PHILADELPHIA — The snow has not yet cleared from Clothier Field, but expectations have.
Swarthmore enters 2026 coming off a 24–14 season, including a 14–4 mark in Centennial Conference play — a record that placed the Garnet firmly among the league’s contenders before a postseason stumble ended their run at the hands of rival Haverford.
The lesson from that afternoon still echoes.
“Got to pitch better,” head coach Matt Midkiff said bluntly.
That clarity shapes this year’s roster.
For all the disappointment of the finish, Swarthmore’s offense was among the Centennial’s most productive units — and much of it returns.
Senior Aidan Sullivan was one of the conference’s most dynamic players in 2025, hitting .363 with a 1.037 OPS over 42 starts. He scored 57 runs, collected 61 hits, drove in 35 and stole 23 bases in 24 attempts. His .483 on-base percentage turned him into a constant problem at the top of the lineup.
Sophomore Leor Kedar quietly delivered one of the most complete seasons on the roster. The Council Rock North product hit .333 with a .991 OPS, slugged .551 and totaled 14 doubles, three triples and four home runs. He added 18 stolen bases while reaching base at a .440 clip.
“Leor might have been our best player last year,” Midkiff said.
Junior Brad Johnston provided middle-of-the-order thunder, posting a 1.014 OPS with nine home runs in just 82 at-bats. His .622 slugging percentage translated to 30 RBI in only 33 games — production that can flip tight conference matchups.
Zac Kahn (39 RBI) and Nathaniel Kittredge (32 RBI) both logged more than 40 starts, giving the lineup experience to pair with its explosiveness.
The offense is not the question.
The postseason exit exposed how thin margins can be in the Centennial Conference. A weather delay disrupted pitching plans, and Swarthmore struggled to adjust on the fly.
Rather than treat it as misfortune, Midkiff treated it as instruction.
The Garnet enter 2026 younger — and deeper — on the mound.
Freshman left-hander Jackson Garnecki is expected to factor into the weekend rotation immediately. Patrick Brady, a 6-foot-2 right-hander from Dallas Jesuit, will also compete for meaningful innings.
Edward Dingle, a St. Joseph’s Prep product, adds both talent and local storyline. His father designed the award-winning dormitory beyond the outfield fence — meaning Dingle now pitches on a field his family helped shape.
Veterans Gabe Elliott, Steven Jungers and Noah Potholm provide experience to stabilize the staff.
“We hope the number of young arms we brought in, plus guys who maybe didn’t get as many innings last year, can step up,” Midkiff said.
In a conference where Johns Hopkins, Haverford and Franklin & Marshall consistently roll out power arms, pitching depth is not optional.
“You can’t take a game off,” Midkiff said. “Everybody’s got arms.”
One noticeable trend: more local players dot the roster than in recent seasons.
“We’ve actually got more local guys than we’ve ever had,” Midkiff said.
The Philadelphia region’s deep baseball culture — paired with Swarthmore’s academic draw — has made staying home more attractive.
“The area loves baseball,” Midkiff said. “Kids are realizing they can stay close, compete at a high level, and have their parents come see them play.”
Swarthmore intentionally challenges itself in nonconference play rather than padding early records. The Garnet want to be prepared for the Centennial grind — not surprised by it. The schedule again tightens late, with Hopkins and Haverford looming at the back end.
If the pitching stabilizes, the offense suggests Swarthmore will not need much margin.
The Garnet proved they can win 24 games and contend for the conference title.
Now the goal is simpler — and harder.
Finish it.
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