The National College Baseball Writers Association has announced its 2026 Freshman All‑American teams, highlighting a trio of standout players from the Mid‑American Conference.
Diego Cruz of the University of Miami leads the group with a First Team selection, earning the additional honor of being named the conference’s Freshman of the Year.
Cruz’s breakout season
Cruz finished the regular season batting .391, the second‑highest average among all freshmen nationwide, and amassed 72 hits, 57 runs, 47 RBIs and seven home runs in 50 games. His .972 fielding percentage at second base underscored his defensive reliability, while his 22 stolen bases placed him among the top ten freshmen in the country.
He also earned All‑MAC First Team honors and a spot on the All‑MAC Defensive Team, capping a debut season that already feels like a blueprint for future stardom.
Brady Bowen from Akron was recognized on the Second Team, providing a solid complement to Cruz’s offensive firepower.
On the pitching side of the spectrum, Hayden Frey of Toledo received Third Team accolades and was simultaneously named the MAC Co‑Pitcher of the Week after a dominant performance against Bowling Green.
Frey posted a 6‑4 record with a 3.79 ERA and a .234 opponent batting average across 15 appearances, striking out 65 batters while walking just 27. The MAC Freshman Pitcher of the Year award recognized his rapid ascent on the mound.
Toledo’s recent history adds context: the program has produced two NCBWA Freshman All‑American selections in the past three seasons, underscoring a growing pipeline of talent.
The recognition reflects not only individual excellence but also the increasing competitiveness of Mid‑American Conference baseball on the national stage.