Fresno State Athletics
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Diamond 'Dogs well represented on MLB Opening Day rosters
3/26/2026 4:14:00 PM | Baseball
FRESNO, Calif. - As Major League Baseball celebrates Opening Day, Fresno State Baseball continues to showcase its tradition of developing elite talent, with several former Bulldogs set to make an impact across the league in 2026. With four former players on an Opening Day roster, Fresno State is tied with UNLV for the most among Mountain West programs.
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Headlining the group is Aaron Judge (New York Yankees), one of the game's premier sluggers and a perennial MVP candidate. Judge, a three-time American League MVP, is the American League record-holder with 62 home runs in 2022 and has consistently ranked among MLB leaders in home runs, RBIs, and on-base percentage. Entering 2026, he owns more than 360 career home runs and a career OPS above 1.000, underscoring his status as one of baseball's most dominant offensive forces.
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On the pitching side, Dylan Lee (Atlanta Braves) enters the season as a key contributor in the Braves' bullpen. In his career, Lee has posted a sub-3.00 ERA while pitching over 200 innings, demonstrating durability and effectiveness. His ability to limit baserunners and generate soft contact has made him a reliable option in high-leverage situations for Atlanta.
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Taylor Ward (Baltimore Orioles) begins a new chapter in Baltimore after spending the last eight seasons with the Los Angeles Angels, bringing versatility and offensive production to a young and dynamic Orioles roster. Ward has produced multiple seasons with 20+ home runs and an OPS in the .750 - .800 range, while also showing strong on-base skills. His balanced offensive profile and defensive flexibility make him a valuable everyday contributor.
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Behind the plate, Austin Wynns (Athletics) provides veteran leadership and defensive stability. Known for his pitch framing and game management, Wynns has compiled a solid defensive reputation throughout his career while contributing timely offense. He has appeared in parts of multiple MLB seasons, providing experience and reliability to his pitching staff.
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The Diamond 'Dogs have a long history of producing Major League talent, and this year's Opening Day rosters once again highlight the program's lasting impact on the game.
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Headlining the group is Aaron Judge (New York Yankees), one of the game's premier sluggers and a perennial MVP candidate. Judge, a three-time American League MVP, is the American League record-holder with 62 home runs in 2022 and has consistently ranked among MLB leaders in home runs, RBIs, and on-base percentage. Entering 2026, he owns more than 360 career home runs and a career OPS above 1.000, underscoring his status as one of baseball's most dominant offensive forces.
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On the pitching side, Dylan Lee (Atlanta Braves) enters the season as a key contributor in the Braves' bullpen. In his career, Lee has posted a sub-3.00 ERA while pitching over 200 innings, demonstrating durability and effectiveness. His ability to limit baserunners and generate soft contact has made him a reliable option in high-leverage situations for Atlanta.
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Taylor Ward (Baltimore Orioles) begins a new chapter in Baltimore after spending the last eight seasons with the Los Angeles Angels, bringing versatility and offensive production to a young and dynamic Orioles roster. Ward has produced multiple seasons with 20+ home runs and an OPS in the .750 - .800 range, while also showing strong on-base skills. His balanced offensive profile and defensive flexibility make him a valuable everyday contributor.
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Behind the plate, Austin Wynns (Athletics) provides veteran leadership and defensive stability. Known for his pitch framing and game management, Wynns has compiled a solid defensive reputation throughout his career while contributing timely offense. He has appeared in parts of multiple MLB seasons, providing experience and reliability to his pitching staff.
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The Diamond 'Dogs have a long history of producing Major League talent, and this year's Opening Day rosters once again highlight the program's lasting impact on the game.
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