Ricky Bumgardner Jr | 1.12.2026
Stetson Hatters Baseball 2026 Season Preview — After a Historic 2025, the Hatters Are Poised for More
The Stetson University Hatters capped an incredible 2025 campaign that reminded the college baseball world why DeLand, Florida, is home to one of NCAA Division I’s most consistently competitive programs. With a 41–20 overall record, a share of the ASUN Graphite Division title, and an NCAA Regional victory, the Hatters now turn their attention to a loaded 2026 roster ready to build on last year’s success.
Photo from Stetson Baseball Website
2025: A Standout Season in the ASUN and NCAA
In 2025, Stetson came out of the gates strong and rarely let up. The Hatters finished 24–6 in ASUN play, earning the top seed in the ASUN Tournament and ultimately capturing a shared conference title — the program’s ninth in history.
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Key statistical performances and honors from 2025 included:
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Jonathan Gonzalez (RHP) — ASUN Pitcher of the Year, posting an 8–2 record with a 2.18 ERA, striking out 93 batters in 82.2 innings while holding opponents to a .192 batting average. He continued to lead the staff into postseason play, including an NCAA Regional opener where he threw six shutout innings against NC State. Jonathan's arm will be missed leaving plenty of opportunities that await.
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Lorenzo Meola (SS) — ASUN Defensive Player of the Year, Meola delivered at both ends of the field, batting .321 with 10 home runs and 39 RBIs while providing elite defense with a .985 fielding percentage.
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Ty Van Dyke (RHP) — A dominant closer, Van Dyke finished 2025 6–0 with 8 saves and a 0.93 ERA, striking out 56 in 38.2 innings and holding opponents to just a .165 average. His performance earned First Team All-ASUN honors.
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Juan De La Cruz (2B), Isaiah Barkett (3B), and Jordan Taylor (OF) — All-ASUN contributors who combined power, speed, and consistent contact. Barkett led the team with a .385 batting average and 28 steals, while Taylor delivered 22 extra-base hits and a perfect stolen base percentage (21-for-21).
Stetson’s offense and pitching combined to produce one of the most complete teams in the ASUN. In addition to capturing conference hardware, the Hatters earned a bid to the 2025 NCAA Auburn Regional, where they opened with a decisive 11–2 win over NC State, highlighted by seven first-inning runs and solid performances up and down the lineup.
2026 Outlook — Powered by the Current Stetson Roster
As the Hatters prepare for the 2026 NCAA Division I baseball season, the outlook is centered on returning talent, positional balance, and emerging leaders from the current roster — a group that blends experience with youth, depth with upside.
Photo by official Stetson Baseball Website
Core Returning Contributors
Juan De La Cruz (R-Jr.)
The veteran infielder returns after playing a key role in last season’s lineup. With years of ASUN experience already under his belt, De La Cruz brings defensive versatility and contact ability that helps set the tone at the top of the order.
Landon Russell (Sr.)
A senior outfielder with multi-season experience, Russell provides consistency in the outfield and run production potential. His ability to handle both defensive reps and key at-bats makes him a stabilizing presence in the Hatters’ lineup.
Yohann Dessureault (Graduate Student)
After missing most of 2025 due to injury, the powerful infielder is back in DeLand — and fans should be excited. Dessureault has shown home run power in past seasons and now returns with added motivation and maturity.
Foster Apple (So.) & Paul Napolitano (Jr.)
Emerging in 2025 and set to take bigger roles in 2026, Apple and Napolitano represent the youth movement. Apple’s athleticism and Napolitano’s bat speed give the Hatters a dangerous lower-order mix that can spark rallies and keep pressure on opposing pitchers.
Pitching Staff Poised to Compete
The Hatters’ pitching depth returns with experience and fresh arms ready to impact the season:
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Ethan Phillips (Sr.) — An experienced right-hander who will anchor the rotation, bringing leadership both on the mound and in the dugout.
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James Hays (Jr.) & Joel Core (Jr.) — Two upperclassmen arms that combine size and strikeout potential, capable of setting the tone early in starts.
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Zane Coppersmith (R-Jr.) & Paul Janezcko (Jr.) — Versatile pitchers with big-inning potential who can swing momentum in midweek or weekend matchups.
Freshmen and redshirt freshmen such as Nathan Ricko, Eli Fleming, and Matthew Diskin provide valuable depth and look poised to contribute as the season progresses.
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New Faces & Impact Transfers
According to the program’s announcements, the 2026 roster includes six transfers from Power 4 programs — a significant infusion of experience and talent that strengthens both the pitching staff and offensive depth. These additions, alongside eight freshmen ready to make an immediate impression, give Stetson a unique blend of seasoned Division I experience and youthful energy.
Stetson’s roster also boasts strong positional balance, with catchers like Sean Griggs and Danny Perez offering quality at both ends of play and versatile athletes such as Tyler Boyesen and Trace Hartman giving head coach Steve Trimper multiple tactical options.
Coaching & Culture
Head Coach Steve Trimper has guided Stetson to sustained success. In his tenure, the Hatters have become a perennial ASUN contender, known for discipline, fundamentals, and strategy that leverages both pitching and situational hitting. Trimper’s ability to develop talent — from freshmen to seasoned upperclassmen — is clearly reflected in back-to-back 40-win seasons and consistent postseason appearances.
Off the field, Trimper’s teams emphasize unity, accountability, and preparation — traits that will be vital as Stetson navigates a challenging 2026 schedule filled with ranked opponents and tough conference play.
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A Fan Experience Like None Other
Championship baseball is about more than wins and losses — it’s about atmosphere, tradition, and community. Stetson’s home games in DeLand have become a destination for fans, alumni, and recruits alike.
“Stetson home games are incredibly fan engaging,” says Ricky Bumgardner, Owner of the Florida Heat Professional Softball Team.
“The energy in the stands, the passion of the Hatters Nation, and the electric atmosphere make it one of the best environments in college baseball. I can’t wait to attend another game this spring — it’s a must-see experience.”
Final Thoughts
With returning stars, a confident coaching staff, and one of the most exciting recent seasons in program history, Stetson Baseball enters 2026 ready for another statement year. Expect the Hatters to compete at the top of the ASUN once again, challenge high-caliber opponents, and deliver thrilling moments for fans from DeLand to regional diamond destinations.
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Meet the Author, Ricky Bumgardner, Owner of Four One Sports
