After a challenging 2024 campaign that saw Saint Martin’s Baseball finished 17-34 overall, the program enters 2025 with a new head coach and an intriguing team heading into the spring. Joey Swanson was named Interim HC last fall and carries that role into the spring after the departure of Kelly Gau, who spent seven seasons at the helm. As the program continues its pursuit of competitiveness in the GNAC, this roster analysis reveals both the challenges and opportunities that lie ahead for the Saints.
SMU Baseball Position Players
The Saints’ lineup undergoes significant reconstruction for 2025, balancing key departures with promising returners. The departure of Trevor McCorkle (.346 AVG, .888 OPS) leaves big shoes to fill in the heart of the order. Similarly, Dylan McLaughlin (.325 AVG, .829 OPS) and Austin Schaler (.284 AVG, 22 RBI) each take with them not just impressive statistics but veteran presence.
However, SMU’s cupboard is far from bare. Peter Hollabaugh (.283 AVG, .690 OPS) returns with an all-around offensive game that suggests even better numbers ahead. Hunter Sasaki (.278 AVG, 19 RBI) leads the returners in OBP (.345), while Damon Ingram (.261/.339/.447 last two seasons) has shown flashes that could translate into a breakout senior season. Two-way Rylen Miyasaki brings back the most RBI’s from last year (20) and will look for more appearances on the mound after making two last season.
Rebuilding the Arsenal
The pitching rotation represents perhaps the most intriguing storyline for the Saints in 2025. The departure of workhorses Colin Driscoll (3.17 ERA, 71 IP), Justice Yamashita (4.88 ERA, 66.1 IP), and Cole Hatton (7.16 ERA, 55.1) combined for 36 starts and 192.2 IP in 2024. Caleb Okada (4.94 ERA, 24 K, 23 IP), also departs, taking with him crucial bullpen versatility.
The rotation rests largely on the shoulders of returning arms Blaze Wong (4.70 ERA, 59.1 IP) and Isaiah Mayfield-Prieto (3.86 ERA, 42 IP). The bullpen does return experience with Nikki Scott II (11 APP) and Bryson Nakamoto (10 APP). A couple of intriguing options include Raige Velez (2.70 ERA) and Carson Jones (2.45 ERA) who each showed promise in limited action.
Impact Transfers and Freshman
The transfer portal was kind to the Saints, bringing in JUCO players like Cade Gibson from Tacoma CC (.382 AVG, .933 OPS) – a potential immediate impact bat. OF Isaac Hoag (Everett CC, .248 AVG, .367 OB%, 21 RBI) and UTL Alex Hartnett (Lower Columbia, .204 AVG, 5 XBH) add additional depth. A couple of interesting pieces on the pitching side in Kyle Gerchak (Ottawa University) and Luke Petrie (Allen CC), both of whom DNP or register stats in 2024, but could compete for significant roles.
This year’s freshman class is headlined by RHP Caiden Schultz (Toledo HS). Per Perfect Game, Schultz has a 8.5 Grade and is the #8 pitcher in the state Washington. See the full Saint Martin’s Saints baseball roster here.