Former AppleSox pitchers return to Wenatchee for 2026 season

WENATCHEE — Two Washington-born pitchers are returning to familiar surroundings this summer as Braiden Boyd and Felix Schlede rejoin the Wenatchee AppleSox after beginning their collegiate baseball careers with the club.

Both pitchers previously spent summers in Wenatchee before continuing their development at the collegiate level and now return with additional experience and defined roles on the mound.

Boyd, a left-handed pitcher from Chelan, first appeared for the AppleSox in 2024 after signing with Washington State University out of high school.

During that summer, Boyd made 13 appearances and logged 33 2/3 innings, finishing with a 7.22 ERA, 21 strikeouts and 17 walks.

Following a redshirt season at Washington State in which he did not appear in a game, Boyd transferred to Spokane Falls Community College. The move has paid dividends.

Pitching primarily out of the bullpen, Boyd posted a 2.43 ERA this season in 13 relief appearances for the Sasquatches. He allowed 11 earned runs, walked 15 batters and struck out 47.

The 6-foot-5 left-hander has increasingly settled into a relief role during his collegiate career, making only two starts during his time at Spokane Falls. His ability to provide multiple innings out of the bullpen gives Wenatchee another experienced option from the left side.

Schlede returns to the AppleSox after two previous summers with the club in 2022 and 2023.

The Seattle native struggled during his first season in Wenatchee, posting an 11.68 ERA in five appearances. One year later, he showed significant improvement, recording a 2.92 ERA while striking out 16 batters across four starts.

After leaving Wenatchee, Schlede spent the 2024 season at Central Arizona College, where he made 14 appearances, including 12 starts. He struck out 77 batters and posted an 11.3 strikeouts-per-nine-innings rate, earning an opportunity to continue his career at the Division I level.

The 6-foot-6 right-hander joined Sam Houston State and appeared in 19 games during the 2025 season, making three starts and 16 relief appearances. He recorded 36 strikeouts while posting a 6.53 ERA.

Although command has been a challenge at times throughout his career, Schlede has consistently demonstrated the ability to generate strikeouts and miss bats.

With Boyd and Schlede returning to Wenatchee, the AppleSox add two pitchers familiar with the organization and equipped with additional collegiate experience as they prepare for the 2026 West Coast League season.

The AppleSox opened the season May 29 on the road against the Edmonton RiverHawks. Wenatchee's home opener is scheduled for June 5 against the Kamloops NorthPaws at Paul Thomas Sr. Stadium.