Brooklyn enters the 2026 season in a rebuilding phase, but the Hurricanes will look to use a mix of leadership and young talent to begin laying the foundation for the future.
The Hurricanes finished 7-14 overall last season and placed fifth in the Chagrin Valley Conference Metro Division before falling to Triway in the sectional finals. With only three returning starters and three returning lettermen, Brooklyn will rely heavily on younger players stepping into bigger roles this spring.
“We lost a lot of talent and experience from last season,” said coach Kevin Sedlacek. “2026 will be a rebuilding season with young and inexperienced players.”
Despite the youth, Brooklyn will look to senior first baseman and pitcher Zander Rolon to provide leadership both on the mound and in the lineup. Rolon batted .255 last season and posted a 5.42 ERA with 21 strikeouts in 21 innings.
“Zander will need to be our leader this season,” Sedlacek said. “Zander needs to be our workhorse this season.”
Sophomore Mason Vega is another key piece for the Hurricanes. Vega hit .357 last season and earned second-team All-CVC Metro honors as an outfielder. His versatility will allow Brooklyn to move him around the field while also contributing on the mound.
“Mason will play either first base, pitcher, or an outfield position for us in 2026,” Sedlacek said. “He plays any position that we need him to play. I hope Mason comes back a little bit stronger to turn those singles from last season into extra base hits this spring.”
Junior Jayden Torres is expected to take on a major role as he makes the jump from junior varsity to the varsity lineup, likely splitting time between shortstop and center field.
“Jayden will play either shortstop or centerfield for us,” Sedlacek said. “He is our best young talent. I’m looking forward to seeing how he adjusts to varsity baseball this spring.”
Sophomore Matt Kenderes returns to Brooklyn after a year at Lake Catholic and is expected to contribute both at second base and on the mound.
“Matt transferred back to Brooklyn after a year at Lake Catholic,” Sedlacek said. “I hope to see Matt continue to grow and develop for us this spring.”
Senior Justin Lewis will anchor third base after seeing limited action a year ago but now stepping into a larger role.
“Justin is a returning player who saw limited time last season,” Sedlacek said. “He will be a mainstay at third base this spring.”
The biggest challenge for Brooklyn came just before the season when the Hurricanes lost one of their top returning players.
“We lost our best returning player, Gio Garst, who transferred out this spring,” Sedlacek said. “We also lost our centerfielder from last season, who quit baseball to pursue his future career.”
The Hurricanes’ pitching staff will be anchored by Rolon, Vega, Kenderes, and senior Jacon Collins, all of whom will look to stabilize the staff as the younger roster gains experience throughout the season.
Overall, Sedlacek knows the Hurricanes will face growing pains but hopes the experience gained this season will pay dividends in the future.
“This year’s Brooklyn team will be a young and inexperienced team.”
