Over the next several weeks, leading up to opening day, we’ll be publishing our team previews ahead of the 2026 spring season. Team previews touch on programs spanning all state classifications, counting down through the official Prep Baseball Washington Preseason Power 25 Rankings.

Team Previews are generated through a mixture of coaches' responses gathered through our perennial coaches questionnaires, as well as insight from Prep Baseball Staff. Stay tuned the next several weeks for the unveiling of Team Previews and the complete Power 25.

Today, we preview the #6 ranked Gig Harbor Tides. 

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High School: Gig Harbor Tides   
Head Coach: Ben Sleeter
Division: 3A
League/Conference: PSL
2025 Record (Finish): 25-3
2025 Playoff Finish: 3A state semifinalists

 

ROSTER PREVIEW

No. of Returning Positional Starters: 4
No. of Returning Pitchers: 6
Key Players Lost: Ethan Mar, Jayce Corley, Danny Poras, Cole Krilich, Wes Bonnici

TEAM OUTLOOK

Starting Pitching: Quentin Bockhorn, Jake Cuda, Daniel Sleeter, Logan Pedersen

Bullpen: Nate Cheek, Kyle Anderson, Max Bergford, Sawyer Payne

Top Seniors: Logan Pedersen, Hunter Payne, Jake Cuda, Quentin Bockhorn, Nate Cheek

Top Juniors: Zach Smith

Underclassmen to watch: '28 Danel Sleeter, '28 Max Bergford, '28 Hawken Smith, '28 Jason Coray, '28 Sawyer Payne

Areas to watch: Replacing middle of the lineup

Team Strengths: Pitching, defense

Overall Summary

Gig Harbor enters the 2026 season with high aspirations after an exceptional 2025 campaign. Though the Tides lose several key bats, they return nearly all their arms and should be anchored by their pitching this season. Senior RHP and Bellevue College commit Quentin Bockhorn got the nod in virtually every big moment last season and will headline the staff. The righthander offers a unique low slot look with a fastball into the upper 80's and a plus breaking ball. Jake Cuda and Logan Pedersen were also quality options on the mound that return as innings eaters. Few teams will gain a bigger transfer player than Gig Harbor this spring with the arrival of top-ten ranked sophomore Daniel Sleeter. The talented underclassman features an electric fastball into the upper 80's on the mound and standout offensive ability as a switch hitter. Sophomore Hawken Smith is another talented transfer with a power bat that could make an impact as an underclassman. Prep Baseball is bullish on the potential of sophomore LHP Max Bergford, a tall 6'5 arm with a compact release and an ability to fill the zone. The offense will be the key to Gig Harbor's success this season. Junior C/INF Zach Smith has skill at the plate and figures to slot near the top of the lineup, while senior Hunter Payne is a returner that can impact offensively as well. Head coach Ben Sleeter scheduled a great set of non-conference matchups for GH this spring, including games with Puyallup, Eastlake, Kelso and Curtis. Look for Gig Harbor to once again be one of the best 3A teams in Washington in 2026.

Find more information on the 2026 Gig Harbor program below:

+ Follow them on IG: @ghhs_baseball
+ Visit the Prep Baseball Washington Preseason Power 25 homepage

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