The MACC Greyhound baseball program enters the 2026 season with unfinished business.

Fresh off a runner-up finish at the Region 16 Division II Tournament, the Greyhounds return a veteran core that knows what it takes to play deep into May. With experience across the diamond and another demanding schedule on deck, expectations inside the program remain high as MACC looks to turn last year's postseason run into a championship push.

Coach Fletcher states, "We are returning the majority of last year's offense and defense and gaining back our number one arm on the mound. We've also added some solid contributors as freshmen, which has us excited for the 2026 season. This is a solid group of ballplayers. Their chemistry is top notch, and they're looking to compete each and every game."

The backbone of the 2026 squad will be an experienced, battle-tested lineup that brings back much of the offensive production from a year ago. Leading that group is Jake Stedman, one of the most consistent bats in the region. Stedman returns after a standout season in which he anchored the lineup with a .385 batting average, 21 doubles, nine home runs, 43 RBIs, and 58 runs scored. His presence in the middle of the order gives the Greyhounds a proven run producer and tone-setter.

Joining him are Owen Larrigan and AJ Lucas, two hitters who provided steady production and toughness throughout the 2025 campaign. Larrigan's ability to grind out at-bats and reach base consistently makes him a constant problem for opposing pitchers, while Lucas brings a run-driving mentality and versatility that strengthens the heart of the lineup. Together, the trio gives MACC a core that has already proven it can succeed against postseason-level competition.

On the mound, the Greyhounds return left-handed pitcher and University of Missouri commit Jake Janisko. After a strong fall and preseason, he is primed to lead a young pitching staff in 2026. MACC will feature a youthful but talented freshman core of pitchers, while also welcoming back Manny Reyes to help anchor the staff. A year ago, Reyes logged 38 innings, making six starts and appearing in nine games.

Coach Fletcher adds, "Although we are a bit younger on the mound, there is plenty of pitchability. We have a solid core that can compete in high-leverage situations, and I see this staff contributing in multiple ways to help us win games this year. I like our depth and youth on the mound, and they are ready to take the hill for the Greyhounds."

The roster features several returning contributors who gained valuable experience during last year's postseason push, including seven players committed to four-year programs. That experience provides MACC with depth and flexibility as the season unfolds. It will be tested early and often, as the Greyhounds once again face a challenging schedule designed to prepare them for conference play and postseason baseball. With tough non-conference matchups and a competitive league slate, the Greyhounds will have little margin for error—but plenty of opportunity to grow.

After coming one step short of a Region 16 title last season, the Greyhounds enter 2026 hungry, confident, and motivated. With proven returners, postseason experience, talented freshmen, and a schedule that demands consistency, MACC baseball is poised to make another serious run—and this time, finish the job.