Freshman pitcher Will Labonte of the Portland Pilots has earned a spot on the Perfect Game First Team Freshman All-American list. This marks Labonte's second honor this week, following his selection as an NCBWA Freshman All-American, making him the first player in Pilots' history to achieve multiple freshman All-American titles. He showcased impressive performance this season with a 2.82 ERA over 73.1 innings pitched and a 3-2 record. In addition, Labonte received All-WCC Second Team and Freshman Team honors, underscoring his standout year. The Pilots finished their 2026 season with a 27-25 record, continuing a trend of successful seasons.

By the Numbers
  • 73.1 innings pitched, the most by a Pilot freshman since 2017.
  • 2.82 ERA, the best for a Pilot freshman since 2012.
Yes, But

Despite Labonte's individual accolades, the team's overall performance of finishing 27-25 indicates room for improvement. While several honors celebrate Labonte's potential, the Pilots have not yet secured a winning season in the postseason context, which remains a significant goal moving forward.

State of Play
  • Labonte's recognition highlights a growing trend of talent development within the Pilots' baseball program.
  • The Pilots have achieved a winning record in four of the last five seasons, emphasizing a competitive program culture.
What's Next

Looking ahead, Labonte's continued development will be critical for the Pilots as they aim for greater success in future seasons. There's potential for Labonte to gain further national recognition, especially if he maintains or improves his performance levels.

Bottom Line

Will Labonte's back-to-back Freshman All-American honors spotlight his exceptional talent and potential to elevate the Pilots' program, but the team must build on individual successes to achieve overall competitiveness and postseason victories.