Louisville Pitching Staff Primed for Big 2026 Season

After a strong postseason run, the Cardinals look to build on their elite pitching performance.

Published on Feb. 8, 2026

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Louisville baseball is coming off a successful 2025 season that saw them reach the College World Series for the first time since 2019. While the team's star-studded lineup led by Lucas Moore, Zion Rose, Alex Alicea, and Tague Davis has garnered much of the attention, it's the Cardinals' pitching staff that is poised to take a big step forward in 2026.

Why it matters

Louisville has a rich history of producing top-tier pitching talent, but the team had struggled on the mound in recent years, missing the NCAA Tournament in back-to-back seasons. However, the pitching staff flipped the script in the 2025 postseason, posting a 4.07 ERA that ranked sixth nationally. With several key contributors departing, Louisville will need its young arms to step up and build on that strong finish.

The details

The Cardinals lost several key pitchers to the MLB draft, including ace Patrick Forbes, as well as reliable relievers Tucker Biven, Justin West, and Brennyn Cutts. To fill those voids, Louisville will turn to a trio of weekend starters - Ethan Eberle, Peter Michael, and transfer Jake Bean - along with a deep bullpen led by righties Jake Schweitzer and Wyatt Danilowicz. Lefties TJ Schlageter, Ty Starke, and Casen Murphy will also play key roles, while freshmen like Brandon Shannon look to make an immediate impact.

  • Louisville reached its sixth College World Series in 2025, its first appearance since 2019.
  • Patrick Forbes was drafted 29th overall by the Arizona Diamondbacks in the 2025 MLB Draft.

The players

Ethan Eberle

A breakout freshman in 2025, Eberle led Louisville with 6 wins and will anchor the starting rotation in 2026.

Peter Michael

The most experienced returning starter, Michael made 13 starts last season after struggling at his previous schools.

Jake Bean

A transfer from Kent State, Bean was a First-Team All-MAC honoree in 2025 and will look to solidify the Cardinals' weekend rotation.

Jake Schweitzer

As a true freshman in 2025, Schweitzer posted a 2.34 ERA and is poised to be a key part of Louisville's bullpen.

Wyatt Danilowicz

The senior right-hander had a breakout 2025 campaign and is expected to be Louisville's closer in 2026.

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What they’re saying

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— Robert Jenkins, San Francisco resident (San Francisco Chronicle)

“Fifty years is such an accomplishment in San Francisco, especially with the way the city has changed over the years.”

— Gordon Edgar, grocery employee (Instagram)

What’s next

The judge in the case will decide on Tuesday whether or not to allow Walker Reed Quinn out on bail.

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.