Sanford River Rats Look to Finish the Job in 2026

After being swept by the Orlando Snappers in last year's championship series, the Sanford River Rats are looking to make their presence known and win it all this summer. While there is a brand-new coaching staff and many new faces, the 2026 River Rats roster also consists of players who have played in the league in previous years. It's time to take a look at some of the potential players to watch this year for Sanford.

AJ Seymour, RHP (Rollins)
Seymour posted a 3.10 ERA this past season for the Tars, recording 20 strikeouts and earning four saves. The senior is looking to gain valuable experience in the summer league and will provide veteran pitching experience for the River Rats. He previously played for the Orlando Snappers in 2024.

Drew Pynes, C/1B (Undecided – St. Pete College)
Standing at 6'2", the Orlando native is a familiar figure in the FCSL. He played for Sanford and Winter Park during the 2024 season but was able to get significantly more reps when he played for Winter Garden in 2025, posting a .263 batting average, three home runs, and 16 RBIs. Additionally, he earned multiple Player of the Week honors and was selected to play in the 2025 All-Star Game. His experience, versatility, and power will bolster Sanford's lineup this season.

Tyler Garcia, RHP (Lake Sumter State)
Another returner to the league, Garcia hopes to build on last year's playoff success, during which he earned a win in three appearances and posted a 1.68 ERA across five innings of work for the Orlando Snappers. The sophomore appeared in nine games for Lake Sumter State and hopes to accumulate more playing time with the River Rats.

While those players are highlighted as potential rising stars on the team, every player on the Sanford roster is capable of becoming a star this season. Coach McDaniel has put together a talented, complete roster full of newcomers, rising stars, and experienced FCSL players. Twelve players have played for McDaniel's former team, the Winter Garden Squeeze; two players are returning to the roster; and 17 players in total have previously played in the league.

The Sanford River Rats will host the first game of the season against the Orlando Snappers in a rematch of the 2025 championship series. First pitch is scheduled for 7 p.m.