Hawk, Moss Named Stopper of the Year Finalists

UCLA right-handers Easton Hawk and Wylan Moss have been named finalists for the NCBWA Stopper of the Year. The National Collegiate Baseball Writers Association announced the selection on Thursday, identifying the two Bruins as the premier late-inning options of the 2026 season.

Dominance in the Bullpen: The Impact of Easton Hawk

Easton Hawk produced one of the most dominant relief campaigns in college baseball, posting a 1.93 ERA with 14 saves and 52 strikeouts over 42.0 innings. His season was highlighted by an extraordinary stretch of consistency from March 13 through May 25.

During that period, Hawk completed 26 consecutive outings without allowing an earned run, holding opponents to a .172 average while striking out 40 batters. This reliability proved critical in high-leverage situations against ranked competition, including scoreless performances against Tennessee, USC, and Oregon.

Did You Know? Easton Hawk’s late-season brilliance included a season-best three-inning save during the Big Ten Tournament Championship game against Oregon on May 24.

Hawk’s contributions were fundamental to UCLA’s impressive 48-6 regular-season record, a performance that ultimately earned him First Team All-America honors.

Versatility and Value: The Role of Wylan Moss

While Hawk locked down the final frames, sophomore Wylan Moss provided elite value through a hybrid role. Operating as both a long-relief and high-leverage arm, Moss became one of the Big Ten’s most effective multi-inning pitchers.

Moss finished the season with a 5-1 record and a 2.49 ERA across 65 innings. He demonstrated exceptional control, striking out 76 hitters while walking only 24, and limiting opponents to a .194 batting average.

Expert Insight: Samantha Carter notes that the combination of Hawk’s closing precision and Moss’s hybrid versatility allowed UCLA to effectively shorten games. By neutralizing the heart of opposing lineups, this duo provided a strategic advantage in run prevention that shifted momentum in the Bruins’ favour.

The Road to Omaha

The NCBWA Stopper of the Year Award is designed to recognise the nation’s top relief pitcher based on consistency, impact, and overall performance throughout the campaign.

The final decision may culminate in a victory for one of the two Bruins. The honoree is likely to be announced during a news conference on Friday, June 12, at Charles Schwab Field in Omaha, Neb., during the Men’s College World Series.

Frequently Asked Questions

Who are the UCLA finalists for the NCBWA Stopper of the Year?

The finalists are right-handers Easton Hawk and Wylan Moss.

Easton Hawk Prospect Video, RHP, UCLA

What were Easton Hawk’s key statistics for the 2026 season?

Hawk finished with a 1.93 ERA, 14 saves, and 52 strikeouts in 42.0 innings, including a streak of 26 consecutive outings without an earned run.

When and where will the winner be announced?

The winner will be announced on Friday, June 12, at Charles Schwab Field in Omaha, Neb., during the Men’s College World Series.

Which attribute is more valuable for a college relief pitcher: the ability to close a game or the versatility to pitch multiple innings?