Standing at 6-foot-7, Pacific transfer Braeden Schnabel brings a massive frame and elite West Coast Conference production to Coral Gables as J.D. Arteaga reshapes the Miami Hurricanes’ offensive identity.
MIAMI, Fla. – The NCAA baseball transfer portal is officially closed for business. Although players who entered before July 30th’s deadline can still move to a new program, no new names can be inserted. The Miami Hurricanes primarily used it to revitalize the pitching staff, including a few new bats – Braeden Schnabel being the latest.
After two years with the Pacific Tigers, the Arizona native moves across the country to Coral Gables.
This past season, the 22-year-old batted .378 with a 1.010 OPS (both among West Coast Conference leaders), including 56 hits in 148 at-bats, 18 doubles, a triple, 29 runs batted in, and three home runs in 44 games, including 38 starts. According to D1Baseball, he finished with a 19.2 strikeout percentage.
Schnabel attended Corona Del Sol High School – a public institution that’s located in Maricopa County. After four years and going uncommitted, he joined the Alpharetta Aviators for summer baseball in 2024. Schnabel batted .213 with a .608 OPS, including 10 hits in 47 at-bats, two doubles, eight runs batted in, and a home run in 16 games.
It became the gateway for him to play Division I baseball. Schnabel primarily served as an outfielder – left in 2025 and right in 2026. The versatility gives him a chance to be a starter in the Hurricanes’ lineup. Coach J.D. Arteaga will need to evaluate who to surround outfielder Dylan Dubovik with as veterans Max Galvin and All-ACC Derek Williams depart from the program.
Schnabel is listed at 6-7, 225 pounds, and a righty batting with a wRC+ of 138.
Part of the Hurricanes’ shortcomings throughout the year came on the defensive side of the field. Although it primarily came from the pitching staff and infield. The outfield showed stability, but losing two key pieces is a big void to fill.
Schnabel will have steep competition, including Michael Torres and Fabio Peralta. Another option for him to earn consistent playing time is at first base. Given the departures of Brylan West (NCAA ineligible) and Donovan Jeffrey (transfer portal), there’s another void created. Schnabel was a first baseman prospect coming out of high school.
Coming off a 39-20 overall season, the Hurricanes are looking to return to Omaha for the first time since 2016. Coach Arteaga understands what it takes to reach the College World Series as a former player and assistant coach. The experience and knowledge need to translate on the field to end a 25-year National Championship drought.
Schnabel could emerge as a factor in elevating the Hurricanes’ contention status.
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Anthony Aguirre is the Miami Hurricanes beat writer for Roundtable Sports. Contact info: [email protected] | 305-987-3290 | Follow on Instagram/X: @AnthonyA_Sports
