As the Gamecocks continue to assemble the top transfer class in the country, the South Carolina baseball team is undergoing a complete roster overhaul. In an effort to be competitive in 2026, head coach Paul Mainieri expanded his offensive and pitching staff over the weekend.
Erik Parker, a transfer infielder from the University of Georgia, was the first of two portal picks made on Saturday. In 2025, Parker became a member of the Bulldogs as a freshman. He batted 1-4 at the plate (.250 batting average) and scored 10 runs as a pinch runner during his rookie season while playing as a backup.
Parker was ranked by Perfect Game as the sixth-best shortstop in Georgia and the eleventh-best player in the country during his high school years. Before attending UGA, he was chosen by the Los Angeles Dodgers in the 15th round of the 2024 MLB Combine, which took place in June at Chase Field in Phoenix, Arizona.
Josh Gunther, a pitcher for Wake Forest, was another gateway athlete acquired by the Gamecocks on Sunday. Gunther has been with the Demon Deacons for the past two seasons. He pitched 31.1 innings out of the bullpen in 38 games as a freshman in 2024, striking out 38 batters.
With just 28 games and 29 innings tossed in 2025, Gunther’s playing time somewhat decreased. From 2024 (6.32 ERA) to 2025 (3.41 ERA), his ERA significantly improved. This past season, strikeouts increased from 38 to 47.
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