In 2026, the program is represented by four active minor leaguers and one journeyman arm with MLB experience, a group that spans radar-gun dominance, speed-first outfield play, and bullpen durability.
Latest Update (March 21, 2026): Corey Rosier, Boston Red Sox. Entered in left field as a defensive replacement and did not record an at-bat in the Red Sox’s 6–1 spring training loss to the Atlanta Braves at JetBlue Park.
Latest Update (March 15, 2026): Alex Hoppe, Seattle Mariners. Came on in relief in the 8th inning and tossed 1 inning, allowing 1 hit, 1 run (earned), and 1 walk in the Mariners’ 6-3 spring training win over the Cincinnati Reds at Peoria Stadium. Hoppe threw 18 pitches in the inning; 11 were recorded as strikes.
Latest Update (March 14, 2026): Corey Rosier entered in left field and went 0-for-1 in the Boston Red Sox’s 10–1 spring training loss to the Atlanta Braves at CoolToday Park.
Latest Update (March 12, 2026): Alex Hoppe, Seattle Mariners. Came on in relief in the 6th inning and tossed 1 inning, allowing 0 hits, 0 runs, 1 walk, and 2 strikeouts in the Mariners’ 7–4 spring training loss to the Chicago Cubs at Sloan Park. Hoppe threw 16 pitches in the inning; 9 were recorded as strikes.
Latest Update (March 12, 2026): Corey Rosier entered in left field and went 0-for-1 in the Boston Red Sox’s 8–5 spring training loss to the Minnesota Twins at Lee Health Sports Complex.
Latest Update (March 9, 2026): Alex Hoppe, Seattle Mariners. Came on in relief in the 5th inning and tossed 1 inning, allowing 0 hits, 0 runs, 1 walk, and 2 strikeouts in the Mariners’ 2–1 spring training loss to the Arizona Diamondbacks at Salt River Fields at Talking Stick. Hoppe threw 17 pitches in the inning; 10 were recorded as strikes.
Latest Update (March 9, 2026): Andrew Wantz, Tampa Bay Rays, entered in the seventh inning with one out and pitched 2/3 of an inning, allowing 0 hits, 0 runs, 0 walks, and 0 strikeouts. Wantz only threw 3 pitches; all went for strikes to complete the inning. The Rays tied the Detroit Tigers 4–4 at Publix Field at Joker Marchant Stadium.
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Latest Update (March 5, 2026): Alex Hoppe, Seattle Mariners. Came on in relief in the 3rd inning and tossed 1 inning, allowing 5 hits, 5 runs (all earned), 0 walks, and 2 strikeouts. Hoppe gave up two home runs in the 3rd inning – A three-run homer to Freddy Fermin with 2 outs and a two-run home run to Jackson Merrill with 2 outs. The Mariners lost to the San Diego Padres 27-6 at Peoria Stadium. Hoppe threw 27 pitches in the inning; 21 were recorded as strikes.
Latest Update (March 5, 2026): Andrew Wantz, Tampa Bay Rays, entered in the sixth inning and pitched 2.0 innings, allowing 2 hits, 2 runs (both earned), 1 walk, and 2 strikeouts. Wantz threw 33 pitches; 21went for strikes. He gave up a home run to Will Robertson in the sixth with one on and two outs. The Rays lost to the Baltimore Orioles 4–3 at Charlotte Sports Park.
Latest Update (March 4, 2026): Corey Rosier entered in left field and went 0-for-1 with a strikeout in the Boston Red Sox’s 4–0 spring training loss to the New York Yankees at JetBlue Park.
Latest Update (March 2, 2026): Andrew Wantz, Tampa Bay Rays, entered in the third inning and pitched 1.0 inning, allowing 0 hits, 0 runs, 0 walks, and 2 strikeouts. Wantz threw 12 pitches; 9 went for strikes. The Tampa Bay Rays lost to the Pittsburgh Pirates 4–1 at LECOM Park.
Latest Update (March 1, 2026): Alex Hoppe, Seattle Mariners. Came on in relief in the 9th inning and tossed 1 inning, allowing 1 hit, 0 runs, 0 walks, and 3 strikeouts in the Mariners’ 9–4 spring training loss to the Texas Rangers at Peoria Stadium. Hoppe threw 15 pitches in the inning; 11 were recorded as strikes.
