As we conclude our Northwestern baseball 2026 position previews, it’s time to take a look at a relatively experienced outfield group featuring two returning starters and a couple of interesting newcomers. What can the Wildcats’ outfielders offer in 2026?
Jackson Freeman, Junior, RF
After a big first-year season featuring 11 home runs and an OPS of .866, Freeman took a step back statistically in 2025, improving his batting average from .247 to .255 but dropping his OPS to .780 thanks to just six home runs in 52 games. However, fans shouldn’t be fooled by this perceived lack of progress — Freeman is a bona fide star who will be one of the Wildcats’ biggest assets in 2026.
Over the summer, Freeman took his talents to the Cape Cod League to play against the best summer baseball competition in the country. He more than held his own, hitting .259 in a league that is far less hitter-friendly than the Big Ten (for context, the worst team ERA out of 10 Cape squads was 4.92, a mark that would’ve been sixth-best in a 17-team B1G). In addition to his hitting prowess, Freeman showed off his capabilities in both right and center field, starting 38 games for the Chatham Anglers and committing just one error compared to five outfield assists.
Entering 2026, Freeman is expected to slot back into his role as the primary right fielder for the ‘Cats. Finding increased power will still need to be a focus, but in terms of efficiency, the California native projects to take a major step up this year.
Jack Lausch, Senior, CF
Welcome back, quarterback.
Lausch returns to the ‘Cats for his second season of baseball since abandoning his pursuits of being NU’s starting QB. A highly-touted baseball recruit coming out of high school, the Chicago native struggled to readjust at the plate early in 2025. However, he bounced back nicely toward the end of the year, finishing with a solid .268 batting average.
In 2026, Lausch should return to his role as the everyday center fielder for the ‘Cats. With a year of collegiate baseball under his belt, fans should expect Lausch to be a reliable player who can hit in the heart of the order if necessary.
Logan de Groot, Sophomore, LF
With the departure of Preston Knott, the ‘Cats have a big hole in left field, and de Groot is one of several options who could seek to fill it. The California native transferred to NU after a season with UCLA, during which he started four games as a designated hitter and batted .267 across 15 at-bats.
Over the summer, de Groot received regular playing time in the West Coast League, hitting .236. The sophomore saw a lot of time in right field with the WCL’s Bellingham Bells, but he likely has the versatility to play in left if necessary. It is certainly possible that Wildcat coach Ben Greenspan will opt to start a returner in left to begin the season, but de Groot is certainly a viable choice as well.
Griffin Mills, Junior
Mills made two starts in 21 appearances with the ‘Cats last year, picking up six hits in 19 at-bats total. The New Jersey native does have the ability to play all over the outfield, and he made one start as a left fielder against UIC last April. His 2024 batting numbers (.129 average in 62 at-bats) are certainly a cause for concern, but Mills has certainly developed his swing since then, so he’ll likely have a chance to compete for some time in the outfield with the loss of Knott.
Zach Carlson, Sophomore
Carlson appeared in 15 games and made seven starts (all as a designated hitter) last season, hitting .276 across 29 at-bats. It was certainly encouraging to see the Utah native get some looks in meaningful competition as a freshman. If Carlson can continue to grow as a hitter, he could be another legitimate option to get some playing time in the outfield.
Marty Kaplan, Senior
A career .212 hitter, Kaplan has seen his playing time slowly decrease since his first-year season in 2023, although he did make two starts as a DH in 2025. As a senior, Kaplan has the advantage of having been around the Wildcat baseball program for a long time, and he does have 12 career starts under his belt. If he can take a leap at the plate, he may get some chances for action as either a DH or left fielder in 2026.
Masai Marshall, Sophomore
Marshall did not play in 2025, but he was ranked as the No. 12 outfielder in the state of New York coming out of high school. He projects mainly as a depth piece for the ‘Cats, but with a year of NU experience under his belt, he’ll likely get the chance to play in his first game at some point in 2026.
Dominic DeLoreto, First-Year
Also listed as a pitcher, DeLoreto hails from Florida and should be a solid development piece for the Wildcats this year. He may not see action in 2026, but his versatility could allow him to be a key player for NU at some point in the future.
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