(ROCHESTER, N.Y.) — The 2026 Triple‑A baseball season is officially underway, and Rochester Red Wings manager Matt LeCroy returns for his sixth consecutive year at the helm with a talented roster, an expanded coaching staff, and a new wave of technology aimed at developing players across the Washington Nationals organization.
The Nationals and Rochester Red Wings continue their strong partnership, with LeCroy once again leading the charge. The former catcher, who played for Rochester in 2007, brings a personal connection to both the organization and its passionate fan base. Players have long praised LeCroy’s leadership and the culture he builds inside the clubhouse. “I am a big believer in clubhouse culture, and that starts with me,” LeCroy said.
LeCroy noted that this year’s team has given him plenty to be excited about. “I am really excited about our group,” he said. “You know Triple‑A baseball can be tricky sometimes with roster turnaround, but I am looking forward to this group. I went from having a six‑person staff including coaches and trainers to a twelve‑person staff, which will be beneficial for the players and me.”
Strength Behind the Plate
As a former catcher, LeCroy is especially enthusiastic about the depth behind the plate. Tres Barrera, who caught for Rochester in 2021 and 2022, returns along with Riley Adams, Washington’s backup catcher over the last two seasons. The group also includes Harry Ford, Washington’s No. 3 prospect, who joined the organization in a trade after serving as Great Britain’s catcher and captain in the World Baseball Classic. “Harry Ford was a nice pickup,” LeCroy said. “He’s a super athletic guy who can run, switch hit, and hit for power. I’m really excited for him and what he’ll become.”
Deep and Talented Pitching Rotation
The Red Wings’ starting rotation gives LeCroy more reasons for optimism. Riley Cornelio, Washington’s 2025 Minor League Pitcher of the Year, leads the rotation alongside left‑hander Andrew Alvarez and Mitchell Parker, who both spent time in the majors last season. Jake Eder, acquired from Harrisburg last July, and Luis Perales, one of the Nationals’ top pitching prospects picked up from Boston in December, round out a promising group. “Pitching‑wise, we have guys coming back who have been in the Washington rotation and are working on refining their skills,” LeCroy said. “I’m really excited about our pitching staff.”
New signage at ESL Stadium in Rochester New York
Infield and Outfield Packed with Talent
Rochester’s infield features fan favorite Yohandy Morales, a power‑hitting first baseman ranked as the Nationals’ No. 28 prospect. Phillip Glasser returns as a versatile left fielder and second baseman after being the only player in the organization to hit over .300 last season. Trey Lipscomb gives the club another flexible option after a strong spring training performance in which he also hit above .300.
The outfield offers even more depth. Dylan Crews and Robert Hassell III, both of whom spent time in the majors last year, will begin 2026 with Rochester to continue refining their games. Christian Franklin, Washington’s No. 18 prospect, also returns after nearly making the Nationals’ Opening Day roster, while last year’s Rochester MVP, Andrew Pinckney, the club’s No. 19 prospect, is back for another season. “We have a lot of guys between Rochester and Washington who have options,” LeCroy said. “I’m sure you’ll see plenty of movement with players going up and down this year.”
A Stronger System and Cutting‑Edge Development Tools
Spring training took on a new tone this year under the Nationals’ updated front office and coaching structure. According to LeCroy, the increased intensity has carried over into Rochester. “They did a great job running spring training and setting the tone for how they approach things,” he said. “The entire staff focused on making each day productive, which makes my job easier here.”
That focus on improvement now includes expanded resources for player development. LeCroy said the Nationals have doubled the size of their minor league staff and introduced advanced technology to help players grow. “Washington has really invested in staff development. Our staffs throughout the system have doubled in size,” he said. “We now have TrackMan technology in the batting cages, a high‑tech trajectory machine, slow‑motion cameras, and the computers needed to track everything. The players will be monitored on a daily basis. The goal is for every player to take their game to the next level.”
We have a lot of guys between Rochester and Washington who have options…I’m sure you’ll see plenty of movement with players going up and down this year.
A Familiar Face and Fan Favorite
LeCroy’s leadership extends beyond the dugout. Over his five previous seasons in Rochester, he has maintained a close relationship with General Manager Dan Mason and the Red Wings front office while also engaging with fans through community events and team promotions. One of his most memorable moments came during the team’s “Christmas in July Night,” when he met umpires and the opposing manager at home plate dressed as Santa Claus to exchange lineup cards — a reminder of his humor and connection with the city.
As he enters another season, LeCroy’s mindset remains consistent. “I know I say this a lot,” he said with a smile, “but for me, I want to bring a championship back to Rochester.”