All Gophers

Gophers baseball hit hard as two local stars reportedly enter transfer portal

Two of Minnesota's best players will not be returning for the 2026 season.
Tony Liebert|
Gophers head coach Ty McDevitt
Gophers head coach Ty McDevitt | Picture via: University of Minnesota Athletics

Gophers baseball limped to the finish line of the 2025 regular season, winning only three of their final nine games. Head coach Ty McDevitt and his staff will be faced with a tough task in rebuilding the roster this season, as one of their best pitchers, Noah Rooney, and their leader hits last season, Drew Berkland, have both entered the transfer portal.

Drew Berkland: OF/C, junior

2025 stats (rank among Gophers batters)

  • 205 at-bats (1st)
  • 60 hits (1st)
  • .293 average (2nd)
  • 14 home runs (2nd)
  • 53 RBIs (1st)
  • .546 SLG% (3rd)

Berkland played high school baseball at Wayzata and he developed into arguably the Gophers best hitter last season. He will be looking for a new home for his final season of college baseball.

Noah Rooney: LHP, redshirt junior

2025 stats (rank among Gophers pitchers):

  • 49.0 innings pitched (3rd)
  • 36 strikeouts (T-7th)
  • 4 wins (T-1st)
  • 2.94 ERA (1st)
  • 4 saves (1st)

Hailing from Perham, Minn., Rooney had by far the best season of his career as a redshirt junior in 2025. He will now look to play elsewhere for his final season of college baseball.

Kyle Remington: RHP, sophomore

2025 stats (rank among Gophers pitchers):

  • 64.1 innings pitched (1st)
  • 4.76 ERA (4th)
  • 51 strikeouts (1st)
  • 14 games started (1st)

Remington was far and away Minnesota's top starting pitcher in 2025. The Gophers will now desperately need someone to replace him before the 2026 season.

Preston Leon: OF, redshirt junior

Leon took a medical redshirt during the 2025 season after joining the Gophers from the JUCO ranks. He did not appear in a game for the Gophers, but he will be looking for a new home next season.

Gophers news, rumors and analysis

Published | Modified
Tony Liebert
TONY LIEBERT

Tony Liebert is particularly known for his coverage of the University of Minnesota Golden Gophers, though he also contributes to coverage of the Minnesota Vikings, Timberwolves and Twins. His writing style is noted for providing in-depth analysis and insights, making him a go-to source for fans looking for comprehensive coverage of Minnesota sports.

Share on XFollow TonyLiebert
Home/Gophers Recruiting