Fall Practice Outlook
The Iowa Hawkeyes baseball program is entering the new season with a sense of optimism after a 33‑23 record that left the team just shy of a postseason berth. Six of the 14 starters from last year return, and the club retains close to 60 percent of its pitching staff, giving the coaching staff a solid foundation to build upon.
Adding to that foundation are several high‑profile newcomers. Transfer Sawyer Stein, who excelled at Iowa Central, is slated to man first base, while Myles Davis, a standout from Oklahoma, will compete for time at second base. Both bring proven JUCO credentials that could reshape the infield.
Behind the plate, Carter Geffre is projected as the primary catcher, with Max Burt and Aaron Holland, a standout from UW‑Whitewater, vying for backup duties. In the outfield, Jaixen Frost returns after a late‑season surge that saw him bat .414 with four home runs, while Wrigley Matthys and Jaylen Ziegler are the leading candidates for center field. Brett White, Kellen Strohmeyer and Ziegler also figure prominently in the corner spots.
The pitching rotation will be anchored by Kyle Alivo, who is expected to start on Fridays, and Jaron Bleeker, both of whom have shown front‑of‑rotation capability. Additional arms such as Maddux Frese, Brody Irlbeck, Ryan Stedman and Drew Rerick are being evaluated for the third‑starter role, giving the staff depth and flexibility.
Relief efforts will likely be led by Reid Burkle, a Kirkwood CC transfer who is expected to be the primary bullpen arm. The fall practice period will be crucial in determining the final lineup and role assignments, as coaches assess how the new pieces fit together.
If the early indicators hold, the Hawkeyes could be poised for a strong campaign and a potential NCAA regional appearance. The blend of experienced returnees, impact transfers and promising newcomers creates a depth that could make Iowa a formidable opponent in the Big Ten and beyond.