The New Guard: 7 Key Players & Transfers Shaping The Arizona State Sun Devils Baseball Roster For 2026
The Arizona State Sun Devils baseball program is heading into the 2026 season with a profoundly reshaped and significantly deeper roster, a direct result of strategic recruiting and aggressive use of the transfer portal. As of late 2025, Head Coach Willie Bloomquist has successfully navigated a period of major turnover, adding a wave of new talent that has pushed the roster size well over the new 34-player limit, signaling an intense competition for starting roles and a renewed focus on depth across the diamond and on the mound. This influx of fresh faces and the retention of critical young talent set the stage for a compelling campaign at Phoenix Municipal Stadium, with the team aiming to make a major statement in the final Pac-12 season before the conference shifts.
The 2026 Sun Devils are not just reloading; they are fundamentally restructuring. While the team faced the departure of several key starters, the focus has shifted to a core group of returning impact players and a handful of high-upside transfers, including the confirmed addition of an impactful player named Toigo. This article breaks down the essential entities—from the star players and crucial transfers to the full coaching staff—that define the Arizona State Sun Devils’ outlook for the 2026 baseball season.
The Core Leadership: Coaching Staff and Star Returners
The foundation of the 2026 Sun Devils rests on the stability of the coaching staff and the proven ability of key returning players who will serve as the team’s emotional and statistical anchors.
The 2026 Arizona State Baseball Coaching Staff
Head Coach Willie Bloomquist returns for his fifth season, providing the steady leadership necessary to integrate the large number of new players. Bloomquist, a legendary former Sun Devil player, is joined by a staff focused on player development and strategic recruiting.
- Willie Bloomquist: Head Coach
- Jeremy Accardo: Pitching Coach
- Sam Peraza: Assistant Coach / Recruiting Coordinator
- Jason Ellison: Assistant Coach
Key Returning Players & Biographical Profiles (The Foundation)
The following players are expected to shoulder the leadership and production load, having already proven their capabilities in the rigorous Pac-12 environment:
- Nu'u Contrades (Third Baseman / Shortstop): Born October 6, 2003, in Ewa Beach, HI. Contrades is a crucial infield presence, known for his defensive versatility and right-handed power. He was previously honored as the Gatorade Hawaii Baseball Player of the Year, bringing significant pedigree and a high ceiling to the middle of the lineup.
- Max Arlich (Left-Handed Pitcher - LHP): A 6’3”, 215 lbs sophomore from Woodbury, MN. Arlich is a critical piece of the pitching staff, especially after an effective 2025 season where he showed flashes of becoming a lockdown starter or high-leverage reliever. He is one of the young arms the program views as indispensable for the future.
- Matt Polk (Outfielder): A veteran presence from Long Beach, CA, who provides leadership and a reliable bat in the outfield.
- Brenden Lewis (Infielder): A key utility infielder from Santee, CA, expected to compete for a starting role.
- Beckett Zavorek (Infielder): Another sophomore from Fresno, CA, whose development will be vital for the team’s middle infield stability.
The Transfer Portal Impact: New Faces and Roster Depth
The narrative of the 2026 season is heavily influenced by the transfer portal, which Head Coach Willie Bloomquist utilized to address the gaps left by departing players. The Sun Devils’ roster is notably deeper, a clear sign of the staff’s intent to build a competitive squad ready for the rigors of a long season and the College Baseball Series.
Strategic Transfer Additions
The program’s aggressive approach in the portal has reportedly added at least five new players, significantly increasing the team’s depth and forcing the roster size to exceed the NCAA limit of 34 players. This creates a highly competitive environment in fall practice and sets up a dynamic spring training.
- Toigo (Unspecified Position, Impact Player): Confirmed as one of the impactful transfers, Toigo is expected to immediately compete for a starting role and provide a veteran presence. His addition highlights the team's focus on securing proven Division I talent to raise the floor of the roster.
- Other High-Upside Transfers: While the complete list remains fluid, the additions are focused on bolstering the pitching staff and providing power bats to replace departed production. The goal is to create a true two-deep roster where competition drives performance, particularly in the starting rotation and the bullpen, areas that needed immediate upgrades.
Pitching Staff Projections and Offensive Outlook
The success of the 2026 Sun Devils will hinge on the development of the pitching staff and the ability of the offense to generate consistent run support, especially at their home field, Phoenix Municipal Stadium.
The Mound: A Focus on the Future
Under the guidance of Pitching Coach Jeremy Accardo, the staff is built around high-potential young arms and experienced transfers. The team is looking for a breakout star to anchor the Friday night slot.
- Max Arlich’s Role: As a talented left-hander, Arlich is a leading candidate for a weekend starting spot or a crucial long-relief role. His effectiveness in the previous season, albeit in limited innings, suggests he is ready for an increased workload and a major step forward.
- Depth in the Bullpen: The new roster depth is most critical here. Having more arms allows Bloomquist to manage pitch counts and keep the staff fresh, a necessity for navigating the challenging Pac-12 schedule.
- Pitching Strategy: The team is expected to rely on a mix of power arms and high-velocity relievers, prioritizing efficiency and strike-throwing to limit the walks that plagued the staff in previous years.
The Plate: Power and Versatility
The offense will be characterized by versatility, with players like Nu'u Contrades providing a blend of speed and power. The lineup construction will prioritize getting on base and turning the lineup over quickly.
- Infield Stability: The trio of Nu'u Contrades, Beckett Zavorek, and Brenden Lewis provides a strong defensive backbone, allowing the offense to be aggressive. Contrades' ability to play both third base and shortstop is a key asset.
- Outfield Potential: With Matt Polk returning, the outfield is anchored by a reliable veteran. The competition from new transfers and younger players will determine the remaining starting spots, ensuring high-level play on both sides of the ball.
- Landon Hairston: A local talent from Queen Creek, AZ, Hairston is another key entity whose development will be watched closely as he competes for playing time in the deep infield.
The Road Ahead: Pac-12 and National Expectations
The 2026 season marks a pivotal moment for the Arizona State Sun Devils baseball program. As one of the original and most storied programs in the conference, the team is motivated to make a run in the final, highly competitive Pac-12 season before the conference realignment.
The season officially kicks off with the opening series against the University of Omaha at Phoenix Municipal Stadium, a historic venue that provides one of the best atmospheres in college baseball. The early-season schedule, including the annual College Baseball Series, will be a major test for the new-look roster, allowing Coach Bloomquist to finalize his starting lineup and pitching rotation.
With a deeper roster, a talented core of returning players, and a focused coaching staff, the Arizona State Sun Devils are poised to exceed expectations. The sheer volume of talent—from established stars to high-upside transfers and freshmen—suggests that the 2026 team will be one of the most unpredictable and exciting in recent memory. The intense competition for the 34 roster spots means every player, from Max Arlich on the mound to Nu'u Contrades in the field, will be playing with maximum effort from day one.
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