EL PASO, TEXAS (KFOX14/CBS4) — The El Paso Chihuahuas are set to open their 2026 season on Friday on the road at Sacramento.
Ahead of the season opener, the Chihuahuas and San Diego Padres announced the initial roster. 13 players from last year’s team will return in 2026. 14 players on the roster have experience playing in Major League Baseball.
Chihuahuas manager Pete Zamora says he is excited about the mixture of youth and experience on this year’s team.
“Our scouting director brought in some really athletic and energetic kids,” Zamora said. “It showed up in big league spring training. When you bring back guys like Mason McCoy and Clay Dungan, you not only bring back good defenders, but also good leaders.”
Shortstop Mason McCoy hit .272 and 11 home runs for El Paso last season and was called up to the Padres’ postseason roster. He is back for his third season with the Chihuahuas and says this year’s clubhouse is starting to bond well.
“The more guys that have been around, the more welcoming it is and easier it is for the young guys coming in,” McCoy said. “Everyone has been super easy to get along with in the locker room. We are all here for the same reason, everybody wants to get to the big leagues. But, if we are going to be here, we want to win.”
The Chihuahuas will open up their home campaign on April 7th against Albuquerque.
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