Notre Dame baseball: What Jack Findlay transferring means for the Irish

After an incredible run to the College World Series, Notre Dame baseball star pitcher Jack Findlay has entered the transfer portal.

Jack Findlay was one of the best pitchers for Notre Dame baseball throughout the majority of its incredible run to the College World Series. Most notably, Findlay came into the elimination game against Tennessee and completed 4.2 innings of shut-out ball to complete the “David Vs. Goliath” type win.

Recently, Findlay entered the transfer portal, and while it certainly hurts this Notre Dame baseball team moving forward, it wasn’t a complete surprise as head coach Link Jarrett has taken off for his alma mater, Florida State.

Findlay finished the season with a record of 5-2 with a 2.11 ERA over 38.1 innings, earning him a spot on the Freshman All-American team. While not officially a done deal, as Findlay can return to the Irish, his potential departure would undoubtedly create a void.

The Irish have some big shoes to fill with 15 players on the roster listed as either graduate students or seniors.

Notre Dame baseball has a lot of work to do this offseason

Caden Aoki and Radek Birkholz are the only pitchers within the top 10 in terms of ERA for the Irish that aren’t Findlay, a graduate student, or a senior. So while they have built a winning culture, no doubt, the necessity to replace many top players will exist for the team heading into next year. They’re losing the guy who helped lead them to that point in coach Jarrett.

Given the resurgence of Notre Dame baseball, not all hope is lost. After having attended the first game against Texas in Omaha at College World Series, I can genuinely say fans are fired up. The buzz was incredible, and the atmosphere was second to none. However, how they respond to losing some key pieces of their team will be a significant factor moving forward.

Only 8 teams per year can say they were among the best in baseball, and the Irish are no exception.