Baseball America's 2026 Season: Unveiling the Week 3 College Stars
Baseball America is on a mission to celebrate the nation's top college baseball talents, and their Week 3 Team of the Week is a testament to that. This weekly recognition highlights the cream of the crop, showcasing players who have dominated the diamond across various positions.
But it's not just about numbers; it's about impact. Here's a breakdown of the players who made the cut:
Catcher: Weber Neels from Minnesota had a monster week, batting .714 with 4 homers and 9 RBIs in 4 games. He's a veteran presence behind the plate, and his power surge is a testament to his prowess.
First Base: Ryan Niedzwiedz of SIUE is making a case for the draft with his Week 3 performance. He smashed 3 homers, bringing his season total to 5, and drove in 9 runs.
Second Base: Jarren Advincula, a Georgia Tech standout, is a rising star. He hit 3 homers and collected 8 RBIs, showcasing his offensive prowess. Baseball America ranks him highly for the 2026 draft.
Third Base: Temo Becerra of Texas had a scorching weekend, scoring 8 runs and hitting 3 homers. His performance set a new single-season career high.
Shortstop: Jake Schaffner, a North Carolina transfer, is making his mark. He went 11-for-17 with 4 doubles and a home run, displaying an impressive bat-to-ball skill.
Outfield: Cider Canon of Duke was a two-way threat, hitting 4 homers and stealing 3 bases. His discipline at the plate is noteworthy, drawing walks and minimizing strikeouts.
Outfield: Drew Detlefsen has been a key player in UTSA's success. He continued his hot streak in Week 3, hitting 3 homers and ranking high in slugging percentage.
Outfield: Will Gasparino, the UCLA center fielder, is on fire. He leads the nation with 10 homers, including 4 in Week 3. His power surge has evaluators rethinking his draft potential, especially with his improved approach at the plate.
Designated Hitter: Daniel Jackson, Georgia's breakout star, lived up to his preseason hype. He hit 5 homers and stole a base, driving in runs consistently. And this is the part most people miss—he's on track for an impressive 20-20 season.
Pitchers:
- Michael Sharman of Clemson delivered a gem, tossing a complete game with just 78 pitches. His efficiency is remarkable, and he's a key reason for Clemson's success.
- Mason Edwards, the USC southpaw, is untouchable. He hasn't allowed a hit in 18 innings and struck out 11 in Week 3. He's a top contender for the best left-handed pitcher in the 2026 class.
- Chris Levonas, a Wake Forest ace, dominated Loyola Marymount with 14 strikeouts in 6 perfect innings. He's a highly-rated 2027 draft prospect.
- Andrew Herrmann of Louisiana authored a masterpiece, shutting down a formidable UC San Diego lineup. His season ERA is impressive, and he's a force on the mound.
Two-Way Player: Caylon Dygert, UT Arlington's ace, was untouchable against Arkansas, striking out 11 and allowing no earned runs. His two-way abilities make him a standout.
And here's where it gets controversial—who do you think should be the top pitcher in the 2026 class? Is it Mason Edwards or someone else? Share your thoughts in the comments, and let's spark a friendly debate!
