CONWAY, S.C. –– Coastal Carolina enters the 2026 season with an outfield that features proven returners alongside a talented group of new faces who arrive after productive seasons at the Division I level. With experienced bats back in the lineup and multiple transfers bringing all-conference and postseason credentials, the Chanticleers' outfield is positioned to contribute immediately on both sides of the ball.
Dean Mihos (OF) — a senior who returns after a strong 2025 season, Mihos has been named to the Preseason All-Sun Belt Conference Team and the 2026 Perfect Game Preseason All-Sun Belt Conference Team. Last season, he emerged as one of Coastal Carolina's most consistent offensive contributors, appearing in 52 games with 49 starts while batting .332 and collecting 16 extra-base hits, including 12 doubles. Mihos added three home runs, drove in 22 runs, scored 50 times and slugged .453. Defensively, he recorded 109 putouts with two errors for a .982 fielding percentage, providing reliable defense in the outfield.
Mihos delivered when the stakes were highest during the Chanticleers' postseason run. He was named to the 2025 Men's College World Series All-Tournament Team after hitting .450 during the College World Series in Omaha, recording four RBIs along with a double, triple, and home run. His performance helped fuel Coastal Carolina's run to the national championship series and capped a postseason in which he consistently delivered in key moments.
Blagen Pado (OF) — a junior who returns after making an immediate impact in his first season in Conway. Pado appeared in 56 games with 30 starts, finishing with 31 hits, 15 of which went for extra bases. He hit eight home runs, drove in 31 runs, slugged .543, and posted a .364 on-base percentage. Defensively, Pado was flawless in the outfield, recording 59 putouts and one assist with zero errors for a perfect 1.000 fielding percentage.
Rex Watson (OF) — a sophomore transfer from San Diego who arrives in Conway after an outstanding freshman season. Watson earned All-WCC Second Team honors, All-WCC Freshman Team recognition, and was named to the WCC Baseball All-Tournament Team. He appeared in 54 games with 51 starts, logging 49 starts in right field while also seeing time in left and center. Watson hit .295 with 13 home runs, scored 41 runs, and drove in a team-high 60 RBIs. His 17 hit-by-pitches tied for the second most in a single season in program history. He ranked sixth in the WCC in home runs and finished the season with multiple extended offensive stretches, including a 12-game on-base streak from April 8 to May 2.
Jordan Taylor (OF) — a junior transfer from Stetson who brings championship and postseason experience, Taylor was named to the 2026 Perfect Game Preseason All-Sun Belt Conference Team. He was a member of the 2025 ASUN Co-Championship team, earned ASUN Tournament MVP honors, and was named to the All-ASUN Second Team. Taylor played in all 64 games with 63 starts, batting .318 with 78 hits, including 26 extra-base hits. He drove in 43 runs, scored 47 times, and stole 22 bases.
Brayden Horton (OF) — a junior transfer from Oklahoma who adds depth and versatility to the outfield. Horton appeared in 23 games with seven starts during the 2025 season, primarily seeing time at first base. He finished with six hits, one home run, five RBIs, and scored six runs.
Coastal Carolina enters the 2026 season ranked among the nation's top teams, including a No.6 ranking in the D1Baseball Preseason Top 25. The Chanticleers open the year at home against Fairfield on Friday, Feb. 13, at Springs Brooks Stadium, with first pitch scheduled for 4 p.m.
