Baseball Alumni Wrap Up 2026 Professional Seasons
10/5/2026 10:00:00 AM | Baseball
Seven former Lions competed at the professional level in 2026
NEW YORK — Seven former Columbia baseball players continued their professional careers in 2026, competing across Major League Baseball, Minor League Baseball, and independent leagues.
Josh Simpson | Seattle Mariners/Tacoma Rainiers (Triple-A)
Simpson split the 2026 season between the Seattle Mariners and their Triple-A affiliate, the Tacoma Rainiers. The left-handed pitcher made eight appearances for Seattle and recorded 45 strikeouts in 33 appearances with Tacoma.
Ben Wereski | Louisville Bats (Triple-A)
Wereski continued his professional career in the Cincinnati Reds organization, signing with the club in July. After three strong outings with AA Chattanooga, he was called up to Triple-A with the Louisville Bats. The left-handed pitcher made nine starts between the two teams, recording 45 strikeouts in 46 innings.
Andy Blake | Milwaukee Milkmen (American Association)
Blake put together a strong season with the Milwaukee Milkmen of the independent American Association. The former Lions infielder batted .304 with 17 home runs and 70 RBIs in 93 games.
Weston Eberly | Lexington Legends (Atlantic League)
Eberly spent the 2026 season with the Lexington Legends of the independent Atlantic League. The former Lions catcher appeared in 41 games, hitting three home runs and driving in 18 runs.
Payton Soske | New York Yankees Organization
Soske signed with the New York Yankees in July 2026 following his time at Columbia. The right-handed pitcher returned to Tampa, Florida, for fall training as he continued his development within the organization.
Cole Fellows | Modesto Roadsters (Pioneer League)
Fellows made his professional debut with the Modesto Roadsters of the independent Pioneer League. He batted .393 with six home runs and 28 RBIs in 33 games.
Jack Kail | Williamsport Crosscutters (MLB Draft League)
Kail joined the Williamsport Crosscutters of the MLB Draft League following his final season at Columbia. The infielder batted .281 with 25 RBIs in 38 games, helping Williamsport capture the 2026 MLB Draft League championship.
