2026 Cape Cod League Preview: Falmouth Commodores

Aside from the unnecessary 24 references, Jack Bauer garnered significantly more attention during the 2025 MLB Draft season for his arm. An Illinois boy who pumped triple-digit heat, Bauer spurned the pros to head to Mississippi State for 2026. And despite an ERA north of 7.00, it wasn’t a bad year for the soon-to-be-sophomore.

Bauer had 38 strikeouts over 26.2 IP, working exclusively out of the bullpen on a deep MSU team. The left-hander, as expected, threw hard, with a sinker that sat 97-99 MPH, along with a slider. And in the Cape Cod League, he should get plenty of needed work.

Miami (FL) pitcher Jack Durso was another freshman who performed well in 2026.

Durso also struck out 38 over 26.2 IP in his first collegiate season on a Hurricanes team that was loaded with New York-native talent (Durso, from Long Island, played with Erick Peralta (Brooklyn) and Sebastian Santos-Olson (Suffolk)). Carrying fastball that was up to 91 MPH during the ACC tourney.

Aidan Donovan, one of two Michigan State pitchers, threw almost 90 innings with the Spartans this season. The righty was the school’s innings-eater for 2026, replacing now-Orioles prospect Joseph Dzierwa.

Tyler Guerin, like Donovan, one of several Big 10-based pitchers on Falmouth’s roster. Heavy east-to-west pitcher, thanks to a true sinker that Guerin to 95 MPH, along with breaking balls and a cutter. He struck out 42 over 51.2 IP this past season for the Hawkeyes.

Reagan Ricken, one of several LSU pitchers from 2026 in the Cape Cod League, struck out 18 over 19 innings for the Tigers this season.

Catchers

The Cape this year is filled with MLB Draft-eligible talent, even though there will be players who are eligible but won’t go pro. Louisville has two players who are eligible, one of whom is Jimmy Nugent.

Nugent (11) was one of three hitters on the Cardinals in double-digits in home runs this season. The other two were Tague Davis of Cotuit, the DI home run leader, and Ben Slanker. Slanker is with Nugent in Falmouth.

JJ Kennett wasn’t a marquee piece on what was a good Baylor offense this season. However, Kennett slashed .301/.403/.416 this season for the Bears. And out of 17 stolen base attempts on him, nine resulted in a caught-stealing.

Infielders

On a team that featured standout junior Brayden Martin, the Maryland roster had two freshmen who played very well this season: home run leader Ryan Costello and Ty Kaunas.

Kaunas finished fourth on the Terrapins with 62 hits this season.

FAU sophomore John Martinez finished second on his team with 65 hits.

Outfielders

Junior Anthony Diaz slashed .307/.401/.453 with New Mexico this season, with three home runs and 23 extra-base hits.

Fabio Peralta posted a .413 on-base percentage this past season for the Miami Hurricanes, thanks to 23 walks and six hit by pitches this past season.