The Warriors return four everyday bats who combined for 189 games played last spring, giving them a solid foundation up the middle and in the corners. A deep transfer class from junior colleges and four-year programs targets replacing departed production after a challenging 14-36 campaign. On the mound, experienced returning arms plus senior-level transfers create real pitching upside to complement the lineup. This breakdown covers the key returners, major losses, and newcomers who will shape Corban’s competitive spring campaign.
Key offensive losses
Corban loses four major contributors from 2025, but Ryan Clay represents their biggest departure. The CCC All-Conference 3B hit .394/.512/.624 across 48 starts with 65 hits, 16 doubles, 6 homers, 31 RBI and 103 total bases – team highs in average, OPS, hits, doubles, total bases, walks and on-base percentage. Drew DeMasi (now an assistant coach at Corban) posted .258/.399 with 9 doubles, 3 homers and 26 RBI in 38 starts. Noah Owens started 45 games at .257 with 11 doubles. Fran Gross stole 28-of-31 bases while scoring 37 runs.
Returning offense & transfers
Core returners anchor the lineup:
- Chase Elliott, OF (Sr.) – 47 G, 44 GS, .272/.363/.405 (36 R, 20 RBI, 17/22 SB). Dynamic leadoff speed.
- Peyton Rickard, UTL/RHP (Sr.) – 50 GS, .311/.384/.393 (45 RBI, 12 2B). Ironman run producer.
- Lucas Mertlich, OF/UTL (Jr.) – 48 GS, .309/.352/.466 (5 HR, 34 RBI). Lefty power bat.
- Isaac Bateman, SS/RHP (Sr.) – 47 GS, .262/.366/.464 (13/13 SB). Athletic infield anchor.
Offensive transfers: Easton Herdman (Jr., OF – Yakima Valley CC), Matthew Zariello (So., OF/1B – Menlo College), JC Klee (R-So., INF – Chemeketa CC), Colin McNeill (Jr., INF – San Diego Mesa CC), Brady Sprague (So., INF – Big Bend CC), Dallas Boler (R-So., 1B – Big Bend CC), Joaquin Velez-Fucal (Jr., 1B – Blue Mountain CC).
Key pitching losses
The rotation loses two workhorses. Chris Shaffer made 12 GS with 70.2 IP, 5.99 ERA and 71 K. Josephan Gonzalez started 12 games with 57 IP and 68 K. That’s 127.2 innings of experience to replace.
Returning pitching & transfers
Returning arms provide continuity:
- Jackson Young, RHP (Sr.) – 15 App, 9 GS, 43.1 IP. Rotation experience.
- Avery Williamson, RHP (Jr.) – 13 App, 6 GS, 38.1 IP. Bulk innings arm.
- Peyton Rickard, RHP – 6 App, 3.38 ERA, 3 SV (8 IP). High-leverage weapon.
- Eddie Gould, RHP (R-Jr.) – 19 App, 26 IP. Bullpen workhorse.
- Tanner Martinez, RHP (Sr.) – 12 App, 23.1 IP. Reliable arm.
Pitching transfers: Jack Kovanen (R-Sr., Univ. of Jamestown), Christian Pederson (R-Sr., Menlo College), Jamie Hogarth (R-Jr., Napa Valley CC) add senior experience to rotation/bullpen mix.
The Warriors open their season in Phoenix, Arizona on Thursday, January 22nd against Taylor (Ind.) in the Coach Calderone Invitational, hosted by Arizona Christian University. Read about their schedule in our Corban Schedule Preview.