Update: James Leverton Out as Baylor Baseball's Pitching Coach

James Leverton is out as Baylor baseball’s pitching coach after two seasons, sources confirmed to SicEm365 Wednesday evening.

In two years under Leverton, the Bears pitching staff struggled immensely. In 2024, BU had the highest ERA (6.51) in the Big 12 and the fourth-highest in the Power Five. Baylor was also last in the conference in free passes issued (340) and second-to-last in batting average against (.284).

In Mitch Thompson’s first year at the helm in 2023, Leverton’s pitching staff had similar numbers; they were last in the Big 12 in ERA (6.36), free passes allowed (357) and batting average against (.300).

Jack Mackenzie - SicEm365

Baylor’s pitching staff has had the highest ERA in the Big 12 in back-to-back seasons.

Next season, Baylor will have a strong nucleus of talented young arms – most notably All-Big 12 lefty Ethan Calder (So.).

In addition to developing the young core, the Bears' new pitching coach must help Thompson navigate the transfer portal in the coming weeks. The team’s biggest need this offseason is to acquire veteran pitchers.

The Bears Friday night starter, Mason Marriott (Jr.), is expected to test the MLB Draft waters this summer; if he returns, it would be a substantial boost to Thompson’s 2025 roster. Incoming freshman Brayden Bergman is a high-profile recruit who can hit the mid-to-upper 90s on his fastball; whether he chooses to go to college or play professionally will also be something to monitor.

Stay tuned for Baylor baseball offseason coverage on SicEm365.