Auburn sophomore Mike Bello, who was rated the No. 1 outfielder out of New Jersey out of high school, announced his intentions to transfer from the Auburn program Friday morning.

“Thank You Auburn Family for supporting me in my time as a Tiger. Contributing to victories any way I could and playing in a College World Series will be something I will always cherish,” Bello wrote on Twitter. “With that being said, I would like to announce I have entered the transfer portal.”

Bello, who appeared in 43 games and notched 27 starts as a freshman in 2022, saw significantly less play time this past season. In 2023, Bello started in just five games and appeared in 16.

As a freshman, while rotating in and out of both left and right field, Bello posted a batting average of .253 with 25 hits, 12 RBIs and a home run. Bello was slightly more productive in SEC play hitting .260 with 14 starts and 18 appearances against others in the league.

In 2023, Bello watched as Bobby Peirce (.343) and true freshman Chris Stanfield (.280) played a bulk of the time in left and right field.

With reduced play time, Bello posted an average of .156 with just five hits and three RBIs this season.

Bello’s announcement comes on the heels of three Auburn players being drafted in this year’s MLB Draft, while five other Auburn baseball signees were also selected.