WVU Baseball is a month away from starting its highly anticipated 2026 season, with the opening game scheduled for February 13. Read more: Newcomers and key returners headline WVU Baseball’s upcoming season.
The Mountaineers kick off the new season with a three-game road series against Georgia Southern. That not only marks a new season, but also makes way for WVU’s much-awaited new crop of players. That includes a stacked transfer portal class that is sure to elevate the team in both the bullpen and the batter’s box.
Several returning players are also primed to help lead the team back into postseason play after the Mountaineers reached the Super Regionals last year.
Key transfer portal additions
WVU Head Coach Steve Sabins did not shy away from going out into the transfer portal after his first season at the helm. Whether it was players from the SEC or Division II ranks, Sabins had a successful portal class.
Adelphi University transfer Dawson Montesa headlines the crop of players coming from Division II. The right-hander previously spent the past two seasons at Adelphi, where he eventually became a D2 All-American as a sophomore. After posting a remarkable 8-1 record with a 1.99 ERA, Montesa was also named the East Region Pitcher of the year by numerous outlets last season.
Tennessee transfer Bryson Thacker is another addition that Sabins brought in that should spell wonders for WVU. He pitched in 4.1 innings and recorded seven strikeouts last season as a redshirt freshman. He did not allow a run in any of those appearances. The tall lefty was the No. 52 southpaw pitcher in the nation coming out of high school in 2023.
Related: WVU humbled by No. 7 Houston in 77-48 loss
Staying on the pitching side, Seton Hill transfer Ian Korn could also be a key piece to WVU’s bullpen. The right-hander spent his entire career with the Griffins, where he posted a career 2.84 ERA with 145 strikeouts in 133.1 innings. However, Korn truly broke out last year by going 11-2 with a 1.81 ERA and 83 strikeouts. The Division II coaches named Korn the National Pitcher of the Year.
A valuable replacement for Logan Sauve
Moving over to the batter’s box, senior Matthew Graveline is one of the biggest pieces that Sabins added. He previously spent his entire career with Ohio State, where he managed to hit for a career .277, 19 home runs, and 116 RBI. He brings experience playing both the outfield and behind the plate.
Important returners
The transfer portal wasn’t the only way Sabins built his roster; he was also able to retain a number of quality players from last year’s season. While some players like Logan Sauve and Griffin Kirn got drafted and won’t be returning, there are still plenty of players returning that should help get this year’s team over the hump.
Right-hander Chase Meyer belongs at the top of this list without a doubt. The junior enjoyed a breakout 2025 season after posting a 3.94 ERA and 63 strikeouts in 22 appearances. He finished with an impressive 9-2 record. Meyer was the most consistent and feared arm in WVU’s bullpen last season. His devastating curveball almost certainly places him as a weekend starter this year.
Related: Hodge brings good character and coaching to WVU hoops culture
Reese Bassinger is another crucial retention for WVU’s 2026 bullpen. As a senior last season, the righty finished with a 7-1 record, a 4.23 ERA, and 43 strikeouts in 61.2 innings. He also led the team with 30 appearances. Bassinger is coming off his best season and will now look to continue that in what will most likely be an even bigger role.
For the hitters, Gavin Kelly certainly belongs on this list as well. The sophomore utility player had a great start to his WVU career last season after hitting for .299 with two home runs and 37 RBI’s. He was also second on the team with 16 steals. Kelly will look to fill Sauve’s absence after earning a spot on the Big 12 All-Freshman Team last season.
Plenty of hype
With all the major additions to the transfer portal and the players that opted to stay, it has created a lot of buzz around the West Virginia baseball program. Not only are they coming off back-to-back Super Regional appearances, but the Mountaineers also lost to eventual champion LSU last season.
While WVU lost the series, they proved they could hang with the big boys of college baseball. No longer is Mountaineer baseball an afterthought across the rest of the country. Coach Sabins is quickly building the program into a consistent national contender.
That obviously brings a lot of high expectations heading into the 2026 season. However, with the quality transfers and proven returners to the roster, WVU baseball is on pace for another successful season.
