MDCC Baseball Prepares for 2026 Season with Depth, Experience, and New Talent

By Neshun Holmes

The Mississippi Delta Community College baseball program enters the 2026 season with a balanced roster built on experience, depth, and an influx of new talent. The Trojans return 12 players from last year's squad while welcoming 20 newcomers who are expected to contribute immediately across the lineup and pitching staff.

On the mound, MDCC returns a strong core of sophomore arms in Garner Burton, Liam Ledbetter, Carson Allen, Hayes Daniel, and Logan Churchill. Together, the group brings back 60 appearances and 120 innings of experience, providing stability and leadership for the pitching staff.

"I'm looking for big improvement heading into 2026 from our sophomore pitchers who got their feet wet last season," said head coach Aubrey Gillentine. "Guys like Garner Burton, Hayes Daniel, and Logan Churchill made massive jumps this fall once we had a developmental plan in place. Then you've got Liam Ledbetter and Carson Allen, who are elite strike throwers I can trust in almost any situation."

In addition to the returning pitchers, the Trojans have added depth through a mix of freshmen and transfers. Freshmen Brody Roberts and Reed Holman are expected to see significant time in the starting rotation, while Tyler Richardson, Winn White, Carson Shells, and Jake Bailey project as key bullpen pieces. MDCC also added four transfer pitchers—Mikko Taylor, Jaiden McKinney, Gabe Pipkins, and Will Krehely—bringing valuable junior college experience to the staff.

"Being able to acquire pitchers with previous junior college experience will be huge for us in 2026," Gillentine said. "It's a long season, and the more depth we can create the better. Seeing these guys buy into our system and team culture has been awesome to watch."

With returning production, internal development, and new pitching depth, the Trojans look well-positioned to compete throughout the 2026 season.