South Carolina pitcher Alex Valentin plans to enter NCAA Transfer Portal

South Carolina is continuing to see movement on their roster following a coaching change. Left-handed pitcher Alex Valentin has entered the NCAA transfer portal.

According to Gamecock Central, Valentin’s agent, Jaden Hardin, confirmed the news to On3’s Pete Nakos on Saturday. Valentin becomes the third Gamecock player to enter the portal, joining right-handed pitcher Josh Gunther and third baseman Dawson Harman.

Moreover, Valentin will have one season of eligibility remaining and is now searching for his fourth program in four years. The Hollywood, Florida native began his college career at Nova Southeastern before transferring to Texas State. He then joined South Carolina ahead of the 2026 season and quickly carved out an important role on the pitching staff.

The left-hander spent the first half of the season primarily working out of the bullpen, where he emerged as the team’s top closer and recorded four saves. As the season progressed, South Carolina shifted Valentin into the weekend rotation, giving him an opportunity to start games during SEC play.

Alas, Valentin ultimately made 21 appearances, including eight starts, while posting a 1-5 record with a 5.19 ERA. Despite the transition in roles, he delivered some of the best numbers of his college career. He struck out a career-high 59 batters and issued a career-low 23 walks across 52 innings of work.

His departure comes just one day after Harman announced his own decision to enter the portal. In a statement shared on social media, Harman cited South Carolina’s recent coaching change as a major factor in his decision.

“After a lot of prayer and reflection, I’ve made one of the hardest decisions of my baseball career,” Harman wrote. “With one year of eligibility remaining, and due to the recent coaching change, I have officially decided to enter the NCAA Transfer Portal to pursue a new opportunity and continue chasing my dreams.”

Harman spent one season with the Gamecocks and started 40 games at third base. He hit .227 with five home runs and 21 RBIs while battling through adversity after missing 13 consecutive games because of mononucleosis.

With the NCAA transfer portal window officially opening from June 1 through June 30, South Carolina could see additional roster movement in the coming weeks as the program continues navigating a significant offseason transition.