Yellowjackets Baseball Returns Proven Performers
The MSUB lineup maintains substantial offensive firepower with the return of several key contributors. Jack Nehler headlines the returning group after an outstanding performance that saw him post a .397 batting average and 1.027 OPS along with 14 SB. Senior infielders Bodee Wright (.358 AVG, .901 OPS, 13 2B) and Zack Blaszak (.330 AVG, .902 OPS, 9 2B, 5 HR, 14 SB) provide additional firepower in the batting order.
Power-hitting infielder Kaden Kirshenbaum returns to anchor the middle of the lineup following a double-digit 2B/HR season (11/10). Ryan Jeffrey (.299, .816 OPS, 5 2B, 4 HR) brings back solid production to the outfield.
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The pitching staff retains valuable experience with senior left-hander Jackson Betancourt, who threw 73.2 innings in 2024 over 13 starts. Southpaw Cy Miller returns as well, starting 9 games last season. The Yellowjackets also return Cole Bertram (11 APP, 20 IP, 19 K, 4.50 ERA) to help anchor the bullpen.
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MSUB Baseball Baseball Adds Via Portal
The Yellowjackets’ pitching staff receives substantial reinforcement through transfer portal. Right-hander Brennen Chappell (Southern Idaho, 2.70 ERA, 33.1 IP, 30 strikeouts) is a key addition along with Gunner Thompson (Mayville State, 3.55 ERA, 33 IP, 27 strikeouts) who brings senior leadership and proven consistency. Malcolm Bartholomew (Southern Idaho, 4.31 ERA, 33.1 IP, 31 strikeouts) provides a left-handed option, while Hayden Mullins (SAGU, 5.77 ERA, 39 IP, 37 strikeouts) adds depth to the bullpen.
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The offensive side of the roster also receives impactful additions through the portal. First, INF River Smith (.307 AVG, 13 XBH, 42 RBIs, 16 SB) from Wenatchee Valley College highlights this group.
The outfield gains significant production with Trevor Munson (Los Medanos, .347 AVG, 1.034 OPS, 18 RBIs) and Kyle Henington (USC Upstate, .275 AVG, 34 RBIs in 2023) Additional speed arrives with Ryker Fortier (Bellevue, .274 AVG, 19 SB) and Logan Keller (Centralia, .267 AVG, 19 SB).
The catching position adds depth with the addition of Jason Wright (Saddleback CC, .193 AVG, 6 RBIs). Meanwhile, OF Satsuki Kawakami (Salt Lake CC, .545 AVG, 1.524 OPS) provides interesting potential in limited appearances.
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Notable Departures Create New Opportunities
MSUB Yellowjackets baseball program moves forward without several significant contributors. Initially, the departure of Payton Flynn leaves the biggest gap. He hit .330 with a .979 OPS, 11 2B, 14 HR, and 48 RBI. Additionally, departures include Berk Barnes (.278 AVG), C Brock Molenda (.341, 6 XBH), and James Anderson. Together, they combined to drive in 42 runs last season.
On the pitching side, the rotation loses 18 starts between Jake Finkelstein and Ryun Cross. They accounted for 75.2 innings last season. Therefore, the bullpen adjusts to the loss of Sage Wayment, who logged 48 innings as the most-used reliever last year. Finally, versatile Beau Burnett (11 APP, 3 GS, 5-1, 34.2 IP) also departs.
Schedule at a Glance
- Jan 31-Feb 2: at Cal State East Bay (4 games)
- Feb 3: at San Francisco State (1)
- Feb 6-8: at Colorado State Pueblo (4)
- Feb 13-15: at Regis University (4)
- Feb 27-Mar 1: at Colorado Mesa (4)
- Mar 7-8: at Northwest Nazarene (4)
- Mar 14-15: HOME vs Saint Martin’s (4)
- Mar 21-22: HOME vs Western Oregon (4)
- Mar 28-29: at Central Washington (4)
- Apr 11-12: HOME vs Northwest Nazarene (4)
- Apr 18-19: at Saint Martin’s (4)
- Apr 25-26: at Western Oregon (4)
- May 1-2: HOME vs Central Washington (4)
- May 8: GNAC Championships at Ellensburg, WA
See the full Montana State Billings 2025 baseball roster here.
