clemson head coach Erik Bakich in his first year with the Tigers
Erik Bakich (Brett Davis/Getty Images)

According to On3’s Pete Nakos, Clemson left-handed pitcher BJ Bailey has entered the NCAA transfer portal. Bailey spent three years with a program, suffering an injury along the way. But the Tigers used him mainly out of the bullpen during the 2025 season and will now have an arm to replace moving forward.

Bailey pitched in 21 games this past campaign, six of which were starts. The other 15 were from the bullpen when Clemson needed to get a good left-on-left matchup. The results were mixed, producing an ERA of 5.46 in 61.0 innings pitched.

Clemson hosted a regional in the NCAA Tournament but was bounced after just three games. Bailey was used in two of those. First was the 1-0 game against West Virginia, where one batter was faced, getting a flyout. A quick and efficient outing for Bailey out of the bullpen.

The same cannot be said the following day against Kentucky in an elimination game. Two innings of work resulted in three Wildcat runs on three hits, two of which were doubles, and a walk. Clemson wound up losing 16-4 and was sent home from their own regional.

Bailey did begin his career elsewhere, suiting up for Spartanburg Methodist College. He has been in school for five seasons but as mentioned, missed the 2024 season due to an injury. Entering the portal gives him options as the journey to find a new home begins.

Clemson closes book on 2025 season with regional loss

Getting into the NCAA Tournament has never been an issue for Clemson. For three consecutive seasons, the Tigers have heard their name called when the bracket was revealed. A two-year hiatus in 2021 and 2022 broke a streak going back to 1987 of making the field of 64.

Recent times have proved to be tough when it comes to advancing, though. Winning a regional in 2024 broke a long drought dating to 2010. Speaking of the program making the College World Series is on a similar timeline as Clemson has not traveled to Omaha in 15 years.

Any season is going to bring roster construction, given the modern nature of the transfer portal in college baseball. Losing pitchers such as Bailey is nothing new and Clemson will be ready to reload with outside guys ahead of the 2026 season. A year that could wind up being an important one for head coach Erik Bakich.