Troy University Athletics
Troy's Hayden Smith Named to NCBWA Stopper of the Year Preseason Watchlist
2/10/2026 1:00:00 PM | Baseball
TROY, Ala. - Troy left-handed pitcher Hayden Smith was named to the National College Baseball Writers Association's Preseason Stopper of the Year Watchlist on Tuesday. The award, given out each season since 2006, honors the top relief pitcher in college baseball.
Smith, a transfer from Kentucky, looks to be a key piece of the Troy bullpen this season after a productive sophomore campaign in the SEC last spring. The southpaw was scoreless in 12-of-14 appearances for the Wildcats, posting a 3.48 ERA on the season.
"Hayden has made tremendous strides in his short time here at Troy, and we expect him to be outstanding in his sure to be important role this spring," head coach Skylar Meade said. "The fastball has up to 96 recently, and his confidence heading into the year is exceptionally high."
On the season, the Nicholasville, Ky., native struck out 15 hitters to five walks across 10.1 innings, totaling a 34.1% strikeout rate, while holding opposing batters to a .243 average.
Smith continues the Kentucky to Troy transfer pipeline set by his former UK teammate Colby Frieda last season. In his lone season with the Trojans after three years with the Wildcats, Frieda struck out 58 hitters in 45.1 innings and posted a 3.97 ERA before signing a free agent deal with the New York Mets.
Troy opens the 2026 season this weekend with a three-game series at Mercer Friday through Sunday.
Smith, a transfer from Kentucky, looks to be a key piece of the Troy bullpen this season after a productive sophomore campaign in the SEC last spring. The southpaw was scoreless in 12-of-14 appearances for the Wildcats, posting a 3.48 ERA on the season.
"Hayden has made tremendous strides in his short time here at Troy, and we expect him to be outstanding in his sure to be important role this spring," head coach Skylar Meade said. "The fastball has up to 96 recently, and his confidence heading into the year is exceptionally high."
On the season, the Nicholasville, Ky., native struck out 15 hitters to five walks across 10.1 innings, totaling a 34.1% strikeout rate, while holding opposing batters to a .243 average.
Smith continues the Kentucky to Troy transfer pipeline set by his former UK teammate Colby Frieda last season. In his lone season with the Trojans after three years with the Wildcats, Frieda struck out 58 hitters in 45.1 innings and posted a 3.97 ERA before signing a free agent deal with the New York Mets.
Troy opens the 2026 season this weekend with a three-game series at Mercer Friday through Sunday.
Players Mentioned
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