SIOUX CITY EXPLORERS PRESS RELEASE

Phone: 817.739.3693

Website: xsbaseball.com

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

May 20, 2026

WACO GOING NATIONAL

ROOKIE FIND TRANSFERRED TO WASHINGTON ORGANIZATION

SIOUX CITY, Iowa – The Sioux City Explorers announced today that right-handed pitcher and true rookie LJ Waco has been transferred to the Washington Nationals organization. The Cary, Illinois native is the first player transferred this season and the 34th player moved since Explorers Manager Steve Montgomery took over the reins of the ball club in 2014.

LJ Waco is coming off a debut weekend in Chicago where he appeared in two games in relief, working 0.2 innings with two strikeouts. Pitching in front of family and friends, he showed dominating stuff in his brief sample size for the Explorers.

Waco arrived in Sioux City after spending four seasons at University of Wisconsin–Oshkosh. In four years in college, Waco went 11-4 with a 3.03 ERA in 38 games while making 17 starts. Waco tossed 145.1 innings at Wisconsin-Oshkosh, striking out 191, issuing 53 walks and surrendering 49 earned runs on 121 hits. He finished his four-year college career with a 1.197 WHIP. Waco spent his first two seasons working out of the pen before heading to the rotation his last two seasons. He would have the lowest ERA amongst starters in his final two seasons on campus.

Prior to heading to the University of Wisconsin–Oshkosh, Waco was a standout pitcher at Cary Grove High School in Cary, Illinois. Waco has since returned to his high school alma mater to serve as the Pitching Coach during the offseason.

Waco is the first player transferred since left-hander Chase Jessee was signed by the Kansas City Royals organization on November 7, 2025, and the first in-season transfer since right-handed pitcher Zach Willeman was transferred to the Cincinnati Reds on June 26, 2025.

The Explorers will play a doubleheader today at 5:35 p.m. against the Lincoln Saltdogs at Haymarket Park in Lincoln. The team will return home to celebrate opening night at Lewis and Clark Park on Friday night, May 22, against the Lincoln Saltdogs. Ticket packages for the 2026 season along with sponsorship and partner opportunities are available now by calling the Explorers front office at 712-277-WINS. Follow the Explorers social media channels and the club’s website xsbaseball.com for off-season news and updates.

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