Special thanks to Metamorphosis Landscape Design for sponsoring this year’s series
By Anthony DiCocco
Minnesota Twins RHP Nick Trabacchi (Smithtown West 2017) faced the New York Yankees and struck out Yanquiel Fernadez and Marco Luciano pic.twitter.com/4iwsxkVOFf
— Axcess Baseball LI (@axcessbaseball) February 27, 2026
With a plethora of key players from last season’s team now graduated, a young group of Smithtown West Bulls will attempt to make their mark in 2026.
Last year was filled with highs and lows for the Bulls. After beginning the season 12-1, Smithtown West dropped seven of its final eight games to finish the spring 13-8 en route to an early playoff exit.
Despite the late-season woes, head coach Al Nucci was pleased with the campaign his team put together.
“We struggled a bit toward the end and unfortunately we stopped hitting,” Nucci said in an interview with Axcess Baseball. “But we successfully made the playoffs and we’re looking to build off last year with this year’s group.”
Final/15: Smithtown West 6, West Islip 4
— Axcess Baseball LI (@axcessbaseball) May 1, 2025
The Bulls lost seven seniors at last season’s end, as well as an underclassmen that was set to make an impact on this year’s team. LHPs Brady Austin (Rowan University) and Jeremy Gallo, RHP Tyler Cote (University of Mount Saint Vincent), 1B Nick Friscia (Centenary University), LF Joey Nortillo, CF Brady Ross and RF Jake Hutter all graduated, while junior Jax Cascione — who was slated to be Smithtown West’s starting second baseman — decided not to play.
Most notably, Austin was the team’s ace, pitching to a 5-1 record, 1.85 earned run average (ERA), 45 strikeouts and 20 walks in 34 innings pitched. At the dish, Friscia slashed .350 with 20 runs batted in (RBI), 15 runs scored and 10 walks.
With the Bulls losing most of their starting rotation, the entire outfield and right side of their infield, Nucci will have a lot of roster turnover he needs to manage. However, Smithtown West will be returning a pair of seniors and a junior to anchor the group.
All-County senior Michael Cascione will reprise his role as the team’s everyday shortstop. Cascione is a three-sport athlete, as he plays and thrives in basketball and football in addition to posting up on the infield dirt. Last year, Cascione batted .407 while adding 15 RBIs, 20 runs, 16 walks and 30 steals.
Michael Cascione (Smithtown West 2026) pic.twitter.com/5HN3BJzX2b
— Axcess Baseball LI (@axcessbaseball) July 1, 2024
Though he has yet to commit to a spot just yet, Cascione intends on playing at the collegiate level.
“[Cascione]’s a special kid,” Nucci said. “He’s as athletic a kid as we’ve ever had and he’s All-County and All-State in all three sports. I believe he’s going to win Player of the Year for basketball. Whatever position he plays, he’s typically the best player on the field. He does everything well and he changes the game.”
Junior Nick Given will likely patrol center field to fill Ross’ shoes. Like Cascione, Given hit for an eye-popping average last year, slashing .345 as a sophomore with 10 RBIs and 12 runs scored while also walking seven times.
As the team’s only returner that pitched significant innings last season, senior Kyle Flood will take over to lead the Bulls’ rotation. As a junior, Flood performed well and showed a lot of “moxie” out of the bullpen, prompting Nucci to move him into the rotation. Flood went 3-3 and picked up a save in relief. Across 42 innings pitched, he walked just 15 batters while posting a 2.80 ERA and 24 punch outs.
“Plugging in some of the missing holes in the rotation is going to be our challenge, but [Flood] improved last year and he’s more than capable of being our Tuesday starter,” Nucci said. “He controls the ball and he’s not afraid to pitch to contact. We love him on the mound.”
As for some of the younger players on the roster, there will be plenty of opportunities for playing time to come around. After splitting time at the hot corner last year, sophomore Connor Biglin will spend most of his time at third base once again in 2026. With Jax Cascione not playing, sophomore 2B Josh Rosenblatt will likely receive the lion’s share of playing time.
Though he did not see much time in the field a year ago, Nucci is eyeing senior Maddix DaSilva to be his starting first baseman.
“[DaSilva]’s a kid that comes down, works hard and he’s improved a lot,” Nucci said.
Whoever flanks Given in the corner outfield spots is also up in the air. However, junior Jimmy Rao will be in the mix there after debuting last season, as will sophomore Jesse Lishinsky, who played at the junior varsity level last spring.
On the mound, junior Ryan Napolitano will join Flood in the rotation. After getting a taste of action last season, Nucci expects to rely on the right-hander immensely along with Flood, as the rest of the staff will be filled with freshmen and junior varsity additions.
To receive pitches from Flood, Napolitano and the Bulls’ other young pitchers, Nucci will call upon senior C Zachary Aronson to start behind the dish, who he labeled as a potential breakout candidate. Along with being a solid defensive backstop, Nucci expects Aronson to take a step forward with the stick this year as he looks for him to bat near the top of the order.
“I’m hoping [Aronson] can put up good offensive numbers this year,” Nucci said. “Defensively, he does a good job executing and blocking and receiving the ball. He’s got a great arm, so as long as our pitchers get him the ball in a reasonable amount of time, we have an opportunity to throw a guy out that’s stealing.”
Despite fielding a fairly inexperienced team this year, Nucci can see his group turning some heads as they develop throughout the season.
“We’re high on these kids and they’re all able,” Nucci said. “We have kids that are young, hungry and they’re baseball kids. We have guys that are going to get an opportunity this year that they didn’t have last year, so it’s just a matter of executing. We’re definitely going to compete.”
The Bulls’ new-look roster will debut on Thursday, March 26, when they lock horns with Deer Park.