Latest Update (Feb. 27, 2026): Andrew Wantz, Tampa Bay Rays, entered in the eighth inning and pitched 1.0 inning, allowing 3 hits and 4 runs (1 earned) with a walk and no strikeouts. Wantz threw 29 pitches; 18 went for strikes. The Tampa Bay Rays beat the Toronto Blue Jays 6–5 at Charlotte Sports Park. Wantz recorded the win.
Latest Update (Feb. 24, 2026): Alex Hoppe came on in relief and tossed 1 inning, allowing 2 hits, 2 runs (2 earned), and a walk in the Seattle Mariners’ 12–10 spring training loss to the Chicago White Sox at Peoria Stadium. Hoppe threw 23 pitches in the inning; 11 were recorded as strikes.
Latest Update (Feb. 24, 2026): Andrew Wantz entered in the fifth inning and pitched 1.0 inning, allowing 1 hit and 0 runs with no walks and no strikeouts. Wantz threw 16 pitches; 11 went for strikes. The Tampa Bay Rays beat the Minnesota Twins 12–1 at Charlotte Sports Park.
Latest Update (Feb. 21, 2026): Andrew Wantz entered in the second inning and pitched 1.0 inning, allowing 2 hits and 1 earned run with no walks and 1 strikeout. The run came on a solo home run by Ben Gamel with no outs in the frame in the Tampa Bay Rays’ 5–1 spring training loss to the Atlanta Braves at Charlotte Sports Park.
Latest Update (Feb. 20, 2026): Corey Rosier entered in left field and went 1-for-1 with a single, walk, RBI, and run scored in the Boston Red Sox’s 18–3 spring training win over Northeastern University at JetBlue Park in Fort Myers, Florida.
Latest Update (Feb. 20, 2026): Alex Hoppe came on in relief and tossed 2/3 of an inning, allowing 1 hit, 2 runs (2 earned), and 2 walks, including a two-run home run to José Miranda in the 7th with one on and two outs. He was charged with a blown save in the Seattle Mariners’ 7–4 spring training win over the San Diego Padres at Peoria Stadium.
Alex Hoppe, RHP — Seattle Mariners
Latest Update (March 15, 2026): Alex Hoppe, Seattle Mariners. Came on in relief in the 8th inning and tossed 1 inning, allowing 1 hit, 1 run (earned), and 1 walk in the Mariners’ 6-3 spring training win over the Cincinnati Reds at Peoria Stadium. Hoppe threw 18 pitches in the inning; 11 were recorded as strikes.
Latest Update (March 12, 2026): Alex Hoppe, Seattle Mariners. Came on in relief in the 6th inning and tossed 1 inning, allowing 0 hits, 0 runs, 1 walk, and 2 strikeouts in the Mariners’ 7–4 spring training loss to the Chicago Cubs at Sloan Park. Hoppe threw 16 pitches in the inning; 9 were recorded as strikes.
Latest Update (March 9, 2026): Alex Hoppe came on in relief in the 5th inning and tossed 1 inning, allowing 0 hits, 0 runs, 1 walk, and 2 strikeouts in the Seattle Mariners’ 2–1 spring training loss to the Arizona Diamondbacks at Salt River Fields at Talking Stick. Hoppe threw 17 pitches in the inning; 10 were recorded as strikes.
Latest Update (March 5, 2026): Alex Hoppe, Seattle Mariners. Came on in relief in the 3rd inning and tossed 1 inning, allowing 5 hits, 5 runs (all earned), 0 walks, and 2 strikeouts. Hoppe gave up two home runs in the 3rd inning – A three-run homer to Freddy Fermin with 2 outs and a two-run home run to Jackson Merrill with 2 outs. The Mariners lost to the San Diego Padres 27-6 at Peoria Stadium. Hoppe threw 27 pitches in the inning; 21 were recorded as strikes.
Latest Update (March 1, 2026): Alex Hoppe, Seattle Mariners. Came on in relief in the 9th inning and tossed 1 inning, allowing 1 hit, 0 runs, 0 walks, and 3 strikeouts in the Mariners’ 9–4 spring training loss to the Texas Rangers at Peoria Stadium. Hoppe threw 15 pitches in the inning; 11 were recorded as strikes.
Latest Update (Feb. 24, 2026): Alex Hoppe came on in relief and tossed 1 inning, allowing 2 hits, 2 runs (2 earned), and a walk in the Seattle Mariners’ 12–10 spring training loss to the Chicago White Sox at Peoria Stadium. Hoppe threw 23 pitches in the inning; 11 were recorded as strikes.
