Dylan Banner and Matthew Mariano, two of the most decorated arms to emerge from the University at Albany’s baseball program, have officially turned professional, inking deals that cap seasons filled with accolades and record‑breaking performances.
From College Awards to Pro Contracts
Banner, who earned America East Pitcher of the Year honors, will begin his pro career with the Gastonia Ghost Peppers of the Atlantic League. The right‑hander posted a 3.94 ERA over 80 innings in 2026, fanning 63 batters while maintaining a WHIP well below league average.
His 63 strikeouts placed him among the conference’s most dominant relievers, and his contract, signed on July 14, signals the Ghost Peppers’ intent to blend veteran poise with fresh talent.
Mariano, a First Team All‑Conference selection, joins the Williamsport Crosscutters in the MLB Draft League, where he has already posted a 2‑0 record and a 1.42 ERA across 63.1 innings. The left‑hander’s 41 strikeouts underscore a rapid ascent that mirrors his collegiate dominance.
Both pitchers will now test themselves against seasoned pro competition, with Banner’s move to the Atlantic League offering a high‑profile platform and Mariano’s placement in the Draft League providing a direct pipeline to Major League organizations.
The transitions reflect a broader trend of America East talent leveraging award‑winning collegiate résumés into tangible professional opportunities, a development that bodes well for the conference’s future on the national stage.