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Opening Day is finally upon us!
I started on a Bama team preview yesterday and quickly realized that I wasn't going to have the time to finish it. I just can't make them short and concise as I'd like, even when I'm intentional about it, and it eats up too much time. But if anyone has any questions about this 2026 squad, I'll do my best to answer. Just a couple of quick notes... I like the depth of this team... lots of position flexibility within the roster. Bad news is, they are already dealing with several injuries to some key players (INF/OF Sam Chritiansen (leg fracture), INF Jojo Williamson (hand fracture), DH/OF Coleman Mizell (back issues), OF Logen Devenport (minor injury), and C Zach Johnson (shoulder surgery) but thus far the pitching staff has been mostly spared (which is a change from most years at this point) other than RHP Jack Ketchum who won't play this season.
The lineup will have some new faces, several who will have to adjust to the SEC, but also some who are already accustomed to it. Obviously, Justin Lebron is THE guy on this team and he's back for his final year. Beyond him, there's a nice mix of power and some speed to work with and the thing that has me most excited... this team will have some guys that actually battle at the plate and work opposing pitchers... should mean more walks, and opposing starters not going as deep into games. But the mix of power and speed appears to be a very good blend and this squad should be able to score runs via small ball when needed (which will be some Friday nights in SEC play for example).
As for the pitching staff, much of it is wait and see... but this is a staff full of promising arms. Hopefully Adams and Fay take that next step on Friday and Saturday. Freshman RHP Myles Upchurch is going to be a stud in due time, but is he ready for a weekend starter role? He has the stuff I think, but just needs to throw strikes and not try to do too much. His future is bright though. If Upchurch can nail down that #3 spot, it really helps the rest of the staff. LHP Matthew Heiberger is a guy that can be used in that Sunday slot, but his value as a high leverage reliever is really high. Having him in the pen with some of the other seasoned arms gives Bama some really good options and flexibility come conference play. It may take some time for the staff to really work itself out from top to bottom, but they have a good number of arms. Just need to keep the key guys healthy.
Overall, what to expect? Last year's team went 16-14 in the SEC and got bounced 0-2 from the Hattiesburg Regional. A disappointing end to a nice regular season. Given the roster and the schedule this season, 16-14 would be impressive. I figure they'll finish around .500, but the should be playing their best baseball when the calendar hits May. If they do that, and they can stay healthy, there is no reason they can't get to a Super Regional and possibly beyond.
