WVU Baseball Adds Pair of Pitcher Commits to 2026 Class

Looking to the future, the WVU baseball program secured a pair of commitments this week.

First, Charleston, W.Va native Slade Barton announced his commitment to the Mountaineers’ 2026 class on Thursday.

Huge thanks to my family and everyone else who has helped me on the way! Thank you to Coach Sabins and the rest of the staff at West Virginia University! @WVUBaseball pic.twitter.com/OzehzVC2rO

— Slade Barton (@sladebarton2026) August 1, 2024

“Huge thanks to my family and everyone else who has helped me on the way! Thank you to Coach Sabins and the rest of the staff at West Virginia University!,” said Barton on X (formerly Twitter).

Listed at 6-foot-3, 200 pounds, Barton is a right-handed pitcher known an 88 mph fastball, according to Perfect Game. He also has a curveball and slider at his disposal.

Another 2026 pitcher was next, but this one from out of state. Franklin, Tenn. native Joey Ansell revealed his commitment on Friday as part of a long post on social media.

I am proud to announce that I have verbally committed to West Virginia University to play baseball! I am blessed to have received a tremendous offer from the 13th ranked baseball program in the US. I would like to thank God first and foremost for blessing me with this… pic.twitter.com/0faaAWaFYl

— Joey Ansell (@joeyansell05) August 2, 2024

“I am proud to announce that I have verbally committed to West Virginia University to play baseball! I am blessed to have received a tremendous offer from the 13th ranked baseball program in the US. I would like to thank God first and foremost for blessing me with this opportunity. Thank you to my parents for being there for me every step of the way. Thank you to my sisters for all of your support. Thank you to my coaches for guiding me and helping me grow into the player I am today. Thank you to my teammates for helping me get better everyday. Thank you to the baseball coaching staff at WVU for seeing the potential in me. LET’S GO MOUNTAINEERS!!!,” said Ansell.

Ansell (6-foot-6, 220 pounds) attends Brentwood Academy where he also plays first base.

Find more coverage of the WVU baseball program on WV Sports Now.