Veteran Bats and Athletic Newcomers Set the Tone for MDCC Baseball in 2026

By Neshun Holmes

The MDCC Trojans return significant offensive production and add athletic newcomers as they prepare for the 2026 baseball season. The lineup brings back over 500 at-bats from last year's team, including four everyday starters and several key contributors expected to take on expanded roles.

Returning position players include Briar Turner, Liam Gonzalez, DJ Temple, Braysier Cox, Avery Rodgers, Connor Counts, and Ceidrick Hunt. Veteran hitters such as Counts, Rodgers, and Gonzalez provide stability and leadership in the lineup, while Cox and Temple are expected to make notable strides after strong competition during fall workouts.

"I think the offense has the potential to be our strongest phase of the game," said head coach Aubrey Gillentine. "Having veteran hitters like Connor Counts, Avery Rodgers, and Liam Gonzalez creates stability in this year's lineup. I also expect a lot more production from Braysier Cox and DJ Temple after watching them compete this fall."

The Trojans also welcome a deep class of new position players for the spring, including Carson Shells, Justin Floyd, Trent Wood, Beck Wilder, JP Dees, Elijah Johnson, Hunter Turner, Preston Anderson, Carson Harper, Gabe Pipkins, Luke Sims, Will Krehely, and Dowe McGowan. The freshmen class adds speed and energy to the offense, while transfers bring power and positional versatility.

"I was thoroughly impressed with our freshmen and newcomers this fall," Gillentine said. "They hit the ground running as soon as they arrived on campus. The freshmen provide speed and energy, and the transfers bring power and positional stability that we're going to rely on this season."

With a strong returning core and an energetic group of newcomers, the Trojans enter the 2026 season with confidence and momentum as they prepare for the challenges of the upcoming schedule.