By: James Gravley | WV Sports Chat
Dawson Montesa is a player to keep an eye on this upcoming season for West Virginia.
The lengthy right-handed pitcher was rated as a top 10 DII transfer target according to the NCAA. In which it stated that Montesa could be one of the best DI pitchers in 2026.
Montesa went 8-1 with a 1.99 ERA, 1.11 WHIP and 105 strikeouts with just 24 walks over 72 innings with Adelphi this past season.
He is bringing that same energy and electricity to WVU this spring. And it all started with fall camp.
“Fall ball was electric. I had a lot of fun and learned a lot of stuff about myself. I feel like I was able to adjust pretty well and hold my own against the competition here,” Montesa said. “I definitely give credit to the coaching staff here for teaching me a lot and giving me the resources to be successful this fall.”
Montesa, who was a starter for Adelphi the past two seasons appearing in 22 games, 20 of which he started, posting an impressive 155 strikeouts over 116 innings of work is raising the bar and his expectations to start for West Virginia this season, but also notes if he has to be a key rotational guy he will do it as long it helps WVU win games.
“The rotation is definitely something I’m shooting for and I’m doing everything I can to get a starter role. But I’ll do anything to help this team win so if that’s means being a key bullpen arm I’ll do it.”
Montesa also has his name thrown out by scouts and pro evaluators that if he has a good season this year he could see his name rise up future MLB Draft boards, but he hasn’t let that shift his focus for this season.
“You know, right now I’m just focused on pitching and putting my team in the best possible spot to be successful,” he said. “Hopefully good things come from that and I can be blessed with an opportunity to be drafted and play in the pros. Only time will tell so I’m only focused on getting better and staying healthy.”
WVU head coach Steve Sabins targeted him (along with other DII transfers like Ian Korn and Chansen Cole) to bolster the pitching staff, following recent success with DII pitchers such as Derek Clark and Griffin Kirn. Both Clark (2024) and Kirn (2025) are now playing baseball professionally and both drastically improved their draft stock after just one season with WVU.
Clark was selected by Los Angeles Angels in the ninth round of the MLB Draft in 2024 while Kirn was drafted by the Athletics in the 14th round of the 2025 MLB Draft.
If Montesa, who is entering as a junior and will be draft-eligible, can produce enough strong outings he could very well hear his name called in the late rounds of the MLB Draft in 2026.
Photo: Dawson Montesa
