Ozark Pitchers Baer and O'Donnell Aim to Lead Tigers' Rotation

Caden O'Donnell shifts from closer to starter as Ozark looks to bolster its pitching staff.

Mar. 27, 2026 at 12:00am

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Ozark High School's baseball team is looking to its top pitchers, Caden O'Donnell and Landon Baer, to anchor the starting rotation this season. O'Donnell is transitioning from the closer role to become a starting pitcher, while Baer is expected to be the team's ace. The coaching staff believes the two strike-throwers can provide a strong foundation for the Tigers' pitching staff.

Why it matters

Ozark has struggled with pitching depth in recent seasons, so the development of O'Donnell and Baer as reliable starters is crucial for the team's success. The Tigers hope the two pitchers can provide consistent outings and set the tone for the rest of the staff.

The details

O'Donnell actually found the adjustment from starter to reliever last year more challenging than his current shift back to the rotation. As the team's closer in 2025, he excelled in short bursts, but now he'll need to develop the stamina and repertoire to handle a starter's workload. Baer, meanwhile, has shown the ability to overpower hitters and is expected to be the staff's top arm.

  • Ozark's 2026 baseball season is set to begin in the coming weeks.

The players

Caden O'Donnell

A pitcher for the Ozark High School baseball team who is transitioning from the closer role to become a starting pitcher this season.

Landon Baer

Ozark's ace pitcher who is expected to anchor the starting rotation and provide a strong presence on the mound.

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What they’re saying

“As Ozark pitcher Caden O'Donnell transitions from closer to starter, he relates it was actually more of an adjustment for him last year to go from starter to converted reliever and eventually the team's closer.”

— Caden O'Donnell, Ozark Pitcher

The takeaway

Ozark's baseball team is banking on its top pitchers, Caden O'Donnell and Landon Baer, to provide a strong foundation for the starting rotation and help the Tigers improve their pitching depth this season.