Walnut, Calif. – Fresh off a historic 3C2A State Championship title, the Mt. SAC Baseball Team enters the 2026 season with confidence, depth, and a roster full of new opportunity. While expectations remain high after last year's 45–6 title run, Head Coach John Knott knows this year's team will write its own story.

"Coming off last season's state championship, the expectations are still high," Knott said. "But we do have to recognize that getting there is not always the same path."

The Mounties welcome more than 30 new players this season, creating a dynamic mix of talent that will require patience and daily growth.

"We have a lot of new faces," Knott said. "There's a lot of guys coming in that are obviously talented, but it's going to take a minute for us to gel and play together as a group."

Despite the roster turnover, Mt. SAC's foundation remains strong. The Mounties bring back All-State pitchers Brenden Menchaca and Hudson Castillo, both of whom won double-digit games last season and pitched in the state finals. Castillo is committed to UConn, while Menchaca will continue his career at Washington State.

"We're excited about that," Knott said. "Both guys have committed to Division I programs, and they've proven they can perform in big moments."

In addition to their returning arms, the Mounties are enthusiastic about a talented incoming pitching class. Right-hander Tomas Bilvado (San Marino HS) arrives after a standout senior season, while Brock Foulds (Rancho Cucamonga HS), a shortstop/right-handed pitcher, is expected to log significant innings.

"Seth Sumner came back to us from Cal State Fullerton," Knott added. "He's a little older, and has been through surgery, but he's got a great arm and a lot of potential."

The roster also features players with two-way ability and positional flexibility, giving the coaching staff numerous lineup options—but also decisions to make.

"We're a little unsure of our starting lineup going into the first weekend," Knott said. "We have an idea, but there are a couple different ways things could go. We've also got some guys who are coming off injury, so we need to see how they'll respond."

For Knott, the priority remains improvement over outcomes, particularly early in the season.

"The goal is to keep getting better and not focus on the result," he said. "Development is going to be day by day."

With so many new players, experimentation will be key.

"When you have so many new guys, you're constantly tinkering—trying something, seeing how it works, and sometimes pivoting," Knott explained.

That process may include learning some lessons the hard way, but Knott believes the team's talent level gives them a chance to plug in the majority of the roster at any given time.

"I think we've got enough talent to play anyone," he said. "It's kind of a unique deal."

As defending state champions, the Mounties know they will see every opponent's best effort.

"You just know you're going to get everybody's best," Knott said. "We're going to see their best arms. We won a state championship, we have a beautiful facility—what comes with that is high expectations."

Still, Knott emphasizes perspective.

"It's a long year," he said. "It's about growing, learning from your adjustments, finding the right guys that do the little things well and play with character."

Mt. SAC's recent success has strengthened its reputation as a premier destination for developing players and helping them move on.

"Some of these guys were turning down four-year options because they wanted to come here and get a year under their belts," Knott said. "We recognize that this is a destination spot and that we can help people."

Last season alone, 11 Mounties moved on to the next level, continuing a core mission of the program.

"It isn't Division I or bust," Knott said. "We want these guys to impact the next program. The goal is to find the right fit for each player."

While the Mounties are focused on the season ahead, the success of last year's championship run continues to resonate throughout the program—especially when former players return.

"It's wonderful," Knott said. "I love when they come back. It's bittersweet to say goodbye to that last group."

During winter break, the program reunited to distribute the 2024 state championship rings, providing a moment to reflect on the journey and the bonds built along the way.

"You get to hear the stories of what's going on at their new places, but also some of the stories from last season," Knott said. "You build a special bond with those players. When you're experiencing some of the things that we were, it makes it very memorable."

For Knott, seeing former Mounties succeed beyond Mt. SAC reinforces the deeper goals of the program.

"It's wonderful to see the impact we had on them—and that they had on us too," he said.

Preparation for this season has been intense, with the Mounties lifting three days a week and practicing daily as they prepare to open the season on the road.

"We hit the ground running," Knott said. "We'll throw some guys into the fire and see what they can do."

Mt. SAC opens the 2026 season Friday, January 23, at 3:00 p.m. at Fresno City College, followed by its home opener Tuesday, January 27, at 2:00 p.m. against Mt. San Jacinto.

"I like our chances," Knott said. "But we'll have to make adjustments and keep growing. Good might not be good enough."

With championship rings in hand, a talented new roster, and continuity on the coaching staff, the Mounties are eager to begin the next chapter.

"We're excited about the group," Knott said. "We have a talented team, and we're ready for the challenge."

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For additional information, please contact the Mt. SAC Sports Information Office at 909.274.4630.