St. Petersburg College Baseball Re-Tools Roster and Coaching Staff Following Challenging 2025 Season

Clearwater, FL — After a tough 2025 campaign in the ultra-competitive Citrus Conference of NJCAA Region 8, St. Petersburg College Baseball is undergoing a full-scale retooling. With an emphasis on accountability, development, and long-term culture, the program is turning the page with a deeper, more experienced roster and a newly structured coaching staff.

 

Head Coach Oscar Espada, now entering his fourth season, is leading the charge with a renewed vision. After focusing primarily on the offensive side in his first three years, Espada will now take full responsibility for developing the pitching staff—a unit that struggled with consistency and depth last season.

“We’re building from the inside out,” said Espada. “That means shoring up our pitching and setting a new tone for how we prepare and compete every day.”

 

A significant part of that transformation involves key coaching changes. Longtime assistant Coach Wilfredo Rodriguez has been promoted to Hitting Coach, expanding his role from his previous catcher-specific duties. Rodriguez has been instrumental in the development of several core players and will now be tasked with revamping the offensive approach across the board.

 

In addition, the Titans have added two coaches with impressive professional baseball pedigrees: Mitch Piatnik and Francisco Thomas.

Mitch Piatnik, a native of Winter Haven, Florida, brings a wealth of playing experience to the dugout. A former standout at Stetson University and State College of Florida (2013–2015), Piatnik was drafted in the 8th round of the 2015 MLB Draft by the Cincinnati Reds. He spent four years in the minor leagues and followed that with five more seasons in independent baseball before wrapping up his playing career in Dubai with the Baseball United League.

“Mitch has seen the game from every level—college, pro ball, and international play,” Espada said. “That’s invaluable experience for our guys, especially those looking to take that next step.”

 

Meanwhile, Francisco Thomas, born and raised in Carolina, Puerto Rico, adds another layer of dynamic energy to the staff. A 2015 High School All-American from Osceola High School in Kissimmee, Thomas earned national acclaim as a Perfect Game All-American and participated in elite showcases like the East Coast Pro (Tampa Bay Rays) and Area Code Games (Washington Nationals). He was drafted in the 8th round of the 2016 MLB Draft by the Milwaukee Brewers.

Thomas also carved out a strong collegiate career, becoming an LAI Champion and MVP at Universidad Ana G. Méndez, and later winning the 2022 NAIA National Championship at Southeastern University. He continues to compete as an infielder in Puerto Rico’s AA League with the Cardenales de Lajas.

“Francisco has lived the game at a high level from a very young age,” said Espada. “His attention to detail and passion for development are exactly what we need.”

 

Off the field, St. Petersburg College has worked tirelessly this offseason to bring in a class of experienced transfer players—many with multiple years of collegiate or high-level prep baseball under their belts. These additions are expected to elevate the competitive standard in practices and games, bringing leadership and maturity to a young core.

“This isn’t just about talent—it’s about toughness, accountability, and culture,” said Espada. “We’ve brought in the kind of players who are ready to lead from day one.”

 

With a reloaded coaching staff and a reinvigorated roster, the Titans are setting the tone early for a comeback season. The coaching realignments—Espada with the pitchers, Rodriguez with the hitters, and the additions of Piatnik and Thomas—signal a clear shift toward building a well-rounded, high-character program.

“We’ve reset the foundation,” Espada added. “Now it’s about execution, consistency, and belief.”

 

As the fall season approaches, one thing is certain: St. Petersburg College Baseball is no longer dwelling on the past—the Titans are building something new, and they’re coming back with purpose.