ASU Baseball Embraces Uncertainty in 2026 Season

Depth and competition fuel the Sun Devils' quest for postseason success

Jan. 29, 2026 at 8:23am

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The 2026 ASU baseball team is built less around certainty and more around opportunity, with a roster rich in talent from returners and transfers. Head coach Willie Bloomquist and his staff are embracing the uncertainty as players compete for starting roles, especially in the pitching rotation. The Sun Devils' offense also features a blend of veteran leadership and young talent, aiming to continue their reputation for making pitchers sweat. With a challenging non-conference schedule and tough Big 12 matchups, ASU is focused on becoming a more complete, well-rounded team to achieve deep postseason success.

Why it matters

ASU baseball has consistently been a powerhouse program, but this year's team faces more questions than certainties heading into the season. The coaching staff's ability to navigate the competition and find the right mix of players will be crucial to the Sun Devils' success in 2026. Additionally, the team's performance against a tough non-conference and Big 12 schedule will be an early indicator of their potential for a deep postseason run.

The details

The pitching rotation is the biggest area of uncertainty, with only junior left-hander Cole Carlon firmly entrenched as the Friday starter. Pitching coach Jeremy Accardo highlighted several other pitchers, including sophomore left-hander Easton Barrett and junior right-handers Josh Butler, Alex Overbay, Colin Linder, Derek Schaffer, and Jaden Alba, as showing promise for the remaining rotation spots. Senior right-hander Kole Klecker is also in the mix, though his role is still uncertain after injuries in recent seasons. Accardo emphasized the importance of fundamentals like working ahead in counts, throwing strikes, and limiting free bases to earn significant innings.

  • The Sun Devils open their season in late February with a grueling five-game stretch against four SEC teams, three of which are ranked in the D1Baseball top 25.
  • ASU's home opener in the Big 12 is against No. 10 TCU, the first of many tough conference matchups that will test the team's approach and ability to adjust on the fly.

The players

Willie Bloomquist

The head coach of the ASU baseball team, who has emphasized the importance of competition and experience in shaping this year's roster.

Jeremy Accardo

The pitching coach for the Sun Devils, who is tasked with finding the right mix of pitchers to fill out the rotation and improve the team's ERA.

Cole Carlon

A junior left-hander who is the only sure thing in the ASU weekend rotation, coming off a 2025 season with a 3.83 ERA and 86 strikeouts over 54 innings.

Brody Briggs

The sophomore catcher who is stepping into the starting role, known for his defensive reliability and consistent bat.

Jason Ellison

The hitting coach for the Sun Devils, who is eager to see how his group of veteran and transfer hitters perform when the games count.

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What they’re saying

“We have a lot of guys in the fight and that are winning jobs, but at the end of the day, we have to pick a few to start and a few to close.”

— Willie Bloomquist, Head Coach (on3.com)

“The work we put in with these guys, you have to understand what they do well and how to apply it.”

— Jeremy Accardo, Pitching Coach (on3.com)

“We have guys who can flat-out hit, and we still have power throughout the lineup. Contact leads to power. Especially in a ballpark like this, most days the ball is going to fly. Just be accurate and on time. The rest will take care of itself.”

— Jason Ellison, Hitting Coach (on3.com)

What’s next

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The takeaway

This case highlights growing concerns in the community about repeat offenders released on bail, raising questions about bail reform, public safety on SF streets, and if any special laws to govern autonomous vehicles in residential and commercial areas.