Stanford softball transfer NiJaree Canady inks NIL deal with MLB PlayBall Weekend

NiJaree Canady is the biggest name in softball at the moment.

The 2024 USA Softball Player of the Year led Stanford to the Women’s College World Series. Viewed as one of the top pitchers in the sport, she finished the season with a 0.73 ERA and 337 strikeouts over 230.2 total innings.

Earlier this week, Canady delivered stunning news to the collegiate softball world: She entered the transfer portal on the final day it was open. The decision comes a year after Oklahoma pitcher Jordy Bahl entered, leaving Norman for Nebraska. In football and basketball, top players entering free agency have become common – but it’s still somewhat a rarity in softball.

Ahead of her decision to test the portal waters, Canady inked an NIL deal with MLB PlayBall Weekend. Repped by the softball-driven Players Collxctive agency, the former Stanford star traveled to New York City to participate in the event with MLB.

Canady shared her experiences from the trip on TikTok, working with kids at an event in the middle of Times Square. The pitcher was also able to introduce a group of young girls to the game in Staten Island.

A native of Topeka, Kansas, NiJaree Canady was a two-time Kansas Softball Gatorade Player of the Year. Her career collegiate line is 41-10 with a 0.66 ERA with 555 strikeouts and 65 walks. She threw 135 innings in 2023, earning Freshman of the Year honors by the National Fastpitch Coaches Association.

@nija.canady spend a day w/ me in NYC!! @MLB #worldsoftballday #mlb #nyc #softball #baseball ♬ Walking On A Dream – kalia ྀི

Oklahoma is viewed as the school to watch to land Canady. The Sooners have won four consecutive national championships and return Kierston Deal and Paytn Monticelli. But head coach Patty Gasso could use another arm and in Oklahoma’s title defense.

The Sooners are also losing 10 seniors, with stars Tiare Jennings, Jayda Coleman, Kinzie Hansen, Alyssa Brito and Rylie Boone all leaving the program. Freshman All-Americans Ella Parker and Kasidi Pickering are returning, though.

NiJaree Canady would be stepping into a spot to compete for a national title. With nearly 20,000 social media followers, she has previously signed NIL deals with softball companies Ringor and Rip-It.