Miami Baseball Aims for Omaha Return After Super Regional Run

Hurricanes confident in offense, working to rebuild pitching staff ahead of 2026 season opener

Published on Feb. 13, 2026

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The University of Miami baseball team held a press conference ahead of their 2026 season opener, with head coach J.D. Arteaga, pitching coach Laz Gutierrez, hitting coach Chris Dominguez, and several key players addressing the media. The Hurricanes are coming off a super regional appearance last season and are focused on returning to the College World Series in Omaha, with a potent offense leading the way but questions surrounding the pitching staff after losing significant innings from last year.

Why it matters

Miami baseball is one of the most storied programs in college baseball, with four national championships, but they haven't been to the College World Series since 2016. The Hurricanes' quest to return to Omaha and compete for another title is a major storyline in the sport, especially with the team's talented offensive core and the challenge of rebuilding the pitching staff.

The details

The Hurricanes return the core of an offense that helped them reach the super regionals last season, led by junior third baseman Daniel Cuvet, who hit .372 with 18 home runs and 84 RBIs in 2025. However, the team lost its entire bullpen and two of its four starting pitchers, putting pressure on pitching coach Laz Gutierrez to rebuild the staff. Sophomore right-hander AJ Ciscar is slated to be the Friday night starter after a strong freshman campaign, and the Hurricanes are also counting on transfers like catcher Alex Sosa to help solidify the pitching.

  • The 2026 season opens on Friday, February 14 against Lehigh at Alex Rodriguez Park at Mark Light Field.
  • The Hurricanes fell one run short of reaching the College World Series in Omaha last June.

The players

J.D. Arteaga

The head coach of the University of Miami baseball team, entering his third season in that role.

Laz Gutierrez

The associate head coach and pitching coach for the University of Miami baseball team.

Chris Dominguez

The hitting coach for the University of Miami baseball team, in his second season in that role.

Daniel Cuvet

The junior third baseman for the University of Miami baseball team, who hit .372 with 18 home runs and 84 RBIs in 2025.

Alex Sosa

The catcher who transferred to the University of Miami from NC State, bringing experience handling a pitching staff.

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What they’re saying

“We could win 45 games, but if we're not in Omaha, it's not a great season.”

— J.D. Arteaga, Head Coach (themiamihurricane.com)

“He throws the highest numbers of strikes. He's at 74%, which is unheard of. Our aim is 64%, and he's at 74%. It's going to be even more refined and even more consistent.”

— Laz Gutierrez, Pitching Coach (themiamihurricane.com)

“This is the most balanced offense we've had since I've been here. There's going to be a lot of guys besides me producing a lot for us, and guys can't just pitch around you anymore.”

— Daniel Cuvet, Junior Third Baseman (themiamihurricane.com)

“This team has a different motive. Super regional is cool, but they did it last year. They want more this year, and it's cool to be a part of that.”

— Alex Sosa, Transfer Catcher (themiamihurricane.com)

“Opening weekend, we're going in there making a statement. We've got a new identity, new guys, new lineups, new weekend rotation, and we're going to set the tone for our brand of baseball and keep playing that way.”

— AJ Ciscar, Sophomore Right-Handed Pitcher (themiamihurricane.com)

What’s next

The Hurricanes will open their 2026 season on Friday, February 14 against Lehigh at Alex Rodriguez Park at Mark Light Field, where they will look to set the tone for their quest to return to the College World Series in Omaha.

The takeaway

After falling short of Omaha last season, the University of Miami baseball team is determined to reclaim its place among the nation's elite programs. With a powerful offense led by Daniel Cuvet and a pitching staff looking to rebuild, the Hurricanes are confident they have the pieces in place to make a deep postseason run and compete for a national championship.