Baseball adds nationally ranked transfer class

Troy baseball has been hard at work on the recruiting trail this offseason. Head Coach Skylar Meade and the team now boast the 19th ranked transfer portal class in the nation according to 64Analytics, bringing in 15 new athletes. 

"We are incredibly proud of our entire class, but this group we locked in as Trojans this year will be welcomed with open arms.” Meade said. “On the position player front, we filled some specific needs of defense, bat-to-ball skills, and right-handed bats.   

“As always, the future is bright in 2026, and we can't wait to see these guys compete in the fall." 

The successful recruiting period was much needed for Troy. The team is only set to return 21% of its pitching innings and lost some production in other positions too. 

Brady Fitch photo

Head Coach Sylar Meade meets with officials before a game.

On the mound, Troy added 10 new pitchers. Junior RHP Blake Dean headlines the group as a transfer from Kansas State. Dean was a Freshman All-Big 12 selection in 2024.  

He is part of a four-person group of pitchers transferring in from power conference schools. Others include Tate Farqhuar of Michigan State, Hayden Smith from Kentucky and the former Texas Tech Red Raider Zach Crotchfelt. 

Another impressive pickup for the bullpen is Luke Litteral of Western Kentucky. The former Hilltopper posted a 4-4 record last year, striking out 70 batters in 53.1 innings.  

Judah Buckner remains in the state after leaving West Alabama. The Division II Third Team All-American managed 18 scoreless appearances out of 20 total. Pitchers Dylan Alonso, Cooper Ellingworth, Ben Stubbs and Tommy Egan will also join the Trojans. 

Cole Garner will join the boys of Troy this spring. The catcher from Chipola College batted .300 last year and posted a .996 fielding percentage.  

Infielder Josh Pyne is another big pickup for the team. Pyne leaves Indiana after ranking fifth in school history with 58 doubles last year. He was a D1 Baseball Third Team All-American in 2022 and earned an All-Big Ten Third Team selection in 2023. 

Infielders Nico Azpilcueta, Nolan Book and Aaron Piasecki round out the impressive recruiting class. Piasecki made 55 starts for Central Michigan last year. Nolan Book earned All-Rookie MAAC honors at Mount St. Mary’s. Azpilcueta leaves Stony Brook after being named All-CAA First Team as a designated hitter. 

The Trojans are currently in their fall ball season as they prep for the start of another season at Riddle-Pace Field beginning in February.