Three Top Tier alums were named to the Pitcher of the Year Award watch list on Wednesday. Tomas Valincius, Tommy Egan and Wes Mendes – all off to very strong starts – are among the nation’s top arms thus far and have earned a mention on a prestigious list.
It's never too soon for a Watch List
— CollegeBaseballHoF (@CollegeDiamonds) March 11, 2026
Our early season Pitcher of the Year list has over 140 hurlers to look out! Who's your go-to on the mound?
: https://t.co/1kMX6NYKpf pic.twitter.com/fmQqic3kYq
The National Pitcher of the Year is awarded at the end of the season, usually in early-to-mid June. Recent winners include Jake Knapp (2025), Hagen Smith (2024) and Paul Skenes (2023).
Valincius is off to a 3-0 start with Mississippi State. He’s thrown just over 20 innings and has K’d 26. He’s only allowed four runs in four starts.
Wes Mendes has been nothing short of lights out. 30 strikeouts through 21.2 innings for Florida State. He’s 4-0 with a 0.83 ERA through four starts. His next start will come against ranked conference foe Wake Forest.
Tommy Egan has been a spark for Troy as a Friday night starter. He’s 2-0 with a 2.25 ERA. Through 20 innings, Egan has 27 K’s while only allowing a handful of runs.
Valincius, Mendes and Egan have a bright remainder of 2026 ahead. Continue to follow along with our weekly alumni roundups to check in on these arms, as well as other Top Tier alumni who standout from week to week.
