AppleSox add pair of JUCO pitchers for 2026 season

WENATCHEE — The Wenatchee AppleSox have added two junior college pitchers to their 2026 roster, bringing a combination of local talent and international experience to the club's pitching staff.

Left-hander Colin Fraser of Bellevue College and right-hander Chihiro Sato of Edmonds College are both set to join Wenatchee this summer after successful careers at the junior college level.

Fraser, a Snoqualmie native, completed two seasons at Bellevue College after graduating from Mount Si High School.

Limited statistics are available from his sophomore season, but Fraser made 14 appearances as a freshman, including five starts. He posted a 4.46 ERA while recording 35 strikeouts and 25 walks.

Before entering college, Fraser compiled a 2.78 ERA during his high school career at Mount Si, striking out 74 batters over four seasons.

The left-hander is expected to provide another option from the left side of the AppleSox bullpen as he continues his collegiate development.

Sato arrives in Wenatchee after two productive seasons at Edmonds College and previous experience in the West Coast League.

Originally from Tokyo, Japan, Sato was recruited to Edmonds College after being identified by a Tritons scout while pitching in Japan.

As a freshman in 2025, Sato made 12 appearances, including eight starts, and posted a 2.81 ERA while striking out 36 batters and issuing 10 walks.

Following the collegiate season, he joined the Bellingham Bells of the West Coast League, appearing in 15 games primarily as a reliever. He finished the summer with a 3.60 ERA and 20 strikeouts.

Sato returned to Edmonds this spring and made 10 starts, averaging approximately six innings per outing. He posted a 2.93 ERA while averaging roughly five strikeouts per game.

Despite not relying on overpowering velocity, Sato has been effective through pitch mix, command and deception. His durability has also allowed him to work deep into games during his collegiate career.

The additions of Fraser and Sato provide Wenatchee with two experienced arms entering the 2026 West Coast League season.

The AppleSox opened the season May 29 on the road against the Edmonton RiverHawks. Wenatchee's home opener is scheduled for June 5 against the Kamloops NorthPaws at Paul Thomas Sr. Stadium.