In the realm of collegiate softball, the recruitment and transfer of athletes play pivotal roles in shaping the competitive landscape of teams and conferences. With an increasing number of student-athletes transferring between institutions, it becomes imperative to establish an equitable ranking system that objectively assesses the impact of top transfers on the sport. By the count of CSE, 697 Division 1 softball players entered the transfer portal in hopes of finding a new home. At the writing of this article, a total of 390 players have come out of the transfer portal eager to take full advantage of the new opportunity that lies ahead of them.

CSE has aimed to identify the best players that have exited the transfer portal as well as assign a ranking to each school that landed a new player. This proprietary algorithm leverages a multifaceted approach that combines derived statistical metrics, player performance analysis, and player eligibility.

CSE defines an “impact player” as someone who lands in the top 20% of all NCAA athletes in aFIP (pitchers) and awRAA (run creators).

• aFIP is Adjusted Fielding Independent Pitching. This stat takes into account only what the pitcher can control (Ks, HRs, BBs, & HBPs) and doesn’t account for above or below average defensive play behind the pitcher. The adjustment made to FIP takes into consideration the average offensive rating of their opponents. Offensive rating is determined by the average number of runs scored. If a pitcher plays against teams with an above average offensive rating, their FIP would improve. 
• awRAA is Adjusted Weighted Runs Above Average. This calculates how many runs a player has contributed to on an offense, compared to the national average of zero. The adjustment made to wRAA takes into consideration the average defensive rating of their opponents. Defensive rating is determined by the average number of runs allowed. If an athlete plays against teams with an above average defensive rating, their wRAA would improve.