SPOKANE, Wash. — Gonzaga Baseball Head Coach Mark Machtolf announced the signing of 10 prospects to National Letters of Intent on Wednesday, with seven current high school seniors and two junior college transfers set to join the Zags next fall.
"We are very excited about this incoming class," said Machtolf. "We feel like it has a chance to be very special and help Gonzaga Baseball reach new heights. We're proud of the type of young men and students that we continue to bring into our program."
Gage Mestas | INF | Durango, Colo. | Durango HS / Pima CC
Mestas joins the Zags from Arizona's Pima CC, where he was an All-ACCAC selection in 2021. He wrapped up a decorated multi-sport career at Durango with All-State honors in both baseball and football, including being named SWL Player of the Year in 2021 and MVP of the State Championship game in football. At Pima in 2022, Mestas led the Aztecs with 202 at-bats, 71 hits and 31 stolen bases to go with 52 runs and 34 RBIs.
"I chose Gonzaga University because of the welcoming atmosphere, the impressive academics and the high caliber baseball program," said Mestas on his choice to sign with GU. "Go Zags!"
Machtolf on Mestas: "We are extremely excited to welcome Gage to the Zag family. Gage is a middle infielder with elite speed and high contact rate. He has a chance to hit at the top of the order."
Liam Paddack | LHP | Spokane Falls CC
Paddack joins the Zags from just across town after two years at Spokane Falls CC, where he finished with a 2.00 ERA in NWAC play. Playing for the Port Angeles Lefties over the summer, he led the WCL in strikeouts while picking up All-League honors in the process.
"Gonzaga's track record of winning and developing guys to elite levels is what stood out to me," said Paddack of his choice to join the Zags. "The new facilities being installed are going to be state-of-the-art as well. Not to mention the prestigious education — top-notch all the way around."
Machtolf on Paddack: "We are very excited to welcome local product Liam Paddack to the program. Liam is a polished LHP, who has a true swing-and-miss offspeed pitch. We think he's just scratching the surface of how good he can be."
Liam O'Brien | RHP | Paradise Valley CC
Aanother Arizona JuCo product, O'Brien finished last year with a 4.24 ERA over 23.1 innings and 16 relief appearances, striking out 41 over that span.
"I chose Gonzaga because of the family-like environment that welcomed me there on my visit," O'Brien said. "The team seemed very close and everyone got along, which is something that I want to be part of.
Machtolf on O'Brien: "Liam is another exciting junior college arm, who we think can have an instant impact on our pitching staff. He is a true power pitcher, with a fastball up to 97, and continues to get better each outing!"
Miles Gosztola | LHP | Seattle, Wash. | West Seattle
A First Team All-State honoree and the Metro League MVP in 2022, Gosztola was ranked as the No. 2 lefty pitcher and No. 6 overall prospect in the state this fall by PBR Washington. In that season, the lefty also broke the state strikeout record while leading West Seattle to a state semifinal appearance.
"I chose Gonzaga because of the great high level education they have to offer, along with the opportunity to play under a very successful coaching staff," said Gosztola.
Machtolf on Gosztola: "Miles comes in as one of the most decorated LHP's to come out of the state of Washington in the last 10 years. He has a chance to be frontline contributor early in his career."
Kale Hammer | LHP | Snohomish, Wash. | Snohomish HS
Named the WesCo MVP in 2022 and a First Team All-League selection for both of the last two seasons, Hammer has been a varsity athlete in three different sports for Snohomish since his freshman year along with picking up WIAA Student Athlete of the Month honors in April of 2021.
"Ever since my first time going to a Gonzaga basketball game when I was 12 years old, I knew the culture at Gonzaga was unlike any other school," said Hammer of his choice to sign with the Zags. "Since then, it's been my dream school."
Machtolf on Hammer: "Kale is another southpaw from Washington, who has accomplished a lot in his high school career. A three-sport athlete, we think he will continue to make some big jumps as he focuses solely on pitching."
Brady Foster | RHP | Seattle, Wash. | O'Dea HS
A three-year letterman and All-Metro athlete for both golf and baseball, Foster also carries a 3.96 unweighted GPA (4.3 weighted) and is a student ambassador at O'Dea High School while on the school's honor roll each semester. The 6-4 righty was ranked as the No. 10 prospect in the state this fall by PBR Washington.
"I chose Gonzaga because of the dedicated and trusted coaching staff," said Foster on his choice to attend GU. "The main aspect that stood out to me is the developmental piece. This program has proved their success in that category year in and year out, which can be seen through the decorated alumni."
Machtolf on Foster: "Brady is an exciting righty out of the state of Washington — he battled some injuries this last year, but has a very high ceiling and is a guy we think will take off once he gets on campus."
Gio Melchione | C | Gilbert, Ariz. | Desert Ridge HS
A four-year starter for Desert Ridge, Melchione continues the Zags' Arizona pipeline as one of the state's No. 32 ranked recruit in the state by Perfect Game. The 6-1 catcher also was named the Jaguars' Defensive Player of the Year twice while picking up All-Conference honors after his junior year, and was twice named a Perfect Game Underclassman All-American for the West Region.
"I chose Gonzaga because of the family-like feeling the coaching staff provided to me at a young age, the campus environment is top in the country, and I saw it as the best opportunity to lead a team to the College World Series," said Melchione of his choice to sign with the Zags.
Machtolf on Melchione: "Gio is a strong and physical catcher from Arizona. He's a very polished defender behind the plate that also shows the ability to drive the baseball with power."
Michael Getzinger | RHP | Moses Lake, Wash. | Moses Lake HS
Another in-state product, Getzinger has started every year on varsity for Moses Lake, most recently picking up All-League honors last spring. A multi-sport athlete for the Mavericks, Getzinger touts a 3.7 GPA and was a member of the school ASB as well as a captain for both his high school and travel teams.
"I chose Gonzaga because of the incredible coaching staff and the up and coming program," said Getzinger. "I believe the staff will get me to my full potential."
Machtolf on Getzinger: "We are excited to welcome Michael into our program. He has a good feel for his off-speed pitches and we think has potential to keep getting better."
Sam Round | RHP | Phoenix, Ariz. | Pinnacle HS
Another Perfect Game Underclass All-American and Top-500 recruit, Round comes out of Pinnacle High, where he has been a starter since 2019. He was a PBR Arizona Future Games Participant and finished this past season with 37 K's over nine appearances with 34 innings pitched for the Pioneers.
"I chose Gonzaga because I believe it can take me where I need to go," said Round.
Machtolf on Round: "Sam is a very projectable arm from Arizona. A true three-pitch-mix with the ability to throw strikes on both sides of the plate. I think he will have an immediate impact on our staff next season."