Latest Update (Feb. 20, 2026): Alex Hoppe came on in relief and tossed 2/3 of an inning, allowing 1 hit, 2 runs (2 earned), and 2 walks, including a two-run home run to José Miranda in the 7th with one on and two outs. He was charged with a blown save in the Seattle Mariners’ 7–4 spring training win over the San Diego Padres at Peoria Stadium.
Alex Hoppe remains the most electric arm to come through UNC Greensboro in recent years. Drafted in the sixth round by Boston in 2022, Hoppe reached AA less than a year after signing, thanks to elite velocity and swing-and-miss traits.
In 2023, he breezed through High-A with a 3.93 ERA across 31 appearances, striking out 48 batters in 34 innings for a 12.6 K/9. His fastball routinely sat 96–98 mph and touched triple digits, and that velocity only ticked up as he climbed the ladder. By 2025, Hoppe was averaging 98.1 mph with his four-seamer at AAA Worcester and exceeded 100 mph five times, pairing the heat with a cutter, slider, and a serviceable changeup.
The command remains the separator. In 2025, split between AA and AAA, Hoppe logged a 4.55 ERA across 61.1 innings with 73 strikeouts against 34 walks. Over three seasons in the Red Sox system, he struck out 203 batters in 176 innings while collecting 15 saves.
Now in Seattle after a 2025 trade, Hoppe enters 2026 on the Mariners’ 40-man roster.
2026 outlook: He is expected to open at AAA Tacoma, where the Pacific Coast League’s hitter-friendly environment will test both his command and sequencing. With options remaining, Hoppe profiles as a high-octane bullpen option who could shuttle between levels.
At UNC Greensboro, Hoppe was dominant enough to earn 2022 Southern Conference Player and Pitcher of the Year honors, striking out 152 batters in 132.2 innings.
Corey Rosier, OF — Boston Red Sox
Latest Update (March 21, 2026): Corey Rosier, Boston Red Sox. Entered in left field as a defensive replacement and did not record an at-bat in the Red Sox’s 6–1 spring training loss to the Atlanta Braves at JetBlue Park.
Latest Update (March 14, 2026): Corey Rosier entered in left field and went 0-for-1 in the Boston Red Sox’s 10–1 spring training loss to the Atlanta Braves at CoolToday Park.
Latest Update (March 12, 2026): Corey Rosier entered in left field and went 0-for-1 in the Boston Red Sox’s 8–5 spring training loss to the Minnesota Twins at Lee Health Sports Complex.
Latest Update (March 4, 2026): Corey Rosier entered in left field and went 0-for-1 with a strikeout in the Boston Red Sox’s 4–0 spring training loss to the New York Yankees at JetBlue Park.
Latest Update (Feb. 20, 2026): Corey Rosier entered in left field and went 1-for-1 with a single, walk, RBI, and run scored in the Boston Red Sox’s 18–3 spring training win over Northeastern University at JetBlue Park in Fort Myers, Florida.
Corey Rosier’s professional career has been defined by motion—between organizations, levels, and roles. Drafted in the 12th round by Seattle in 2021, Rosier was traded twice before settling into Boston’s system, where his speed-first profile keeps him relevant.
Rosier’s offensive game is built on contact and pressure. Power is limited, but his speed and aggressive baserunning keep him around. After reaching AAA Worcester in 2023 and producing a .282/.364/.359 line in a short stint, he struggled in 2024 before rebounding in 2025. Split between AA and AAA last season, Rosier hit .252 with seven home runs, enough to reestablish organizational value.
2026 outlook: Rosier is expected to open the year at AA Portland. He projects as a reliable organizational outfielder with emergency utility potential, strong makeup, and the type of skill set that quietly benefits depth charts.
At UNC Greensboro, Rosier was a star. In 2021, he led the Southern Conference with 75 hits, posted a .354 batting average, reached base at a .604 clip, and earned All-SoCon First Team honors while starting all 52 games.
Danny Thompson Jr., RHP — Toronto Blue Jays
Danny Thompson Jr. announced himself quickly after being selected in the eighth round of the 2025 draft. His debut was brief but dominant: 13.2 innings at Single-A, a 0.66 ERA, 15 strikeouts, and just four walks.
