2025 Wildcats Roster Preview
Central Washington baseball enters its 2025 season with elevated expectations, bolstered by a strategic overhaul of its roster. Following a transformative offseason, the Wildcats combine returning All-Region stars with a wave of talented JUCO transfers and promising freshmen. With GNAC Player of the Year Ben Leid leading the charge and a solid group of veterans returning, the team has deepened its ranks through the transfer portal. This influx of new talent aims to elevate the Wildcats from their previous 3rd place GNAC standing, setting the stage for a competitive run in an increasingly challenging conference. Check out our Central Washington 2025 schedule preview.Returning Players Shape Core
The Wildcats baseball program centers around outfielder Ben Leid. He dominated the 2024 season with a .425 batting average. His team-leading 9 home runs and 46 RBIs earned him GNAC Player of the Year honors. Leid also secured a spot on the ABCA/Rawlings DII All-West Region team. His impressive slash line of .425/.490/.680 showcases his complete offensive toolkit. Fifth-year outfielder Baba Varner Jr. brings veteran leadership. His consistent production included a .359 average with 16 doubles and 26 RBIs. Marcus Manzardo solidifies the infield with his .342 average. Andrew Sharp rounds out the key returners, posting a .343 average with 40 RBIs.
Jonathan Garza II headlines the returning Central Washington baseball pitching staff. He recorded a 3.80 ERA with 81 strikeouts across 71 innings. Daniel Charron brings experience with 60.1 innings pitched. Logan Pierce contributed valuable innings as a sophomore.
Transfer Additions Bolster Roster
The Wildcats baseball program significantly bolstered its pitching staff through transfers with a total of 10 incoming. Blake Reece headlines the pitching additions from Wenatchee Valley with dominant numbers, posting a 1.56 ERA and 81 strikeouts in 75 innings. The pitching staff deepens considerably with Drake Anderson (Pierce College, 3.84 ERA, 41 strikeouts), Dakota Todd (Nevada/Feather River, 4.45 ERA, 64 strikeouts in 2023), Garet Hagy (Wenatchee Valley, 1.95 ERA, 57 strikeouts), and Jaden Anderson (Rainy River CC, 3.88 ERA, 56 strikeouts).
Outfielder Logan Blank joins Central Washington baseball from Edmonds College with impressive credentials. He hit .369 and stole 18 bases. Justin Birch (Wenatchee Valley, .307, 7 2B, 2 HR, 18 SB) and Andre Garza (Wenatchee Valley, .259, 5 XBH, 14 SB) strengthen the infield. Brandham Ponce brings power potential from Washington State. Joe Rajo (Spokane CC) and Dallas Kaili (Central Baptist) provide additional depth.
Notable Departures
On offense, the Wildcats must replace Austin Ohland’s production. He delivered a .353 average, .988 OPS with 8 home runs and 43 RBIs. The pitching staff loses Alex Brady’s 12 starts and 64.2 innings of work. Nolan Milliman’s effective relief pitching (23 IP, 2.74 ERA) leaves a gap in the bullpen. Beau Kearsey and Aaron Robertson’s combined 61.1 innings will need replacement.Fresh Talent Joins Program
The Central Washington baseball freshman class brings exciting potential. Logan Thompson (Homestead HS) enters as the #29 ranked left-handed pitcher in California. Gino Trippy Jr. (Auburn Mountainview HS) arrives with a PG 6.5 Grade. These newcomers will develop within the program’s system.To see the full Central Washington baseball roster for the 2025 season, tap HERE
