Eastern Oregon baseball begins 2026 under interim head coach Shane McCarroll looking to build on returning offensive production after a 13-36 season (9-28 CCC) in 2025. The Mountaineers placed last in the Cascade Collegiate Conference standings but return several key contributors, led by catcher Mario Landeros who hit .386 with 44 RBI. With experienced hitters back and a pitching staff that needs significant improvement, McCarroll’s second season focuses on turning close games into wins.
Offensive Departures
Trevor Baker (.351, 11 2B, 2 3B, 5 HR, 32 RBI) set the standard for consistency before graduating. Mason Van Arsdall (.304, 11 2B, 29 RBI) and Parker Cumberland (.299, 16 2B, 1 3B, 5 HR, 28 RBI) provided middle-order power. Matthew Carlson (.284, 22 G), Rogelio Gonzales (.304, 28 G), Brandon Taddy (.091, 31 G), Tyler Balkenbush (.237, 26 G), and Benat Van Hoose (.308, 13 G) also exhausted their eligibility. Danny Burns (.247, 1 2B, 4 3B, 3 HR, 12 RBI) departs after playing both ways.
Returning Hitters
Mario Landeros returns after leading the team with a .386/.447/.572 slash line, 13 2B, 6 HR, and 44 RBI in 44 games. Carson Gerding (.281, 4 2B, 1 3B, 4 HR, 24 RBI) provides veteran production after 41 games. Greyson McDaniel (.325, 12 2B, 3 3B, 8 HR, 25 RBI) brings elite power as a redshirt senior. Alex Olague (.288, 3 HR, 15 RBI) adds corner depth. Tommy Whiles, Monte Spence, and Tucker Zander (.213, 24 G) return with experience. Easton Espinoza (.231, 18 G) and Jake Sauceda provide depth. Lucas Smith (.444), Jake Brady (1.000), Joey Weissenfels, Afton Milton, and catcher David Soto saw limited action in 2025 but look for bigger roles in 2026.
Incoming Hitters
Ethan Valtierra (Southwestern Oregon CC) offers catching and utility skills. Andrew Demianew (Linn-Benton CC; .269 AVG, 7 XBH) and Jace Nagler (Lower Columbia College; .315 AVG, .867 OPS, 15 XBH) bolster the infield. Brayden Macy (College of Idaho transfer) adds outfield experience. Kai Brown (Clackamas CC; .200 AVG, 85 AB) provides first-base depth. Jace Schow (Blue Mountain CC; .175 AVG, 57 AB) offers two-way versatility. Freshmen Jason DeBone (Saint Francis HS), Jaxon Logsdon (Baker HS), Ryan Conklin (Whitefish HS), Tanner Steinson (Sitka HS), Lucas Perez (Tahoma HS), and Logan Arata (Tahoe Truckee HS) round out the position-player additions.
Pitching Departures
Danny Burns logged a team-high 60 IP with a 6.30 ERA and 37 K despite a 4-6 record. Shane Sinclair matched Burns’ workload at 60.1 IP but finished winless in 12 starts. Will Seslar threw 54.1 IP and struck out 46 hitters. Dalton Jones (3.86 ERA, 4.2 IP), Jake Herrera (12.64 ERA, 15.2 IP), Sam McCauley (9.47 ERA, 19 IP), Logan Valtierra (6.52 ERA, 19.1 IP), and Cade Christopherson (5.73 ERA, 11 IP) also depart.
Returning Pitchers
Alex Farnsworth (6.83 ERA, 27.2 IP, 16 K) leads the returners in innings pitched. Zakaia Michaels (9.72 ERA, 25 IP, 21 K) logged the second-most frames. Tucker Zander (13.50 ERA, 23.1 IP) provides two-way flexibility. Reed Stamps (11.09 ERA, 18.2 IP) adds bullpen depth. Tyler Harper, Tyler Rebsom, Jayden Butler, Brody Noonan, Camron Hendrix, Cash Boe, and Lucas Smith all saw limited action in 2025.
Incoming Pitchers
Rocco Loftis (Blue Mountain CC; 30 IP, 22 K, 2.40 ERA, 1.13 WHIP) and Jace Schow (Blue Mountain CC) arrive with experience. Easton Corey (Linn-Benton CC; 46.2 IP, 54 K, 3.28 ERA in 2 years) brings elite strikeout numbers. Gabe Smitherman (Shasta/Lassen; 8 IP, 9 K, 7.88 ERA), Allanson Reynolds (College of the Siskiyous; 5.2 IP, 3 K, 4.76 ERA), Grant Israel (Mt. San Jacinto), Nolan Bentley (Shasta; 21 IP, 16 K, 5.14 ERA), Derek Stoetzer (College of the Desert; 5.1 IP, 5 K, 5.06 ERA), Keola Yim (Jessup/Sierra; 6.2 IP, 8 K, 12.15 ERA), and Jason Noffsinger (Chemeketa/Shasta; 45.1 IP, 21 K, 6.15 ERA) all bring JUCO experience. Ryan Vorpahl (Lower Columbia College) adds depth.
High school products Will Slater (Sunset HS), Jake Lenberger (Mt Spokane HS), Ashton Demarest (Napavine HS), Cooper Hancock (Moses Lake HS), Justen Koch (Eatonville HS), Connor Mebes (College Place HS), and Kason Whitaker (Moses Lake HS) compete for innings.
Outlook
The 2026 Eastern Oregon baseball season centers on building consistency under interim head coach Shane McCarroll’s second year. With Mario Landeros, Carson Gerding, and Greyson McDaniel anchoring the offense, the Mountaineers have experienced production returning. The pitching staff needs improvement from returners and contributions from newcomers. Five seasons removed from reinstatement, the Mountaineers aim to climb the CCC standings. The slate begins in Arizona on February 6th against Park Gilbert (Feb 6-8). Check out our 2026 EOU Schedule Preview here!
