AUBURN, Ala. Auburn baseball has added another key arm to its pitching staff, securing a commitment from former University of Arizona right-handed reliever Corey Kling via the transfer portal .
Kling, a Delray Beach, Florida native, spent the 2026 season with the Arizona Wildcats after beginning his collegiate career at South Florida (USF) . The right-hander brings a season of Big 12 Conference experience and a reliable track record out of the bullpen.
In 20 relief appearances for Arizona in 2026, Kling posted a 4.28 ERA across 40 innings pitched. He recorded 43 strikeouts against just nine walks, demonstrating excellent command . Kling also showed consistency and an ability to work out of trouble, delivering 12 scoreless outings during his appearances . His season highlights included a 2.2-inning relief stint against Utah in March in which he allowed no hits or walks and struck out two .
The 5-foot-11, 176-pound right-hander has one year of eligibility remaining . Kling spent his first two collegiate seasons at USF, where he made 21 career appearances and struck out 25 batters in 38.2 innings .
Rebuilding Auburn’s Pitching Depth
Kling’s arrival marks Auburn’s second pitching addition from the transfer portal this offseason, joining former South Alabama right-hander Zach Stevens . The Tigers have been actively reshaping their roster after multiple pitchers departed following the 2026 season, including Saxon Roberts, Trevor Booten, Justice de Jong, and Mason Koch .
Despite those losses, Auburn is poised to return a strong core of pitchers. Sophomores Andreas Alvarez, Jake Marciano, Alex Petrovic, and Jackson Sanders all of whom logged at least 90 strikeouts in 2026 are expected back for the 2027 season . Sanders, who served as a versatile long reliever and posted a 5-2 record with four saves, confirmed his intention to remain with the program .
Kling is the fourth overall transfer addition for Auburn this offseason, joining Stevens, Georgia State outfielder John Beverley, and Iowa infielder Ben Swails . The Tigers, who reached the SEC Tournament semifinals and a Super Regional in 2026, are looking to build depth and make a push for the College World Series in 2027 .
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