The reigning national Stopper of the Year has picked up his first prominent accolade of 2026.
Arizona senior closer Tony Pluta was named a preseason first-team All-American by D1Baseball on Tuesday.
Arizonaβs Tony Pluta celebrates after securing the final out vs. TCU in the Big 12 Baseball Championship on May 24, 2025, at Globe Life Field in Arlington, Texas.
Pluta earned multiple All-America honors last year, plus first-team Academic All-American recognition and the NCBWA Stopper of the Year award.
Pluta set the UA single-season record with 14 saves, including the clinching game in the Chapel Hill Super Regional against North Carolina.
Pluta finished the campaign with a 3-0 record, a 1.46 ERA and a 0.95 WHIP while holding opposing hitters to a .219 batting average.
Pluta returns for his senior season as the anchor of the Wildcatsβ bullpen. Arizona, which is ranked 24th in D1Baseballβs preseason Top 25, will host a Meet the Team scrimmage and autograph session at 3 p.m. Saturday at Hi Corbett Field.
The UA opens the 2026 season on Feb. 13 against Stanford in the College Baseball Series in Surprise. The home opener is Feb. 17 vs. Nebraska Omaha.
