VALORANT – FaZe Clan sign “BabyJ” to VALORANT lineup

Hunter “BabyJ” Schline has joined FaZe Clan’s VALORANT roster, becoming the team’s first new player since August last year. The former Halo pro has been playing VALORANT for Prospects since June 2020, with the 22-year-old set to replace Jimmy “Marved” Nguyen, who recently switched to Team Envy.

The announcement comes shortly ahead of the VALORANT Champions Tour North America Stage Three Challengers One open qualifier. The FaZe Clan VALORANT roster now comprises of BabyJ, Andrej “babybay” Francisty, Corey “corey” Nigra, Zachary “ZachaREE” Lombardo and Shane “Rawkus” Flaherty.

Why FaZe Clan made roster changes

FaZe Clan was the standout team in the latter part of the VALORANT Champions Tour Stage One, having made it to the grand finals. While they ultimately came unstuck 3-0 against Sentinels, confidence was high ahead of Stage Two. However, the team failed to live up to expectations, having failed in their quest to reach the Challengers Finals.

With Marved having been benched ahead of Stage Three, the org held trials to find a replacement, with BabyJ having been one of the many to put their name into the hat. The up and coming talent has featured on a host of unsigned rosters, however he still has a win over 100 Thieves in the Stage Two Challenger One open qualifier to his name, something he achieved with Rice and Meatballs.

Will BabyJ help FaZe return to the top?

BabyJ has experience of playing both Sentinel and Controller, which is undoubtedly part of the reason as to why FaZe Clan opted to sign the American. FaZe are still in the hunt for a place at the Masters Three Berlin, with their roster having the ability to defeat any opponent on their day. However, it remains to be seen as to whether the arrival of BabyJ will have the required effect.

We will get an early answer when FaZe Clan take on MeowMeow on July 1, which is their first encounter in the VALORANT Champions Tour Stage Three Challengers One open qualifier.