The Big Ten Conference's 2026 baseball postseason awards have been announced, with UCLA junior shortstop Roch Cholowsky named Big Ten Player of the Year for the second consecutive season. This achievement marks a rare feat, as Cholowsky joins Minnesota's Luke Appert and Michigan's Barry Larkin as the only players to win the award back-to-back. Cholowsky's outstanding performance includes a .330 batting average, 21 home runs, and 59 RBI in 54 games, leading the Big Ten in home runs, runs scored, and total bases. His status as the top-ranked player on the 2026 MLB Draft top 150 prospects list and a Golden Spikes Award semifinalist further cements his exceptional talent.
USC junior left-handed starter Mason Edwards earned Big Ten Pitcher of the Year honors, boasting an impressive 8-0 record and a 1.49 ERA in 84.1 innings pitched. Edwards leads the NCAA in strikeouts and has set the Big Ten record for strikeouts in a conference season. His dominance on the mound has earned him recognition as Big Ten Pitcher of the Week four times, matching a conference season record.
Nebraska's Dylan Carey and Drew Grego also shone brightly. Carey, a senior shortstop, was named Big Ten Defensive Player of the Year with a remarkable .980 fielding percentage and just four errors in 196 chances. He also led the Big Ten in batting average, home runs, and RBI. Grego, a rookie outfielder, showcased his versatility with a .348 batting average, seven home runs, and 44 RBI, ranking second in slugging percentage and third in on-base percentage.
John Savage of UCLA was unanimously selected as Big Ten Coach of the Year, leading the Bruins to a second-straight Big Ten regular season title and setting conference records for wins and consecutive wins. UCLA's dominance throughout the season has earned them the top seed in the Big Ten Baseball Tournament, where they will look to defend their championship.
The Big Ten also recognized 17 student-athletes for their exceptional sportsmanship, ethical behavior, academics, and citizenship. This award highlights the conference's commitment to fostering a culture of integrity and respect among its student-athletes.
In summary, the 2026 Big Ten baseball postseason awards showcase the conference's depth of talent and the outstanding achievements of its student-athletes. From the dominant performances on the mound to the exceptional fielding and offensive prowess, these awards celebrate the excellence that defines Big Ten baseball.
