Phoenix, February 13, 2026
The Arizona State University baseball program embarks on a new season with a restructured roster, aiming for competitive excellence. Under Coach Willie Bloomquist, the team seeks to build on insights from previous challenges while leveraging new talent acquired through transfers. As they prepare for their season opener against the University of Omaha, community support remains crucial, reflecting the program’s economic impact on the local Phoenix area.
Phoenix, AZ — The Arizona State University (ASU) baseball program enters its 2026 season with a renewed sense of purpose and a significantly revamped roster, aiming to build upon the strategic adjustments and talent acquisitions made during its 2025 campaign. This focus on continuous improvement, driven by a blend of experienced returners and impactful transfers, underscores a commitment to competitive excellence that resonates deeply within the local sports community and contributes to the economic vitality of the region.
The Sun Devils’ pursuit of higher achievements on the diamond reflects a broader narrative of initiative and perseverance in Arizona’s collegiate athletic landscape. With their 2026 season officially underway, the squad looks to demonstrate how private initiative, responsible program growth, and the inherent value of competition can forge a pathway to sustained success, both for student-athletes and for the surrounding Phoenix metropolitan area.
A New Era Dawns: 2026 Season Kick-off
Phoenix Municipal Stadium Hosts Opener
Anticipation is palpable as Sun Devil Baseball lifts the lid on its 2026 campaign this weekend, hosting a three-game series against the University of Omaha at Phoenix Municipal Stadium. The opening night is scheduled for a 6:35 p.m. AZT first pitch on Friday, February 13, with Saturday and Sunday games commencing at 1:05 p.m. AZT. This home stand marks a fresh start and a clear signal of the program’s ambitions under the continued leadership of Head Coach Willie Bloomquist, who recently received a contract extension through 2028. His stewardship emphasizes depth and internal competition as key components for success, a philosophy designed to cultivate a more resilient and versatile team.
Lessons from 2025: Building a Foundation
Strategic Squad Revitalization
The foundation for the 2026 season was meticulously laid during the 2025 campaign, which saw ASU baseball actively engage in strategic squad revitalization. The team bolstered its ranks by adding one of the top transfer portal classes, a move designed to enhance its tournament prospects for 2025. Key contributors during that period included redshirt sophomore outfielder Brandon Compton. Offensively, the Sun Devils showed signs of significant progress in 2025, demonstrating an improved ability to get “pumps with runners on base” and generating substantial home run production, with 37 of their last 66 home runs that year coming with runners on base. Despite these offensive strides, the 2025 season presented challenges, particularly an inconsistent pitching staff that registered a 5.38 ERA, often negating the team’s strong offensive output. Nevertheless, the program managed to snap a three-year postseason skid in 2025, marking the longest such drought in school history. This experience provided critical insights and momentum heading into the current year.
Cultivating Talent and Depth: The 2026 Roster
Impact of Transfers and Player Development
The current 2026 roster reflects a dynamic approach to talent acquisition and development, crucial for sustained success in Arizona college athletics. Following the 2025 season, the Sun Devils experienced a significant exodus, losing nine players to the MLB Draft within the first 10 rounds, alongside other departures due to graduation and the transfer portal. However, the program responded with a strong transfer portal class for 2026, securing three top 100 portal players, including former Cal shortstop PJ Moutzouridis, former UNLV outfielder Dean Toigo, and former TCU pitcher Kole Klecker. The team is ranked fourth in the 2026 Big 12 Baseball preseason poll, with players like outfielder Landon Hairston, third baseman Austen Roellig, and pitcher Cole Carlon earning preseason Big 12 selections. Hairston, in particular, was also recognized as the preseason Big 12 Newcomer of the Year. This emphasis on building a competitive and deep roster aims to move beyond the “all or nothing” tendencies sometimes observed in prior seasons, creating a more dynamic and consistent team for 2026.
Economic & Community Impact of Collegiate Athletics
Fueling Arizona’s Economy through Sports
Collegiate athletics, including ASU baseball, plays a vital role in fueling Phoenix AZ sports and the broader state economy. A recent report indicates that Sun Devil Athletics generates a substantial $99.5 million total economic impact on Arizona’s gross domestic product. This significant financial contribution extends beyond just football, with other ticketed Olympic sports teams contributing nearly $45 million to the state’s GDP. University athletic events, such as those hosted at Phoenix Municipal Stadium, attract thousands of fans, creating direct spending on lodging, food, and other entertainment, and supporting numerous jobs. This influx of activity demonstrates how successful university programs serve as powerful economic engines and community touchstones, fostering civic pride and regional visibility that transcends game day results. The commitment to responsible growth and competitive achievement within ASU baseball directly contributes to this positive cycle, reinforcing the value of private initiative and community self-reliance.
Leadership and Vision for the Future
Coach Bloomquist’s Continued Stewardship
Under Coach Willie Bloomquist’s leadership, ASU baseball continues to chart a course for renewed prominence. His recent contract extension through 2028 signifies a long-term commitment to his vision for the program. Bloomquist has expressed growing energy and excitement, noting strong momentum and continuous improvement since his tenure began. The program is actively enhancing its recruiting efforts, securing commitments from top 100 national prospects and effectively integrating new transfers with returning players. This strategic development of talent, combined with a robust internal competition, is designed to instill a winning culture grounded in perseverance and the relentless pursuit of excellence, values that resonate deeply within the athletic and broader community.
The 2026 ASU baseball season represents a culmination of deliberate efforts to build a formidable squad, drawing on the experiences and lessons learned from the previous year. As the Sun Devils take the field, their drive to compete and excel contributes not only to their athletic legacy but also to the vibrant tapestry of Phoenix AZ sports and the economic prosperity of Arizona. We encourage local residents and enthusiasts of Arizona college athletics to show their support and engage with the team as they strive for a championship season.
Frequently Asked Questions
- When does ASU baseball’s 2026 season begin? ASU baseball’s 2026 season begins on Friday, February 13, 2026, with a home series against the University of Omaha.
- Who is the head coach for ASU baseball? Willie Bloomquist is the head coach for ASU baseball, and his contract has been extended through 2028.
- What was the key offensive statistic for ASU baseball in 2025 related to runners on base? In 2025, 37 of ASU baseball’s last 66 home runs came with runners on base.
- What was the pitching staff’s ERA for ASU baseball in 2025? The ASU baseball pitching staff had a 5.38 ERA in 2025.
- What is the total economic impact of Sun Devil Athletics on Arizona’s GDP? Sun Devil Athletics has a $99.5 million total economic impact on Arizona’s gross domestic product.
ASU Baseball: 2026 Season and 2025 Reflections
| Category | Detail |
|---|---|
| 2026 Season Opener Date | Friday, February 13, 2026 |
| 2026 Season Opener Opponent | University of Omaha |
| Head Coach Contract Extension | Willie Bloomquist extended through 2028 |
| 2025 Pitching Staff ERA | 5.38 |
| 2025 Home Runs with Runners on Base | 37 of last 66 home runs |
| 2026 Big 12 Preseason Ranking | 4th |
| Sun Devil Athletics Total Economic Impact (Arizona GDP) | $99.5 million |
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