Hill City Howlers 2026 season preview
Previewing the Single-A affiliate for the Guardians
Ankeny Centennial pitcher Joey Oakie warms up his arm at practice Wednesday, April 19, 2023. The 2026 season for the Single-A Hill City Howlers begins Thursday. First things first, the team underwent a rebrand in the offseason, transitioning from the Lynchburg Hillcats to the Hill City Howlers.
Personally, I love it. They just sound more ferocious. The Howlers released a preliminary roster Tuesday.
Here are the active players we have so far: Pitchers : Eudry Alcantara RHP, Jerfis Alfaro RHP, Harrison Bodendorf LHP, Wes Burton RHP, Luke Fernandez RHP, Miguel Flores LHP, Ettore Giulianelli RHP, Nelson Keljo LHP, Aidan Major RHP, Will McCausland RHP, Chase Mobley RHP, Joey Oakie RHP, Angel Perez RHP, Zane Petty RHP, Jacob Zibin RHP, Keegan Zinn RHP. Analysis : All eyes will be on top pitching prospect Joey Oakie as the headliner of this starting rotation, and rightfully so after his extremely promising finish to 2025. I’ll be interested to see what development former 10th round pick Jacob Zibin has made after pitching the entire 2025 campaign healthy for the first time in his career.
Aidan Major, a 2024 fourth round pick, will be making his pro debut after missing last season with Tommy John surgery. Chase Mobley earned a huge bonus from Cleveland in 2024 and has a high ceiling, but likely will be a long developmental project. Catchers : Tyler Howard RHH, Victor Izturis LHH, Cannon Peebles SH.