Portland Pilots pitcher Will Labonte has been named to the 2026 National Pitcher of the Year Watch List presented by the College Baseball Foundation, according to a March 11 announcement.
Labonte is the first Portland pitcher to receive this recognition from the College Baseball Foundation since Chris Clements in 2019. The award is one of four major honors given by the foundation, which also presents awards for player of the year, two-way player of the year, and collegiate catcher of the year. Earlier this season, Trey Swygart from Portland was named to the John Olerud Two-Way Player of the Year Watch List.
Labonte stands out as one of only five freshmen on this year’s watch list and is among just five players selected from his conference. In four appearances for Portland, he has allowed only one run over 19.2 innings pitched, earning a record of 1-0 with an earned run average (ERA) of 0.46 and recording 15 strikeouts. His ERA ranks second in his conference and eleventh nationally. Among freshmen nationwide who have allowed one run or fewer, Labonte’s ERA is second best and he has pitched more innings than any other freshman in that group.
The Pilots currently hold an 8-6 record after sweeping a four-game series against Holy Cross last weekend. They are scheduled to host UConn for a three-game series at Joe Etzel Field beginning Friday, March 13.
The College Baseball Foundation aims to preserve and advance college baseball while honoring its history and contributors. The organization also oversees induction into the College Baseball Hall of Fame, which will open a physical location in Overland Park, Kansas in 2026.
