Northwestern found itself a game away from the Big Ten Tournament at the end of the 2025 season. Considering the way coach Ben Greenspan and the Wildcats suited up their roster in the offseason, they do not intend to be left out again this year.
NU brought in young transfers from UCLA, Clemson and TCU in addition to experienced players like graduate student infielder Noah Ruiz and graduate student left-hander Ryan Weaver to support its developing squad.
2025 was one of the best seasons in recent memory, and it was fueled by the long ball. Former infielder Trent Liolios and current infielder Ryan Kucherak both hit double-digit home runs, leading NU to a single-season program-best 73 home runs in 2025. That figure bests the 2024 tally by 21.
Liolios’ decision to depart for Tulane leaves a considerable gap in the lineup, but NU is more than equipped to fill his shoes.
Though Kucherak’s possible replication of a program record 18 home runs is the most likely replacement, 2026 could also be a big year for junior outfielder Jackson Freeman. After Freeman hit 11 home runs en route to a Big Ten All-Freshman Team nod in his first year, his long ball production dwindled while improving his batting average and RBI total last season.
During the summer, Freeman became a Cape Cod Baseball League All-Star, which could provide the necessary spark to allow the right fielder to put together his most impressive season yet.
Senior infielder Owen McElfatrick and senior outfielder Jack Lausch are also candidates in the mix, but the addition of Ruiz is one to look out for. Ruiz hit 20 home runs at Division II Biola in 2025 and is poised to be a key piece of the ’Cats’ defense.
On the mound, NU lost key innings via the departures of Crawford Wade and Blake MacMillan, but staff retained its gem of 2025 in graduate student right-hander Sam Hliboki, who is returning for his seventh year of collegiate baseball.
Sophomore pitchers Matt Kouser and Christian Forniss should also be relied on after promising freshman year campaigns. The early-season availability of junior right-hander Garrett Shearer still remains to be seen after he suffered a season-ending injury last season.
The ’Cats grabbed a few arms in the portal to further bolster the staff, but sophomore right-hander Tommy Bridges could highlight the group.
Bridges, who did not play in his first season at TCU, had an impressive summer in the West Coast League. He tossed 39.1 innings with a 1.83 ERA. Out of the bullpen, Bridges could be an exciting development for Greenspan.
NU was dealt some favorable conference series, including bouts against Michigan State, Purdue, Minnesota and Rutgers who went a combined 49-71 in conference games. The young and growing talent on the ’Cats roster brings a conference tournament push within reach.
NU’s campaign begins Friday with a weekend series against Rice in Houston, and it will look to best last season’s opening day loss to Long Beach State.
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