National Recognition for Maryland's Rising Stars
As the regular season draws to a close, the Maryland Terrapins are poised to finish with a series of key matchups against Georgetown and Penn State. The team's recent surge has not gone unnoticed, with individual performances earning national attention.
Brayden Martin, a senior third baseman, tops the Big Ten in walks and sits at No. 18 in D1Baseball's rankings of the nation's best third basemen. Martin has rewritten the Maryland record books, tying the program's career walks mark at 138 and establishing a 46‑game on‑base streak during the 2026 campaign. His .472 on‑base percentage and 49 walks this season underscore his patience at the plate, while he also ranks second in the conference with 19 stolen bases and is among the top five in runs scored with 55.
David Mendez, a sophomore second baseman, holds the No. 42 spot among the nation's top second basemen. Mendez has been a dual threat, leading the team with a .350 average in Big Ten play and topping the roster with 102 total bases, including nine home runs and nine doubles. Defensively, he posted a career‑high 125 assists and turned 26 double plays, highlighted by a four‑double‑play effort against Wagner on February 28.
Freshman shortstop Ty Kaunas has made an immediate impact, earning a No. 47 ranking among the country's best shortstops. Kaunas leads all Big Ten freshmen with 16 doubles and has started every game, compiling 61 hits that place him tied for second on the team. His breakout performance against Indiana on April 11 featured a 4‑for‑4 effort with two extra‑base hits, and his defensive contributions include 126 assists and 21 double plays turned.
The Terrapins' blend of veteran leadership and fresh talent positions them well for the upcoming finale. With Martin's on‑base prowess, Mendez's all‑around production, and Kaunas's dynamic play, Maryland hopes to close the season on a high note and carry momentum into the next chapter of Terrapin baseball.