Former LSU pitcher Raelin Chaffin has joined Mississippi State via the transfer portal, she announced via Instagram on Wednesday evening.
Chaffin has just one year of eligibility remaining but has enjoyed a solid collegiate career so far with the Tigers, pitching to a 2.93 ERA in 198 innings. This past spring was her busiest season — Chaffin was 11-5 with a 2.86 ERA in 88 innings, striking out 76 batters.
Just 23 1/3 of those innings came in Southeastern Conference play, though, with LSU using Sydney Berzon and Kelley Lynch most often in big games. Chaffin did throw a complete-game shutout on Feb. 24 against Houston and another on May 17 in the opening game of the NCAA regionals against Jackson State.
Chaffin is the first player the Bulldogs have added in the portal this offseason. Five MSU players are currently in the portal, including starting second baseman Salen Hawkins. Head coach Samantha Ricketts’ team is moving on from eight seniors, including ace pitcher Aspen Wesley, so Chaffin may be called upon for some critical innings in 2025.
The Bulldogs will bring back Josey Marron, who struggled down the stretch in 2024 but has flashed ace potential, as well as left-hander Delainey Everett, who took on a bigger role as a reliever toward the end of the season.
“We are thrilled to welcome veteran pitcher Raelin Chaffin to Starkville and our pitching staff,” Ricketts said in a news release. “She brings valuable SEC experience and embodies the Bulldog mentality we were seeking.”
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