#ProHumps 2026 Baseball Update
The 2026 MLB season has begun with three Campbell University alumni making opening day rosters. Cedric Mullins is the starting centerfielder for the Tampa Bay Rays, Zach Neto holds the position for the Los Angeles Angels, and Ryan Thompson is a key relief pitcher for the Arizona Diamondbacks. Campbell achieved a record number of alumni in Major League Baseball, with six total in the league, surpassing last year鈥檚 record of five. Additionally, nine alumni are now part of affiliated minor league teams, and Allan Winans is taking his talents to Japan's Nippon Professional Baseball.
By the Numbers- Cedric Mullins has a career batting average of .247 with 103 home runs and 337 RBI over 826 games.
- Zach Neto logged 82 runs, 26 home runs, and 26 stolen bases in 2025.
- Ryan Thompson recorded a 3.92 ERA with 36 strikeouts in 41.1 innings pitched in 2025.
While the achievements of Campbell alumni are notable, challenges remain, such as the inconsistency of players like Cedric Mullins, whose batting average has fluctuated significantly over recent seasons. Additionally, some players struggle to secure their positions in higher tiers of professional baseball.
State of Play- Cedric Mullins signed with the Rays after a trade from the Mets and is looking to rebound after a rough season.
- Zach Neto is coming off a breakout year, aiming for further offensive success in his third MLB season.
- Ryan Thompson continues to be a vital asset in the Diamondbacks' bullpen as they seek a championship run.
Expect to see ongoing performance improvements from Campbell alumni, especially as they adapt to their roles for the 2026 season. Repeated success in the MLB can increase their market value and attract further opportunities in both domestic and international leagues.
Bottom LineCampbell's presence in professional baseball is on the rise, showcasing a growing pipeline of talent. Continued support and development of these players can solidify their future roles and enhance the university's reputation in sports.
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The summary of the linked article was generated with the assistance of artificial intelligence technology from OpenAI
