Gophers' Closer Brandon Jaenke Dominates with Midseason Stopper Watchlist Nod
Senior righty Brandon Jaenke has been lights-out in 2026 for Minnesota, boasting a stellar 2.29 ERA, 3 saves, 26 K's, and a tiny .164 opponent average across 21.2 IP in 16 outings—earning him the NCBWA Midseason Stopper of the Year watchlist spot. Transfer from Viterbo (where he set single-season (104 K's) and career strikeout records) brings elite heat (topped 90 mph in HS) and proven reliability as a 6-4 workhorse. His command and swing-miss stuff make him a lockdown bullpen ace—perfect fit for contenders needing late-inning fire.
