Don't get it twisted: Scott Forbes and the UNC baseball program are fully focused on this weekend's College World Series Championship series.
However, in this modern day of college athletics, you can't ignore the fact that the transfer portal is very much open for business.
With some key pitchers set to depart Chapel Hill this offseason due to exhausted eligibility and potential MLB Draft selections, the Tar Heels have been on the market to add some top-tier arms to their already impressive arsenal.
The Diamond Heels made a major splash on Thursday, landing a commitment from one of the top pitchers that this year's transfer portal has to offer.
James Voorhies commits to Scott Forbes and North Carolina
Cal State Northridge right-hander James Voorhies announced his commitment to join the UNC baseball program. The 6-foot-4, 197-pounder is considered to be one of the top pitching prospects that the 2028 draft class has to offer.
Committed! #GoHeels pic.twitter.com/km8jUnqqma
— James Voorhies (@jam8svoorhies) June 18, 2026
A Pleasant Hill, California native, Voorhies appeared in 17 games this past season as a true freshman. Mostly as a reliever, Voorhies compiled a 3.16 ERA with 46 strikeouts, allowing just 27 hits over 42.4 innings of work.
If you haven't seen this guy on the mound, we suggest you take some time to watch some film. This guy has filthy stuff!
Quick look @ James Voorhies (‘28 elig.) out of @CSUNBaseball. Been a solid arm out the pen for the Matadors (2.51 ERA, 19K/5BB). 90-92 T93 (1) with the FB last Friday. Kick CH was really working @ 83-85 (~1100) showing late depth/tumble producing whiff + chase vs. LHHs. Flashed a… pic.twitter.com/Ehm0kPK2lj
— PG College Baseball (@PGCollegeBall) March 19, 2026
Voorhies is a guy who could impact UNC's pitching staff in a variety of ways. Based on how the roster shapes up this offseason, Voorhies could find himself competing for a spot in the weekend rotation, but could also be utilized as a high-leverage reliever, a role that is immensely valuable at North Carolina.
Look at what Caden Glauber and Walker McDuffie have done out of the bullpen for the Tar Heels. Voorhies could slide right into the mix and make an impact of his own on the mound in Chapel Hill.
This is a big one. Cal State Northridge RHP James Voorhies ranks as the No. 54 prospect in the 2028 Draft. Ridiculous splitter metrics with the ability to work the baseball north/south/east/west. "High-level clay" hits the nail on the head.
— Over-Slot Baseball (@OverSlot_) June 1, 2026
👇Voorhies profile in reply👇 https://t.co/bATqtOHUMZ pic.twitter.com/HhQxswO0YF
The Tar Heels have also done a tremendous job at developing pitchers and helping them refine their skill sets. McDuffie is a testament to that, as an added pitch to his arsenal has made him even tougher to hit for batters on both sides of the plate.
Forbes, along with pitching coach Bryant Gaines, know a thing or two about pitching. They have the knowledge and experience to help their pitching staff make the next step in their development.
UNC vs. Oklahoma start time for CWS Game 1 is a major win for Tar Heels fans
The Tar Heels have had a ton of success on the transfer portal market, finding guys who not only fit the on-field needs but also embody what the program's culture is all about. Voorhies is a guy that UNC made a strong push for, as he checked all the boxes for what the Diamond Heels were looking for.
While his continued development will be something he'll be striving for, you could bet that Voorhies wants to be in a position to play on college baseball's biggest stage, something that North Carolina is currently doing.
By this time next year, Voorhies and the Tar Heels hope that he's on the mound trying to secure some big-time outs in Omaha.
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