Roach, a standout pitcher at Minnesota State University – Mankato (MSU) and Eau Claire Memorial High School alum, returns to Eau Claire in his first season with the Blugolds
A native of Eau Claire, Wisconsin, Roach enjoyed an exceptional collegiate career with the Mavericks. While at MSU, he became the Mavericks' all-time leader in strikeouts with 371, set the single season strikeout record with 128, became the winningest pitcher in program history, and became the all-time program leader in career innings pitched with 281 2/3. Roach was also awarded many awards throughout his collegiate career including:
Freshman: First Team All-NSIC...ABCA/Rawlings, Daktronics and NCBWA Second Team All-Region pick.
Sophomore: Central Region All-Tournament Team.
Junior: 2017 Tomko Award recipient as top pitcher in NCAA Division II...Garnered ABCA/Rawlings First Team All-American honors, CCA First Team All-American honors and Second Team NCBWA All-American honors...Named to All-NSIC First Team, All-NSIC Tournament Team and NSIC Spring All-Academic Team.
Senior: Named to 2018 All-NSIC First Team and NSIC Spring All-Academic Team...Earned NCBWA Division 2 All-Central Region Team Honorable Mention and D2CCA Baseball All Central Region Second Team honors
Following his collegiate playing career, Roach was selected in the 2018 Major League Baseball Draft by the Houston Astros in the 21st round with the 642nd pick overall. He went on to play Independent League baseball in the Frontier League for the River City Rascals. Following his stint with the Rascals, he signed with the St. Louis Cardinals organization and played within their system from 2019-2023, making it up to the AAA level. Following his time with the Cardinals, he signed with the Chicago White Sox organization, playing with them for the 2024 and 2025 seasons in both AA and AAA.
