Elijah Pelayo is Bakersfield’s high-contact table-setter with all-conference buzz
In the 2026 season, Elijah Pelayo emerged as one of Cal State Bakersfield’s most reliable bats, hitting .293 with 60 hits, 11 doubles, 28 RBI, and 35 runs while starting 54 games at shortstop and earning All-Big West Second Team honors[1][2]. He also caught fire late, winning Big West Player of the Week after slashing .556/.629/.722 over four games, a good sign of a player who can change a series when he gets hot[3][4]. Pelayo’s value goes beyond the box score: he brings steady defense, 136 assists, and a leadoff-style spark that makes him a strong fit for teams needing consistency, contact, and competitive edge[2][4].
