Loggers Roster Building Continues with Pair of Northwestern Standouts
Outfield de Groot, Pitcher Whitaker Primed for Big Season
LA CROSSE, WIS. – The La Crosse Loggers continued to build their ever-growing roster for the upcoming 2026 season today when team officials announced the signing of a pair of standouts from Northwestern University in outfielder Logan de Groot and right-handed pitchers James Whitaker.
Red-shirt freshman Logan de Groot is getting set to embark on his first season as a Wildcat after spending his freshman year at UCLA where he made 10 appearances including making four starts for the nationally ranked Bruins. The Coto de Caza, Calif. native was one of the top rated freshmen in the country coming out of high school in 2024 as Perfect Game ranked him as the 185th best freshman and 35th best outfielder in the country. The Santa Margaritta High School graduate was also a four-time preseason all-American honoree by Perfect Game. This summer will be de Groot’s third as he’s enjoyed each of the last two summers competing for Bellingham of the West Coast Collegiate League.
Powerful right-hander James Whitaker will be joining de Groot as the second Wildcat signee. The 6-3, 200-pound true freshman is ranked as the 335th best freshman in the country this year by Perfect Game and the same publication lists him as one of the top freshmen to watch in the Big Ten. Hailing from Bishop Gorman High School, which has produced numerous MLB talents, Whitaker was originally an LSU commit before settling in with Northwestern. Baseball runs in the Whitaker family as James’ brother, Tyler, was a third round pick of the Houston Astros in 2021 and is currently playing in the minors.
The 2026 edition of Loggers Baseball takes to the field on Monday, May 25 when they host the Duluth Huskies at 3:05 p.m. at the friendly confines of Copeland Park. Season tickets, group outings and flex plans are on sale now with ticket information available at www.lacrosseloggers.com or by calling the Loggers ticket office at 608-796-9553. The Loggers office is also open Monday thru Friday, 8:30 am – 5 p.m., at 1225 Caledonia Street, La Crosse.
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The La Crosse Loggers are a member of the finest developmental league for elite college baseball players, the Northwoods League. The Northwoods League is the proven leader in the development of elite college baseball players. Now entering its’ 33rd season, the Northwoods League is the largest organized baseball league in the world with 26 teams, drawing significantly more fans, in a friendly ballpark experience, than any league of its kind. A valuable training ground for coaches, umpires, and front office staff, 360 Northwoods League players have advanced to Major League Baseball, including three-time All-Star and 2016 Roberto Clemente Award winner Curtis Granderson, three-time Cy Young Award winner and two-time World Series Champion Max Scherzer (TOR), two-time World Series Champions Ben Zobrist and Brandon Crawford and World Series Champion and Cy Young Award winner Chris Sale (ATL). As well as 2019 Rookie of the Year and 2019/2021 Home Run Derby Champion Pete Alonso (BAL) and 2021 All-Star, MLB Gold Glove winner and 2019 Second Team All-MLB shortstop Marcus Semien (NYM). All league games are viewable live via the Northwoods League website. League games are viewable live at watchnwl.com and on FloSports. For more information, visit www.lacrosseloggers.com or download the new Northwoods League Mobile App on the Apple App Store or on Google Play and set the Loggers as your favorite team.