ValleyCats set 2026 Opening Day Roster
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The position players are headlined by returning All-Star third baseman Ian Walters (93 hits, 17 HRs, 76 RBI in 2025), Clifton Park-native Jake Reinisch (team-leading 20 HRs in 2025), and infielder Josh Leslie (.330 average, 91 hits, 56 runs). Catcher Ranko Stevanovic (36 hits in 108 ABs) leads the catchers into the season that starts on the road at New Jersey on May 8.
The ValleyCats offense has come out strong already scoring 27 runs in three exhibitions including multiple home runs from returning outfielder David Glancy and a 4-for-4 night from newcomer Max Mandler (49 hits in 122 ABs at Williamsport in 2025).
The pitching staff is anchored by 2025 Frontier League Wins leader Stephen Still (13-3, 108.2 IP, 97Ks, 3.89 ERA) and veteran Wes Albert (5-3, 29Ks). 2026 Frontier League No. 2 overall draft pick Ben Smith also joins the rotation. Smith finished his collegiate career with the Worcester State Lancers earlier in the year, going 5-2 with three complete games and striking out 62 batters in 40.2 innings. He holds the school’s career and single-game strikeout records.
Tri-City has its home opener on Friday, May 15, against the defending league champion Québec Capitales. All ticket holders are invited to join The Matt Mirabile at the Top of the Hill private picnic area to kick off the season, starting at 5 p.m. and first pitch is scheduled for 6:30 p.m. The night culminates with the first of 15 postgame fireworks shows presented by Upstate New York Toyota.
Tickets are also available for this summer’s country concert – hosted by the ValleyCats and 107.7 WGNA – headlined by Russell Dickerson and special guest Niko Moon performing live at Joe Bruno Stadium on Saturday, August 22. Prices for that show range from $120 for the VIP, presented by NextStep FCU, to $40 for the Main Seats.