MORGANTOWN — “I’ve got sunshine on a cloudy day” will be heard at Kendrick Family Ballpark once more. Long-time Mountaineer Armani Guzman announced on social media that he’d be returning to play for West Virginia baseball for the 2027 season.

Guzman was a three-year veteran for the Mountaineers, playing in all three seasons. He was MLB Draft-eligible after his junior year but decided to return to Morgantown.

Like in his walk-up song “My Girl” by the Temptations, Guzman was a sunshine in all three years he played so far. Guzman played a major part in the College World Series semifinal run. One of the highlights of the season was Guzman’s walk-off single against Kentucky that sent the team to the super regional in extra innings. He made the Morgantown Regional team and the Big 12 Championship Tournament team. He had 21 hits in 11 NCAA tournament games. In every game, Guzman had a hit.

Leading off for WVU, Guzman finished the season hitting .321 and set the single-season program record with 42 stolen bases. He even started the College World Series off by stealing home base. WVU went on to win the game over Troy 7-5.

Guzman also had a productive sophomore year in the postseason. He was named the Clemson Regional MVP, knocking in the game-winning run against Kentucky once again. Guzman made 25 starts and hit .327 in 2025. The Queens, New York, native played in 32 games and started in two as a true freshman. He was mainly a pinch runner in his first year, using his speed.

Guzman’s return is a big boost for WVU’s chances of recreating the historic 2026 season, which had the first Morgantown Regional since 2019 and the first trip to the CWS. He’s a versatile player, and at this point, he could play anywhere on the field aside from catcher and pitcher. Guzman played a lot of first base in 2026 — his first year at the position — and right field. On offense, Guzman will most likely bat leadoff and hit in front of Gavin Kelly. Kelly will be a junior in 2027, as one of the top 2027 players in college baseball.

The Mountaineers have to replace a lot of talent from last year. Pitcher Dawson Montesa was drafted by the St. Louis Cardinals, and Maxx Yehl was selected by the Kansas City Royals. Montesa already announced he plans to play for the Cardinals. There were numerous other players drafted, but they didn’t have any eligibility left. More players left in the transfer portal.

The news of Guzman’s return helps, and Steve Sabins was and still is active in the portal, picking up numerous players. Le Moyne outfielder Jack Cannon, William and Mary outfielder Chase Ecker and Tennessee catcher Cash Williams should help on offense. Seton Hill shortstop transfer Owen Henne could also help, but he was drafted by the Cardinals. Some talented JUCO and freshman players are coming in, too.