Thompson works with a mid-90s fastball and a sharp slider, profiling as a multi-inning reliever capable of missing bats. While control was inconsistent earlier in his college career, his pro debut suggested meaningful improvement.
2026 outlook: Thompson is widely expected to begin 2026 at High-A Vancouver. If the strike-throwing holds, he has the profile of a reliever who moves quickly in Toronto’s system.
At UNC Greensboro, Thompson earned All-SoCon First Team honors in 2025 after posting a 3.79 ERA with 87 strikeouts in 61.2 innings, leading the league in strikeouts per nine innings.
Andrew Wantz, RHP — Tampa Bay Rays
Latest Update (March 9, 2026): Andrew Wantz, Tampa Bay Rays, entered in the seventh inning with one out and pitched 2/3 of an inning, allowing 0 hits, 0 runs, 0 walks, and 0 strikeouts. Wantz only threw 3 pitches; all went for strikes to complete the inning. The Rays tied the Detroit Tigers 4–4 at Publix Field at Joker Marchant Stadium.
Latest Update (March 5, 2026): Andrew Wantz, Tampa Bay Rays, entered in the sixth inning and pitched 2.0 innings, allowing 2 hits, 2 runs (both earned), 1 walk, and 2 strikeouts. Wantz threw 33 pitches; 21went for strikes. He gave up a home run to Will Robertson in the sixth with one on and two outs. The Rays lost to the Baltimore Orioles 4–3 at Charlotte Sports Park.
Latest Update (March 2, 2026): Andrew Wantz, Tampa Bay Rays, entered in the third inning and pitched 1.0 inning, allowing 0 hits, 0 runs, 0 walks, and 2 strikeouts. Wantz threw 12 pitches; 9 went for strikes. The Tampa Bay Rays lost to the Pittsburgh Pirates 4–1 at LECOM Park.
Latest Update (Feb. 27, 2026): Andrew Wantz, Tampa Bay Rays, entered in the eighth inning and pitched 1.0 inning, allowing 3 hits and 4 runs (1 earned) with a walk and no strikeouts. Wantz threw 29 pitches; 18 went for strikes. The Tampa Bay Rays beat the Toronto Blue Jays 6–5 at Charlotte Sports Park. Wantz recorded the win.
Latest Update (Feb. 24, 2026): Andrew Wantz entered in the fifth inning and pitched 1.0 inning, allowing 1 hit and 0 runs with no walks and no strikeouts. Wantz threw 16 pitches; 11 went for strikes. The Tampa Bay Rays beat the Minnesota Twins 12–1 at Charlotte Sports Park.
Latest Update (Feb. 21, 2026): Andrew Wantz entered in the second inning and pitched 1.0 inning, allowing 2 hits and 1 earned run with no walks and 1 strikeout. The run came on a solo home run by Ben Gamel with no outs in the frame in the Tampa Bay Rays’ 5–1 spring training loss to the Atlanta Braves at Charlotte Sports Park.
Andrew Wantz represents the long-view success story among UNC Greensboro baseball players in the MLB and MiLB. Drafted in the seventh round in 2018, Wantz reached the majors in 2021 and has logged 90 MLB appearances with a career ERA under 4.00.
His career has included strong stretches, control issues, and an elbow surgery that cost him much of 2025. He returned late last season with AAA Durham, throwing three scoreless innings in September.
2026 Outlook: Signed with Tampa Bay, Wantz enters the season competing for a bullpen role. His ability to cover multiple innings and limit hard contact keeps him firmly in the mix. On January 30, the Rays further signaled their interest by inviting the non-roster right-hander to major league spring training.
At UNC Greensboro, Wantz tied the program’s career saves record with 19 and struck out 278 batters over four seasons, earning multiple All-SoCon honors
Hogan Windish, 1B — Seattle Mariners
Hogan Windish rounds out the group as its grinder. Drafted in the seventh round in 2022, Windish was once viewed as a versatile infielder with emerging power. Injuries and roster needs pushed him across multiple positions early in his career.
The bat has cooled. After hitting 22 home runs in 2023, his power declined to 15 in 2024 and just three in 2025, along with sub-.220 averages at AA.
2026 outlook: Windish is likely ticketed for another start at AA. A bounce-back season is critical, as his most realistic path forward is as depth or a trusted organizational presence.
At UNC Greensboro, Windish was the 2022 Southern Conference Player of the Year, hitting .392 with a .495 on-base percentage.
