DeLAND, Fla. — Former Stetson ace Logan Gilbert has been named the Opening Day starter for the Seattle Mariners, marking the second consecutive season he has earned the honor.
Gilbert will take the mound on March 26 at T-Mobile Park as Seattle opens its 2026 campaign, further solidifying his status as one of Major League Baseball's premier starting pitchers.
A product of Stetson's pitching tradition, Gilbert has developed into one of the game's most reliable arms since making his MLB debut in 2021. Known for his durability and consistency, he has become a cornerstone of the Mariners' rotation. In 2025, he posted a 3.44 ERA with 173 strikeouts and a 1.03 WHIP across 131 innings, continuing to establish himself as a frontline starter.
During his time in DeLand, Gilbert was one of the most decorated pitchers in program history. He earned back-to-back ASUN Pitcher of the Year honors in 2017 and 2018, becoming the first pitcher in conference history to do so. As a junior in 2018, he went 10-2 with a 2.72 ERA and a program-record 143 strikeouts, leading the Hatters to an NCAA Regional appearance.
Gilbert anchored the 2018 Stetson squad that captured the ASUN Championship and advanced to the NCAA DeLand Regional, where the Hatters hosted postseason play for the first time in program history. His presence at the top of the rotation helped power one of the nation's top pitching staffs and elevate the program onto the national stage.
He finished his collegiate career with a 2.49 ERA while also climbing into the top five in strikeouts. A multiple-time All-American, Gilbert's command, consistency, and competitiveness cemented his place among the program's all-time greats.
Now entering his sixth Major League season, Gilbert continues to build on that foundation. His selection as Opening Day starter once again highlights his rise from a dominant collegiate arm to one of the most dependable pitchers in professional baseball.
Gilbert's achievement adds to Stetson's growing legacy of producing elite pitching talent at the highest level.
About Stetson Athletics
At Stetson University, student-athletes don't just compete—they thrive. Located in historic DeLand, Florida, between Orlando and Daytona Beach, Stetson offers the perfect blend of competitive athletics, academic excellence, and an unbeatable Central Florida lifestyle. As the oldest private university in the region, Stetson supports approximately 500 student-athletes across 19 NCAA Division I sports. Nicknamed the "Hatters" after the institution's namesake John B. Stetson, a hat manufacturer who originated the modern-day cowboy hat, most Stetson athletic teams compete in the Atlantic Sun Conference, where they proudly hold the longest active membership since 1985. With top-tier facilities, personalized support, and a welcoming campus community, Stetson is where students can grow, compete, and succeed. Learn more at GoHatters.com or follow social media accounts @StetsonHatters.
