Western Oregon University baseball aims to build on a successful 2024 season that saw the Wolves finish 29-21 overall and finish second in the Great Northwest Athletic Conference (GNAC) at 21-11. After falling the GNAC tournament championship game, the program enters 2025 with a promising mix of established performers and transfer talent that could push them back towards conference supremacy.
WOU Position Players
The 2024 lineup saw significant departures, including Curran Mitzel’s consistent production (.317 AVG, 32 RBIs) AJ Cortese’s extra-base power (17 doubles), and Justin Herzog’s steady production (.382 OBP, 7 2B, 6 HR).
The Wolves’ return several impact performers for 2025, led by OF Owen Bischoff’s dynamic presence at the plate. His .329 batting average, along with 10 doubles, 5 triples, and 10 stolen bases, showcases his all-around skills. INF John Oleson anchors the infield after hitting .313 with 5 home runs and 36 RBIs, while Collin Irwin brings stability behind the plate with a .273 average and 8 stolen bases. Randy Stultz adds another power threat to the lineup, having slugged 5 home runs in just 93 at-bats with a .974 OPS.
The Wolves reloaded through the transfer portal with several impressive additions. INF Kade Mosley arrives from Miles CC with outstanding credentials, including a .421 average and 60 RBIs. Grafton Stroup (Umpqua CC, .262, 12 2B), Danner Salisbury (Umpqua CC, .308, 7 2B), and Alex Harden (Shoreline CC, .424 OBP, 7 2B) all bring additional depth to the infield. C/1B David Loera (Chaffey, .342 AVG, 4 XBH) brings a high average and versatility.
The outfield additions are highlighted by Kaynan Kaku Jr. from Wenatchee Valley, who slashed .336/.441/.893 last spring with 7 2B, 2 3B, 2 HR, and 7 SB. Gavin Shary (Colby CC, .739 OPS, 9 2B, 6 HR) brings plenty of offensive potential and Ruben Cedillo (CSUSM, .878 OPS) returns to the Pacific Northwest (Linn-Benton ’22). UTL Andre Jackson II brings a dynamic skill set from Prairie View A&M, having tallied 17 doubles, 7 home runs, and 20 stolen bases at his previous stops.
Wolves’ Pitching
The pitching staff does face the challenge of replacing 133.1 quality innings from starters Dylan Chalmers (3.71 ERA, 70.1 IP) and Arturo Alvarez (4.00 ERA, 7 wins, 63 IP).
The Western Oregon baseball pitching staff brings back two starters from last season, anchored by Jacob Memmott. After posting a 3.90 ERA with 49 strikeouts across 60 innings, he returns to lead the staff along with Owen Murdock (9 GS, 5.37 ERA). The bullpen features an experienced, reliable duo of Devin Bell (2.91 ERA, 4 saves) and Bryce Bond (3.82 ERA, 4 saves) along with Shane Bailey, who put up strong numbers his freshman season (20 APP, 2.86 ERA)
The incoming arms brings a handful of impressive reinforcements to the program. Dominic Tatone dominated out of the bullpen at Umpqua CC last season (44.2 IP, 1.61 ERA, 45 K. Carson Kruckman (Lower Columbia, 19 APP, 3.61 ERA) and Ben Edwards (Skagit Valley, 17 APP, 4.07 ERA) each bring plenty of relief experience. Kade Coombe (Southern Illinois) also returns to the PNW after spending 2022 and 2023 at Edmonds College.
The Western Oregon baseball program looks ready to compete for another GNAC title in 2025. Returners Bischoff, Oleson, Stultz, and Memmott provide a solid foundation. Impact transfers like Kaku Jr., Mosley, Tatone, and Kruckman all bring experience and strong résumés. The 2025 WOU roster can be found on their website.