Caden Leonard Named to NCBWA Stopper of the Year Preseason Watch List
2/10/2026 2:00:00 PM | Baseball
Kent State Right-Hander One of 104 Relief Pitchers Recognized Nationally Heading Into 2026 Season
KENT, Ohio – Kent State baseball relief pitcher Caden Leonard has been named to the preseason Watch List for the 21st Annual National Collegiate Baseball Writers Association (NCBWA) Stopper of the Year Award, the organization announced Tuesday. The award is presented annually to the top relief pitcher in NCAA Division I baseball.
Leonard earned the recognition after his 2025 campaign, in which he appeared in 20 games for the Golden Flashes, compiling a 4.13 ERA over 28.1 innings. The right-hander went 3-0 with one save on the season, striking out 35 batters while holding opponents to just 30 hits.
Among the highlights of Leonard's 2025 season, he posted a 0.00 ERA in multiple appearances and was especially effective during Mid-American Conference play. Leonard turned in strong outings against the likes of Ohio, Akron, and Central Michigan, cementing himself as a go-to option for the Kent State coaching staff.
Leonard is one of 104 players named to the initial 2026 watch list for the award. The list, submitted by institution and conference sports information directors, features 14 preseason NCBWA All-America selections and representatives from 17 conferences nationwide. The Southeastern Conference led all leagues with 17 selections, followed by the Atlantic Coast Conference and Big Ten Conference with 13 each.
The Stopper of the Year Award has been presented annually since 2005, when Texas pitcher J. Brent Cox claimed the inaugural honor. Arizona's Tony Pluta is the reigning recipient after posting a 1.46 ERA in 30 mound appearances with a 3-0 record, four saves, and 34 strikeouts in 37 innings during the 2025 season.
Leonard and the Kent State Golden Flashes are set to open the 2026 season this weekend at Southeastern Louisiana.
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