Sag Harbor’s Desmarais Named 2026 HCBL Reliever of the Year

Derek Desmarais (Tufts) of the Sag Harbor Whalers was one of the top pitchers in the HCBL in 2026, leading the league in ERA (1.71) and saves (5). Desmarais was recognized for his work in relief by being named the 2026 HCBL Reliever of the Year.

Desmarais made 13 appearances on the mound for Sag Harbor during the 2026 season with a 2-0 record and five saves. The Washington D.C. native struck out 27 batters in 21.0 innings pitched while allowing only five walks with a WHIP of 1.05. 

Desmarais was named to the HCBL All-Star team, where he pitched a 1-2-3 inning in front of his summer league home crowd at Mashashimuet Park in the 2026 HCBL All-Star Game.

It is the fourth time a Sag Harbor reliever has been named HCBL Reliever of the Year. Previous Whalers who won the award prior to Desmarais were Mike Connors (2008, Southern Connecticut State), Jacob Bodner (2013, Xavier) and Jason Acker (2021, Nova Southeastern).

Southampton’s Trey Stricker (West Chester) was right behind Desmarais, finishing in second place. North Fork’s Matt Guido (Lycoming) came in third place with a first-place vote and two third-place votes, while Westhampton’s Gabriel Pena (American International), with a first and second, finished in fourth. Shelter Island’s Xavier Hall (Emerson) and Sag Harbor’s Ethan Righter (Hamilton) tied for fifth place.