Three former BYU baseball players are back in big league camps this spring, each competing for roster spots and important roles heading into the 2026 Major League Baseball season.
Justin Sterner
Right-handed pitcher Justin Sterner signed with the Miami Marlins as an undrafted free agent in 2020. After playing in the minor leagues for four years and jumping around teams, Sterner made it to the show with Tampa Bay in May 2024.
He has pitched in 61 major league games, 59 of which came last season with the Athletics. He holds a career ERA 3.13 and 74 strikeouts.
Sterner had an impressive collegiate career after not receiving any offers out of high school and walking on at BYU. During three seasons with the Cougars, Sterner had a 2.86 ERA and a record of 8-4.
Sterner is expected to play a key role for the Athletics in 2026, and is competing for high-leverage innings this season. Sterner will look for opportunities in camp to show off his clutch skills.
Daniel Schneemann
Infielder/outfielder Daniel Schneemann was drafted by the Cleveland Indians in 2018 after his junior year at BYU. He spent time in the minors and made his big league debut in June 2024. He has remained on their roster since, besides a brief stint on the paternity list in August 2025. His career batting average sits at .210 with 17 home runs and 63 RBIs.
Schneemann finished his collegiate career with a .288 batting average, including 21 doubles and 76 RBIs. Despite playing shortstop at BYU, he has shown versatility in his major league career, playing 112 games in the infield and 44 games in the outfield. Most of his games have been played at second base.
Michael Rucker
Right-handed pitcher Michael Rucker was drafted by the Chicago Cubs in 2016 after playing at Gonzaga University then BYU. He has since jumped around teams spending a lot of time in the minor leagues, but officially made his major league debut in 2021. With 96 major league games under his belt, he holds a 4.96 ERA with batters batting a .257 average against him.
Rucker signed a minor league contract with the Seattle Mariners in the beginning of 2026 after becoming a free agent, and was invited to spring training this year. Rucker will compete to make the Mariners opening day roster and continue to pitch in the big leagues.
With spring training underway, these three baseball players represent continued presence for BYU in professional baseball.