veteran UCSB shortstop who leveled up his bat and kept the glove steady
In the 2026 season, Corey Nunez gave UC Santa Barbara a reliable, veteran presence at shortstop and posted a career-best .280/.361/.393 line, with his bat finally matching his long-trusted defense. He added nine doubles, three triples, and two homers, while a low 11.5% strikeout rate points to a polished, contact-first approach. Reports also praise his advanced glove, smooth double-play work, and athletic movement, which is exactly the kind of steady, two-way package coaches love when they want fewer fireworks and more wins.
