Why UC Santa Barbara Is Fine on Sundays

This one came via ESPN+, not live, so keep that in mind. Even so, the takeaway is clear: UC Santa Barbara is just fine on Sundays.

The rotation is anchored by Jackson Flora and Nathan Aceves, two arms with legitimate first-round potential. That’s where the draft spotlight is, and both carry the kind of stuff that will make crosscheckers pay attention all spring.

But behind them is Kellan Montgomery, who should absolutely not be overlooked.

Montgomery started Friday nights at Long Beach State in 2025 and closed games as a freshman in 2024. That kind of experience, both in high-leverage bullpen spots and in the rotation, shows in the way he pitches. He handles leverage like someone who’s been there.

Montgomery’s fastball sits 90–92 mph, misses barrels, and has some sink and late movement that almost acts like a changeup. He consistently generates soft contact. He’ll challenge hitters up in the zone to change eye levels, and he can expand horizontally to get chases. It’s not premium velocity, but it’s functional, deceptive, and effective.

His cutter sits around 82, giving hitters another look and keeping them honest. He can locate it for strikes.

The changeup is his best secondary pitch. He throws it in any count, commands it down in the zone, and gets swings and misses from lefties. It’s a weapon, not a “show-me.”

Montgomery’s slider has late bite and can get chases; he’ll also throw it for strikes to righties early. He’s willing to use it, not just show it.

Montgomery controls the running game, works with intent, and sequences with purpose. He looks like a pitcher who understands how to navigate a lineup without putting himself in trouble.

With Flora and Aceves drawing the draft attention, Montgomery doesn’t need to be spectacular. He just needs to be steady, and based on this early-season look, that’s exactly what he is.

Montgomery, K.: 5.1 IP, 4 H, 4 R, 4 ER, 4 BB, 4 K.
24 TBF. 5 FO/7 GO.
91 TP, 54 Strikes.