High Expectations for Arizona State Sun Devils Baseball

There are high expectations for the Arizona State Sun Devils baseball team for the 2026 season. They are looking to improve on last season’s win total of 36. Set to begin on February 13, this will be year five for Head Coach Willie Bloomquist, who was just given a two-year extension.

Last Season

Last season, in their inaugural season in the Big 12, the team went 36-24, their best mark in Bloomquist’s tenure. They finished fifth with 18 conference wins. However, many felt they did not meet the goals expected of them.

Disappointing Regional

While the team did make an appearance in the 2025 regionals, their overall performance was disappointing. The Sun Devils were among the last four teams to make the tournament field after a slump cost them six of their final seven games. In the regionals, their bats were silenced, and they did not advance to the College World Series.

Increased Pitching Depth

Something that has plagued the Bloomquist era is pitching depth. That could change this season. This year’s team might have the strongest pitching staff. Cole Carlon, who received all-Big 12 first-team honors, pitched out of the bullpen in 2025. He won three games with a 3.33 ERA. The left-hander will be the main starter this season and will feature his 98mph fastball.

The pitching staff also includes Alex Overbay, a transfer from UNLV. He will start the season as a long reliever but could be an occasional starter. Colin Linder redshirted in 2025, and this season is set to be the Saturday starter. Homegrown pitcher Kole Klecker is back home in Arizona, transferring from TCU. Look for him to be a key starter.

Add to that other valuable arms Easton Barrett, Finn Edwards, Max Arlich, and Derek Schaefer, all of whom will also see time as starters, and the depth of the Sun Devils pitching is looking good.

Closer

At this time, the Sun Devils will not have a set closer. We could see many come in to close out a game. There are a couple of pitchers who could get most of the work in that spot. Nick Anello, who comes over from Jacksonville University, had nine saves in 2025. Local and fan favorite Wyatt Halvorson has emerged as a key bullpen arm. He looks like he has fully recovered from back issues. He showed how good he can be by standing out in the 2025 summer season in the Cape Cod League with an ERA of 1.95.

Hitting

The 2026 Arizona State baseball offense is set to be well-adjusted. With a new-look unit focusing on transfers and a few returning veterans, they will hit and be aggressive on the bases. UNLV transfer Dean Toigo hit .377 with 18 home runs. The outfielder will enjoy playing at Phoenix Muni Stadium. Other key returning position players include catcher Brody Briggs and infielders Nu’u Contrades and Landon Hairston. These three combined for 15 home runs and 95 RBIs. They will provide veteran leadership and serve as vocal guides in the field.

Strong Catching

The Sun Devils will have strong catching—it could even be the best in the Big 12. Briggs is set to take over as the primary catcher. He has an explosive arm and caught nine runners stealing last year.

Coen Niclai comes in from Oregon and could split with Briggs. He did not make an error in 55 total chances and had 50 putouts. Tommy Brown and Cooper Clouser, both are freshmen, could get spot starts at catcher.

Competitive Again

Expectations are high for the Arizona State Sun Devils baseball team this season. Once again, the Big 12 is expected to be competitive. Seven teams have a chance to make the playoffs. The Sun Devils are projected to be at or near the top despite the competition. Currently, they are picked fourth in the conference.

Home Team Dominance

Last season, record crowds packed Phoenix Muni Stadium, home to the ASU baseball team. The hometown crowd benefited the team by watching and cheering them on to 26 wins. They are expecting the same this season, giving fans a clear reminder of what Sun Devils baseball is supposed to be. With more home games than road games this season, the team will need to dominate its opponents at home.

Outlook

The Sun Devils baseball program has a proud history. Although they have won five College World Series, they have not won a title since 1981 and have not appeared in the College World Series since 2010. This season is about proving that the success of the 2025 season and their NCAA Tournament berth were not flukes.

The 2026 season features a retooled roster, with new hitters and even pitching depth. Big-time expectations under Willie Bloomquist are high, as this is the best team since his arrival. With this strong team, they must make it to the College World Series to prove to themselves, the fans, and the powers that be that Bloomquist and the team are moving in the right direction.

Jim Marshall

Jim Marshall has been writing about sports for over 10 years. He started his sports career in radio, co-hosting and producing several sports-talk radio programs in Phoenix. He has covered local, college, and national sports, but specializes in MLB. His articles have appeared in several sports-reporting sites, including our own Legends On Deck. Jim is also a member of the Internet Baseball Writers Association of America (IBWAA).

Jim Marshall

Jim Marshall has been writing about sports for over 10 years. He started his sports career in radio, co-hosting and producing several sports-talk radio programs in Phoenix. He has covered local, college, and national sports, but specializes in MLB. His articles have appeared in several sports-reporting sites, including our own Legends On Deck. Jim is also a member of the Internet Baseball Writers Association of America (IBWAA).