Arizona State's Postseason Outlook
The Sun Devils enter the Big 12 tournament with a renewed sense of purpose, driven by a core of Arizona‑born players who have chosen to stay in state. Coach Willie Bloomquist has built his strategy around retaining local talent, a philosophy that has helped restore the program’s reputation after years of inconsistency.
Junior left‑hander Cole Carlon anchors the rotation with a 3.64 ERA, 118 strikeouts and a 1.21 WHIP across 14 starts. Despite a recent outing in which his velocity dipped, he is fully prepared to take the mound when the team needs him most, and scouts project him as a likely first‑round pick in the upcoming MLB draft.
Sophomore outfielder Landon Hairston has been the offensive catalyst, batting .421 with 27 home runs and 77 RBIs. His power surge earned him Big 12 Player of the Year honors and tied the school’s single‑season home run record, underscoring his growth and learning throughout the season.
A Legacy of Local Loyalty
Bloomquist repeatedly stresses the importance of developing homegrown players and keeping them loyal to the program. The success of Carlon and Hairston serves as a model for high school standouts in Queen Creek, Tempe and Surprise, showing that staying in Arizona can lead to national recognition.
The Sun Devils will open the tournament against Cincinnati, a matchup that could set the tone for a run that extends beyond the Big 12. The team hopes to capitalize on its momentum, continue its winning ways, and inspire the next generation of Arizona ballplayers to follow a similar path.