Mar 3, 2026 By Observer-Reporter 2 min read

Kobe Foster, the ace of the Washington Wild Things pitching staff, is coming back for a fifth season.

The club announced Tuesday it had agreed to terms with the veteran left-hander Foster on a contract for 2026.

Foster, 27, is the Wild Things’ all-time leader in wins (30), innings pitched (353.2) and strikeouts (318).

He first signed with Washington in 2022 after finishing his college career at NAIA power Tennessee Wesleyan and went on to win the Frontier League Rookie of the Year Award. He was voted to the Frontier League All-Star game in 2024.

Between 2022 and 2024, Foster was 25-7 for Washington with a 2.39 ERA in 47 games (45 starts). He pitched his only career shutout against Joliet at EQT Park in 2023 and his strikeout record was achieved during his all-star season in 2024. He also set the single-season strikeout record that season with 126 in 117.2 innings. Foster was 10-1 in 2024 with a 2.91 ERA and won both of his playoff starts.

After a brief stint in the Mexican Baseball League with Quintana Roo last year, Foster rejoined the Wild Things in June and was 5-2 in 12 starts with a 2.76 ERA in 71.2 innings. He allowed 66 hits and walked 20 to go with 47 strikeouts. His third win of the season, coming on July 20 at Sussex County, allowed him to pass Frontier League Hall of Famer Aaron Ledbetter for Washington’s career wins lead. He passed Chase Cunningham for the innings pitched record in his start August 15 at Québec.

The Washington Wild Things will open their 24th season on May 7 at Windy City, with the homer opener scheduled for Friday, May 15 against Schaumburg at EQT Park.