New Details Emerge Surrounding Arizona State Baseball Coach's Extension

TEMPE -- The uncertainty surrounding the future of Arizona State baseball head coach Willie Bloomquist was lifted several weeks ago with an agreement on an extension.

Bloomquist - an alumni of the university - was hired by Arizona State following the 2021 season with the hopes that his extensive experience around the game/school would lead a once proud program back into the glory days.

The Sun Devils failed to reach the NCAA tournament over the first three seasons of Bloomquist's tenure, but ultimately reached the regionals last season - posting a 36-24 record that had potential to be expanded upon.

Regardless, there were revelations that the two sides had been having dialogue regarding a new deal several months ago, and an agreement on a two-year extension was reported on last month.

Arizona State insider Chris Karpman revealed key details as far as salary increases and incentives that are laced into the extension are concerned.

efwewwe — ASU baseball head coach, Willie Bloomquist, talks about Thaddeus Earle and his contributions to the team on Nov. 13, 2023. | Sam Ballesteros/The Republic / USA TODAY NETWORK

Bloomquist's Contract is Incentive Heavy

"BREAKING: Willie Bloomquist's two-year extension, to begin on July 1, would increase his salary from $390k to $475k in 2026-27 and $500k in 2027-28, if approved next week by ABOR. He'd get a 25% raise for a CWS Championship, 15% for a CWS appearance, 10% for a Super Regional."

"Bonuses would include $200k for a CWS Championship, $125 for a loss in the CWS Championship Game, $100k for a CWS appearance, $25k for a Super Regional berth, $25k for winning the Big 12 regular season, among other potential bonuses."

eegre — Sun Devils baseball team reacts to the loss against Oregon State at Scottsdale Stadium on May 23, 2024. | Nicole Mullen/The Republic / USA TODAY NETWORK

The incentives that are laced into the extension create a sense of urgency, as it is obvious that expectations are to reach the College World Series - a feat that ASU has yet to accomplish since 2010, despite having won five national titles and sending numerous players to the MLB level over the years.

Arizona State is expected to compete in the Big 12 yet again this season, as the program was picked to finish fourth in the league in an official preseason poll that was unearthed recently. The Sun Devils rebounded from losing stars such as Isaiah Jackson by bringing in high-level transfers, such as former UNLV slugger Dean Toigo.

One of the biggest concerns surrounding Arizona State baseball over the last several seasons has been the pitching, as the 5.34 team ERA in 2025 is arguably what held the team back. The hope is that the work Bloomquist put in as far as the transfer portal and player retention are concerned will translate to more substantial success in 2026.

kllk — Arizona State manager Willie Bloomquist makes a pitching change during the seventh inning against Ohio State at Phoenix Municipal Stadium on Feb. 16, 2025. | Michael Chow/The Republic / USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images

Read more on the bold strategy that head coach Bobby Hurley employed with comments on 1/21 here, and on why Arizona State may have saved the season with the win over Cincinnati on Saturday here..

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