HOT TOTS ADD DIVISION II ARMS
Objective number one for field manager Brian Lewis in the 2026 roster build: stockpile arms. Coming off of the best pitching season in Minot Hot Tot history, the staff wants to keep the momentum rolling on the mound. To do so, the Hot Tots have signed a trio of pitchers out of the Division II ranks. These are the latest Acme and Kubota Tools on the Field.
Will Paxton, Right-Handed Pitcher, Cal State University-Dominguez Hills
A returning Northwoods Leaguer with two-way talent? Say hello to Will Paxton, the newest member of the Minot Hot Tots. Currently a sophomore at Cal State Dominguez Hills, Paxton has a collegiate baseball journey that has taken him across the country.
As a freshman, the Palmdale, California native set sights on Jersey City and suited up for the Saint Peter’s Peacocks, a Division I mid-major. There, Paxton would get a solid workload for a true freshman, pitching 53.2 innings over 16 appearances and ten starts.
Over the 2025 summer, Paxton would pitch, and occasionally hit, for the Rockford Rivets of the Northwoods League’s Great Lake division. The righty would toss nearly 15 innings for the Rivets while striking out nine and walking just six.
Since making his way back to California, Paxton has seen big improvements on the mound, starting his Dominguez Hills career with a 10.2 inning scoreless streak. Paxton is slated to be a full-time piece of the Minot pitching staff in 2026.
Clayton Stewart, Right-Handed Pitcher, Francis Marion University
From California to the Carolinas we go to find right-handed pitcher, Clayton Stewart. Through injuries and redshirts, Stewart has become a bit of a journeyman throughout his collegiate career, but he has found a home with the Francis Marion Patriots, and soon, the Minot Hot Tots.
Stewart has shown he has swing-and-miss stuff throughout his career. In two seasons with Francis Marion, he has fanned 22 hitters in just over 14 innings. As a bullpen arm for FMU, Stewart has recorded five scoreless appearances over his 11 outings.
The Lexington, South Carolina product also brings in extensive summer ball experience in the Coastal Plain League and Valley League.
Anthony Alberty, Right-Handed Pitcher, Indiana University Pennsylvania
Anthony Alberty has quickly become a reliable option out of the pen for the IUP Crimson Hawks. As a true freshman, Alberty has come on in relief five times, limiting opponents to two earned runs over 4.2 innings. The right-hander recorded his first collegiate save against Ohio Dominican in early March.
Hailing from Hinckley, Ohio, Alberty hopes to continue his strong rookie season at IUP and also in Minot. It will be his first season of summer ball, and we’re happy he chose to be a Hot Tot first!
