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Iowa Baseball lands All-ASUN North Alabama C Matthew Delgado

On3 imageby: Kyle Huesmann06/19/25HuesmannKyle
The Hawkeyes picked up a commitment from North Alabama catcher Matthew Delgado.
The Hawkeyes picked up a commitment from North Alabama catcher Matthew Delgado.

The transfer portal, for the most part, has been a very good source for the Iowa Baseball program over the past few years. Rick Heller and his staff have been able to find the right pieces to fill positions of need, although, the new 34-player roster cap will limit how many additions they can make. Still, that hasn’t stopped the coaching staff from making a number of additions at key positions.

On Wednesday afternoon, the Hawkeyes earned their fourth commitment of the portal cycle, landing North Alabama catcher Matthew Delgado. The Monrovia, California native began his collegiate career with two years at Pasadena City College, including a year playing alongside former Hawkeye Raider Tello. He transferred to DII Rogers State for a year, before spending this past season with North Alabama.

“The culture and competitiveness stood out the most. You walk around that program and you can feel the expectation to win and get better every day,” Delgado told HawkeyeReport. “I wanted to be in a place where I could grow both as a player and a person, and Iowa checked all the boxes. Their track record of development stood out. Plus, playing in the Big Ten with a chance to compete for championships was a big opportunity.”

“I had interest and offers from a handful of mid-majors and a few Power 4 programs, but once Iowa got involved, they separated themselves quickly. I did my research, talked to people I trust, and it became clear that Iowa was the best spot for me to take that next step,” said Delgado. “Coach Heller and the entire staff were super genuine. They didn’t sugarcoat anything, and they laid out a clear vision for how I could fit in and develop. You can tell they care about their players and winning the right way.”

After beginning his collegiate career with two seasons close to home at Pasadena City College, Delgado transferred to DII Rogers State, spending one year with the Hillcats. He was an All-MIAA selection, batting .324, with 57 hits, ten doubles, three home runs and a team-high 46 RBI’s.

This past season at North Alabama, Matthew appeared in 53 games, with 51 starts for the Lions, He slashed .296/.403/.466, with 56 hits, nine doubles, seven home runs and 33 RBI’s. Delgado struck out in just 26 of 226 (11.5%) plate appearances, while he totaled 37 walks+hit by pitches (16.4%). Defensively, he was a force, allowing just one passed ball, while tallying a UNA program record 19 runners caught stealing.

“I’m a gritty baseball player who loves the game itself. I’m vocal, I take command behind the plate, and I try to be the guy pitchers can trust,” said Delgado. “I focus a lot on the pitcher-catcher relationship because I believe it plays a huge role in both of our success. I just love to compete.”

“Setting the UNA record for most runners caught stealing is something I’m proud of because it reflects a lot of hours behind the scenes—working on footwork, transfer times, arm strength, and reading baserunners. But it’s also a credit to our pitchers at UNA for giving me a chance with quick deliveries.”

The Hawkeyes graduated starting catcher Daniel Rogers (49 starts), while backup catcher and designated hitter Reese Moore (53 starts) transferred to South Carolina. That will give Delgado the opportunity to come in and win the starting catcher job, with redshirt sophomore Max Burt, redshirt freshman Carter Geffre and true freshman Milo Kelley rounding out the position group.

“They see me coming in and competing for a role behind the plate right away. Obviously, nothing is handed to you, but they believe in my ability to lead a pitching staff, control the run game, and bring some consistency. I’m ready to earn everything and contribute in whatever way helps the team win.”

Delgado has steadily gone up the ranks over the course of his college career, going from JUCO to DII to the DI ASUN. Now, he will jump from the 21st rated conference in the country to the Big Ten, the fourth-toughest conference in college baseball per the RPI.

“I think the transition will be pretty natural. Catching is catching—blocking, throwing, leading the staff—that doesn’t really change. I got the chance to play against a few great teams this past year, and I felt comfortable out there. The competition was strong, but I thought I held my own and played well. That gave me a lot of confidence that I can compete at that level. It’ll still be a challenge, no doubt, but I’m excited for it and ready to put in the work.”

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