The Woodbridge Barrons baseball team aren’t sneaking up on anyone anymore. After back-to-back division titles and a historic run over the past few seasons, the Barrons head into 2026 with a new roster and similar goals. What used to be a team chasing respect is now the team everyone is trying to beat.
Led by head coach Mike Monaco, it is no secret that the Barrons baseball team is one of the top teams in the county. Woodbridge dominated the White Division in 2024, where they went 11-1 in the division and claimed their first
Division title in seven years. The team was then moved up into the Red Division with tougher competition and even more heart racing games, where they went 9-3 in the division and claimed the first ever Red division title in school history.
For most teams, a jump up in a division comes with growing pains. For the Barrons, it became another statement. By not only competing but winning it all, they solidified their name at the top of the list in the Greater Middlesex County Conference (GMC) as a team to be hunted in this upcoming 2026 season.
The challenge in front along with the big question is whether or not they will be able to do it again.
Senior Experience
A big reason for their confidence is the group of experienced senior captains coming back. Infielders Michael Gurovich, Xavier Diaz, and Gavin Slicner have already been through big moments together. Whether it’s making tough plays in the field or coming through in key at-bats.
On the mound, Kevin Arroyo gives Woodbridge a steady presence. Arroyo carried an Earned Run Average (ERA) of 1.11 throughout the whole year. He will be an important piece to the team this upcoming season.
“Our team will in fact be younger, but we have experience in other areas as well,” said Arroyo. “We need to get the younger guys in tune as quickly as possible and help them calm down in moments of stress.”
The Barrons only have four returning starting position players from previous years, leaving room for underclassmen to come in and have big shoes to fill.
There is no doubt about the goals in the locker room at Woodbridge. They are known for young talented players coming in quickly and efficiently.
“The mentality at the end of the day is to win it all and make memories,” said Slicner. “For us seniors it is our last year to make something happen, and this program means the world to us.”
The Journey Begins
The Barrons open up against Red Division newcomer St. Thomas Aquinas on March 31. Kevin Arroyo is the projected starting pitcher, as the Barrons look for a shot to start the season 1-0.
There’s no doubt the road ahead will be tougher. Every team in the division knows what Woodbridge has accomplished. Inside the Barrons’ dugout, there’s a high morale and belief in this group that cannot be shaken.
They’ve already made history, now they’re chasing something even more difficult, the desire to stay on top.
