Big 12 Baseball: Who’s In, Who’s Out as Postseason Nears

There are just three weekends left in college baseball’s conference play. While there is still plenty of big games ahead, I thought it would be a good time to start looking at the postseason picture. It’s been a couple of weeks since I last updated the postseason picture, but here are the Big 12 teams who are projected to make the field of 64 according to D1Baseball.

Regional Hosts

Kansas (7)

As of now, the Jayhawks are the only Big 12 team with a hosting bid. Two weeks ago, they were projected to be the final team to host, and since then, they have moved up quite a few spots, all the way to number seven.

With a 17-4 record in conference play, their RPI is in the top 15, which is a perfect place to be if you want to host a regional. Kansas has been the most consistent team in the Big 12 for a while now, and if they win the conference regular-season title, they will be a lock to host in the postseason.

Teams that Are In

West Virginia (2)

Unfortunately for the Mountaineers, they are no longer in a position to host a regional. Two weeks ago, they were the 13th overall seed, and now they have dropped down seven spots.

Their Big 12 record is still strong at 13-8, and that series loss to Cincinnati didn’t help. While their RPI is in the top 30, it’s not quite good enough to be a host. Plus, their remaining schedule down the stretch is brutal but it does provide an opportunity for them to move up if they can rack up some wins.

UCF (2)

The Knights are still a solid two seed and rightfully so. While they have dropped back-to-back series, they still have an impressive 14-7 record in conference play. They have one of the best pitching staffs in the conference and can compete with just about anyone nationally.

Having a top-25 RPI always helps, and they have another big series this weekend when they host a solid Arizona State team. If they can win this weekend, then they should be a lock for a two seed.

Cincinnati (2)

Despite their conference record being under .500 (10-11), D1Baseball loves Cincinnati not just for making the field of 64 but also for being a two seed. Now that seems pretty high for a team that got off to a rough start, but things have turned around over the last few weeks.

They have back-to-back series wins over UCF and West Virginia, and their RPI is in the top 25. Looking at their remaining schedule, they get Houston, Kansas State, and Texas Tech. There’s a good chance they win those series and end their season on a high note.

Arizona State (2)

Wrapping up the two seeds is Arizona State, which comes in as the final two seed at number 32 overall. The Sun Devils are currently second in the Big 12 standings with their 14-7 record.

They have yet to lose a series in conference action, and not many teams can say that. In fact, no other team in the Big 12 can say that. One thing holding them back is their RPI. Right now, they are sitting at 46,, which is the lowest among any Big 12 team projected to get in.

TCU (3)

Rounding out the Big 12 postseason teams is TCU. While they technically are not out of the conference race just yet, it feels like a long shot for them to catch up to Kansas. Once a preseason favorite, here they are as a three seed and rightfully so.

The Horned Frogs have been a bit inconsistent this season and got off to a rocky start, which didn’t help. Looking ahead, they have Oklahoma State, Utah, and West Virginia left on the schedule, and they need a strong finish to secure their spot in the postseason.