The Blaze have a tall order in 2026 after finishing last in the Athletes Unlimited Softball League standings with a 7-17 record. Pitching was a struggle above all, despite being two of the four teams to have a group batting average above .300.

But all is not lost for the Blaze as they look to improve next season. There’s a core of their roster to build around at the Allocation and College Drafts. But first, they’ll need to see who stays and goes during the Expansion Draft, as the Oklahoma City Spark and Cascade begin to build their teams. These are the five players the Blaze should protect and secure on their roster for next year.

1. Ana Gold

Look no further than the Rookie of the Year to start building the Blaze’s roster for the 2026 season. Ana Gold led the team in batting average (.373), on-base percentage (.427), and OPS (1.094) while also being in the top eight across the league in all three offensive categories.

She displayed a combination of hitting for power and contact; Gold tied for fifth in the league in total hits with five home runs and was one of just two players with multiple triples on the season. What shouldn’t be missed about Gold’s impact is her defense. She commanded shortstop and third base seamlessly while recording a .987 fielding percentage and was named to the All-Defensive Team.

2. Baylee Klingler

Also on the All-Defensive Team with Gold and a player to expect the Blaze to protect is corner infielder Baylee Klingler. Klingler had one of the hottest starts to the inaugural season. She hit safely in her first eight games and had a .500 batting average, 11 runs batted in, and a 1.310 OPS before sustaining a head injury against the Bandits on June 21. Despite missing games, Klingler finished as one of the top 10 hitters in the AUSL.

Next summer will be Klingler’s fourth pro season, and if her streak before getting injured was any indicator, she is beginning to really hit her stride at the next level.

3. Kayla Kowalik

Kayla Kowalik flew under the radar a bit throughout the AUSL season, but burst onto the scene of the All-Star Cup. She split time behind the plate with retiring catcher Taylor Edwards for the Blaze. Still, she really showcased her abilities for pitch calling and defense throughout the league’s unique season in Chicago, ultimately coming away as the 2025 All-Star Cup Champion.

Kowalik’s ability to lead through the catcher position is just one of her attributes. She can bunt, slap, and hit for contact with a heads-up gamemanship that any roster can benefit from.

4. Keilani Ricketts

Keilani Ricketts’ season with the Blaze should be considered in separate parts: playing healthy and playing through injury. Before being placed on the Injured List on June 18, Ricketts pitched 11.0 innings in five appearances, surrendering 12 earned runs.

Subtract those outings, and Ricketts’ ERA drops from 4.20 to 1.50. In 14 innings while healthy, Ricketts showed promise of being an ace. She not only brings veteran experience and a competitive drive that has propelled her to the top of the world stage, but she’s a lefty in a league where that is scarce.

The Blaze had a league-high 6.18 ERA, so pitching will be at a premium for the team in 2026, but Ricketts is a piece to bring back.

5. Aubrey Leach

Just like Gold and Klingler, Leach was one of the consistently productive hitters for the Blaze. While she didn’t hit for power, she routinely found a way on base in the two-spot in the lineup, logging a .457 on-base percentage. She tied for the league lead in walks with 15 on the season and was not one to strike out, with only nine Ks in 94 plate appearances.

She’s a steady presence at second base in the infield and, like Kowalik, is a college assistant coach who sees the game at another level. Leach knows the rules and situation in play at all times and is the type of leader a team looking to rebuild needs.

Savanna Collins is the Senior Reporter for the AUSL. You can follow her on X @savannaecollins.