The Northmont Thunderbolts enter the 2026 season with a strong returning core, several college-bound players, and a group that has spent the offseason preparing to compete at a high level this spring.

Northmont is coming off a successful 2025 season that saw the Thunderbolts make a deep postseason run and advance to the District Championship, and this year’s team returns a number of players who played key roles in that run.

Six players from this year’s roster have already earned the opportunity to continue their baseball careers at the next level. Austin Welch (Edison State Community College), Brady Canan (Tiffin University), Drake Sauber (University of Akron), Chase Fuduloff (Schoolcraft College), Aidan Pendleton (Edison State Community College), and Brady Whittaker (Clark State College) will all continue their playing careers after Northmont, highlighting the experience and talent returning to this year’s team.

Chase Fuduloff (Schoolcraft College) returns after a standout offensive season in 2025. Fuduloff hit .363 with 29 hits, 13 runs scored, 5 doubles, and 23 RBIs, while also stealing 12 bases and posting a .442 on-base percentage, making him one of the Thunderbolts’ most consistent hitters in the lineup.

Aidan Pendleton (Edison State CC) returns after one of the most productive seasons in the Thunderbolts lineup last year. Pendleton hit .451 with 37 hits, 21 runs scored, and 24 stolen bases, finishing with an impressive .526 on-base percentage.

Drake Sauber (Akron) was another key offensive contributor in 2025, hitting .380 with 27 hits, 6 doubles, 2 home runs, and 18 RBIs, while adding 16 stolen bases and contributing on the mound with six pitching appearances.

Austin Welch (Edison State CC) returns after batting .342 with 26 hits, 17 runs scored, and 14 stolen bases, providing a consistent presence in the lineup.

Brady Whittaker (Clark State CC) contributed both at the plate and on the mound. Offensively he hit .300 with 15 hits and 10 RBIs, while on the mound he posted a 1.989 ERA with 26 strikeouts in 31.2 innings pitched.

On the mound, Brady Canan (Tiffin University) returns as a key piece of the Thunderbolts pitching staff after a strong 2025 season where he went 6–2 with a 2.857 ERA and 48 strikeouts across 49 innings, while maintaining a 1.102 WHIP.

Another important returning piece is junior Jayden Snyder, who was also a member of last year’s District Championship team. Snyder gained valuable varsity experience last season and is expected to play a significant role for the Thunderbolts in 2026.

Also returning to the varsity roster are Gage Hoke and Garret Hoke, while several other players are expected to step into larger roles throughout the season.

The 2026 Northmont Varsity roster includes:

Jayden Snyder
Drake Sauber
Andrew Bogner
Austin Welch
Brady Canan
Bryce Staggs
Aidan Pendleton
Gage Hoke
Garret Hoke
Brady Whittaker
Chase Fuduloff
Connor Slentz
Talon Paugh
Troy Holthaus

With a veteran group, multiple college commitments, and momentum from last season’s postseason run, the Thunderbolts will rely on experienced pitching, aggressive baserunning, and a balanced lineup as they take the field this spring.

Northmont Baseball looks forward to building on last year’s success and competing throughout the 2026 season.

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