Local ballplayers gear up for Spring Training, eager to prove their mettle
The sun-drenched Phoenix area buzzes with the sounds of baseball, signaling the start of a new season. As the off-season whizzes by, Major League Baseball operations are accelerating, and 2026's World Baseball Classic adds to the urgency. Turlock's very own professional ballplayers are among those gearing up for Spring Training, each with their own unique storylines and aspirations.
Among them are Tyler Soderstrom, Cole Carrigg, and Kade Morris, who are set to make their mark in Arizona. Here's a closer look at their journeys and the challenges they face.
Kade Morris, RHP, Athletics
Kade Morris, a right-handed pitcher, is early at the Lew Wolff Training Complex in Mesa, brimming with opportunity. After graduating from Pitman High School in 2020, Morris is back for his second straight season at the Athletics' big league camp. This year, his invitation carries extra weight, as it's the first since his promotion to Triple-A Las Vegas last summer.
The former third-round draft pick from the University of Nevada aims to prove that his second-half success last season wasn't a fluke. With the A's starting rotation already packed, Morris is in a prime position to contribute, though the opportunity may not come immediately. The rotation includes Luis Severino, Jeffrey Springs, and Aaron Civale, with Jacob Lopez and Luis Medina vying for the final spots.
Morris made 19 regular-season starts with the Aviators, boasting a 7-7 record and a 5.22 ERA in the hitter-friendly Pacific Coast League. In 98 1/3 innings, he struck out 80 batters, walked 37, and surrendered 112 hits. Named the club's Most Valuable Pitcher, Morris is now eyeing a spot on the major league roster or an in-season call-up.
Cole Carrigg, OF/INF, Colorado Rockies
Cole Carrigg, a 2020 Turlock High School graduate, is under the brightest spotlight in baseball. As the No. 3 prospect in the Colorado system, Carrigg has earned an invite to major league camp for the third consecutive year. Reporting to the Rockies' camp at Salt River Fields, he'll be with the team for the first month of Spring Training before heading to Miami for the World Baseball Classic.
Carrigg, a shortstop for Team Israel, played all outfield positions in 110 games with Hartford. His speed and talent are key to the team's success in the tournament, which will be held in Miami from March 6-17. Carrigg's development and potential to play regular-season games at Coors Field could be a game-changer for the Rockies, who finished with the worst record in Major League Baseball in 2025.
Tyler Soderstrom, OF, Athletics
Tyler Soderstrom, a 2020 Turlock High graduate, had a career year in 2025, earning the largest guaranteed contract in Athletics history. The $86 million man arrived at the Lew Wolff Training Complex in Mesa, more than a week before the club's first full-squad workout. Soderstrom's goal is to help the Athletics clinch a postseason berth and deliver the organization its first World Series since 1989.
In his first full season in the majors, the left-handed slugger hit 25 home runs and drove in 93 runs. With a .276 batting average, .346 OBP, .474 SLG, and .820 OPS, Soderstrom also showcased his defensive prowess at a new position, earning a Gold Glove nomination.
The Athletics will open the 2026 season against the Toronto Blue Jays, followed by a series against the Atlanta Braves and the Houston Astros. Soderstrom's contract provides financial security and removes the pressure of earning a roster spot, allowing him to focus on his game and the team's success.
