Willmar, MN – The Willmar Stingers Baseball Club are excited to announce the return of two players and the addition of two new faces to the roster for the 2026 Northwoods League season. Kobe Eikmeier and Merrick Rapoza will return to Willmar, while Troy Cooper and Luke Kalfsbeek will join the Stingers from Cal Poly as the team continues building its 2026 roster.

Kobe Eikmeier – Augustana
Eikmeier returns to Willmar after competing for the Stingers in a previous season, bringing valuable Northwoods League experience back to the roster. His familiarity with the league and the Willmar community provides continuity as preparations for the 2026 season continue.

Merrick Rapoza – Florida Gulf Coast
Rapoza also returns to the Stingers after spending time with the club previously. His experience in a Stingers uniform and understanding of the team’s culture make him an important returning presence for the upcoming summer.

Troy Cooper – Cal Poly
Cooper joins the Stingers from Cal Poly, bringing Division I experience from the Mustangs program. His collegiate development and competitive background will add depth as he prepares for his first season in the Northwoods League.

Luke Kalfsbeek – Cal Poly
Also coming to Willmar from Cal Poly, Kalfsbeek adds another Division I contributor to the roster. His skill set and approach to the game provide additional versatility as the Stingers continue shaping their 2026 lineup.

“Having Kobe and Merrick return gives us valuable continuity, while adding Troy and Luke brings new energy and talent to the group,” said Stingers President Keaton Worley. “This mix of familiarity and new faces is important as we continue building our roster for the 2026 season.”

More roster announcements will be made in the coming weeks as the Willmar Stingers prepare for another exciting summer of Northwoods League baseball. Fans are encouraged to stay connected for updates leading up to Opening Day.

Now is the perfect time to lock in your seats for what promises to be an exciting season. The Stingers are offering 7-Game and 5-Game Kwik Trip Ticket Plans, giving fans the flexibility to catch the biggest nights of the summer while enjoying added perks and savings. Ticket plans are available now at willmarstingers.com or by calling the Stingers front office at (320)222-2010.

The Willmar Stingers will celebrate their 17th season in the Northwoods League in 2026, all plans are available.

The 2026 season is presented by J.D. Kreps Financial Group, empowering investors with powerful financial advice.

About the Willmar Stingers:
The Willmar Stingers are a member of the Northwoods League, the premier summer collegiate baseball league in North America. The Stingers provide affordable, family-friendly entertainment while showcasing the top college baseball talent from across the country.

For more information about the Willmar Stingers, visit willmarstingers.com or contact the front office at (320)222-2010 or info@willmarstingers.com

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The Willmar Stingers are a member of the finest developmental league for elite college baseball players, the Northwoods League. The Northwoods League is the proven leader in developing elite college baseball players. Entering its 32^nd season, the Northwoods League is the largest organized baseball league in history with 24 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, nearly 2400 NWL alums have been drafted and over 380 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 World Series Champion Max Scherzer (TOR), two-time World Series Champions Ben Zobrist and Brandon Crawford and World Series Champion Chris Sale (ATL). As well as 2019 Rookie of the Year and 2019/2021 Home Run Derby Champion Pete Alonso (NYM) and 2023 World Series Champion, MLB All-Star, MLB Gold Glove, two-time Silver Slugger winner and two-time All-MLB first team shortstop Marcus Semien (TEX). League games are viewable live on Northwoods League+ (at watch.northwoodsleague.com), ESPN+, and the Northwoods League Network. Learn more and find complete streaming schedules at watchnwl.com. For more information, visit www.willmarstingers.com or download the new Northwoods League Mobile App on the Apple App Store or on Google Play and set the Stingers as your favorite team.