Category: Longhorns in MLB

Seattle Mariners sign Longhorns closer Gage Boehm

The Texas native signed with the Seattle Mariners on Friday and will take his talents to the Pacific Northwest

After going undrafted, former Longhorns RHP Gage Boehm has signed his first professional contract. The Texas native signed with the Seattle Mariners on Friday and will take his talents to the Pacific Northwest. After an impressive 2024 season with the Longhorns, he will look to make an impact in the Mariners system.

Boehm was an effective piece in his lone year as a Longhorn, posting a 2.53 ERA in 25 appearances. He also struck out 60 batters and held opponents to a .187 batting average. With Boehm in the back of the bullpen, Texas was a formidable opponent late in games due to his ability to limit hard contact.

As Boehm frustrated opposing hitters, he thrived in high-pressure situations. The Taylor, Texas native recorded eight saves, making the transition from San Jacinto College seem effortless. Against tougher competition, the Longhorns reliever took his game to another level.

Over the last few days, MLB teams have been busy adding Longhorns to their minor league systems. Earlier this week, infielder Peyton Powell signed with the Toronto Blue Jays after going undrafted. Three Longhorn players were also selected in the MLB Draft.

Although Boem’s time at Texas was short-lived, he showed that he has the tools to be a very good reliever. His arsenal includes a fastball in the mid-nineties with movement to keep hitters off balance. While his pro career is just beginning, Boem could end up being a steal for the Mariners and an essential piece in high-leverage situations.

Texas 1B/3B Peyton Powell signs with Blue Jays

The talented infielder signed a deal with the Toronto Blue Jays on Wednesday after an impressive five-year stint with Texas

Former Longhorns 1B/3B Peyton Powell has found a new home. The talented infielder signed a deal with the Toronto Blue Jays on Wednesday after an impressive five-year stint with Texas. Since making his college debut in 2020, he has been a force at the plate.

In five seasons with the Longhorns, Powell posted a .327 batting average in 588 plate appearances. While he was an on-base machine, the Waco, Texas native also showed some power with 21 home runs and 30 doubles. Regardless of where he was in the order, Powell found a way to get on base and provide the offense with a spark.

Although Powell went undrafted, the Blue Jays made signing him a priority. That was partly due to his bat and versatility in the field. During his time in Austin, he split time between first and third base. He also made four appearances behind the plate.

In Powell, the Blue Jays are getting a player who has proven they get on base at a high rate. He only struck out 83 times in college and was able to draw 77 walks, including 34 during the 2024 campaign. Maintaining good plate discipline will be critical in the minor as the competition improves.

After an impressive run with Texas, the 23-year-old will be looking to build on his success in the minors. If Powell can do that, he could move quickly through the system. For Blue Jays fans, he will be a prospect to watch.

New York Mets draft Longhorns RHP Tanner Witt in 14th round

In the 14th round, the New York Mets used the 413th overall pick on Longhorns pitcher Tanner Witt

On the third day of the MLB Draft, Texas baseball had a reason to celebrate. In the 14th round, the New York Mets used the 413th overall pick on Longhorns pitcher Tanner Witt. It is the second straight year that Witt has been drafted, but this time, he is expected to go pro.

In four years as a Longhorn, Witt appeared in 41 games, posting a 4.19 ERA while striking out 101 batters. Although his college career got off to a promising start, the Houston native has battled injuries over the last three years. In 2022, he had Tommy John Surgery and needed a follow-up procedure this year.

While Witt’s last few years have not gone as planned, he did show promise as a Longhorn. During the 2021 campaign, the 22-year-old recorded a 3.16 ERA in 28 games. Before injuries started to take their toll, he posted a 1.64 ERA in 11 innings in 2022.  He will now get to compete against his former teammates.

When Witt heard his name called, he became the third Longhorns player to be drafted this year. He joined outfielder Jared Thomas and pitcher Lebarron Johnson Jr., both selected by the Colorado Rockies. Texas signees Bryce Rainer (Tigers), Theo Gillen (Rays), Levi Sterling (Pirates), and Kyle DeGroat (Royals) were also selected.

Although Witt’s pro career is just beginning, the Mets hope they can help him recapture his 2021 form when he appeared destined for stardom. He could be a valuable arm in a major league bullpen, but he needs to stay healthy to maximize his talent.

Colorado Rockies select LeBarron Johnson Jr. on Day 2

In the fifth round, Colorado used the 139th overall pick on RHP Lebarron Johnson Jr.

The Colorado Rockies selected a Texas Longhorn on Monday afternoon for the second time in the MLB Draft. In the fifth round, Colorado used the 139th overall pick on RHP Lebarron Johnson Jr. He will join fellow Longhorn Jared Thomas, who heard his name called on Sunday.

During the 2024 campaign, Johnson appeared in 17 games, making 15 starts. In 72.1 innings, he posted a 5.60 ERA and struck out 84 batters. While his numbers may not jump off the page, he showed his potential in his final start of the season against Texas A&M. Against the national runner-up, the talented RHP struck out eight batters in five innings.

Over the last three years, the Jacksonville native posted a 4.04 ERA in 55 games for the Longhorns. As Johnson split time between the bullpen and rotation, he struck out 203 batters and helped opponents to a .248 batting average. For an organization that has struggled to develop pitching, his versatility will be a welcome addition for the Rockies.

With one year of eligibility left, Johnson has until August 1 to decide whether to return to Texas or sign with the Rockies. The value for the 139th overall pick’s signing bonus is $500,000, but that is not set in stone.

If the Rockies can sign Johnson, they will add a pitcher with an intriguing pitch mix. His arsenal includes a fastball that tops out in the low 90s paired with a splitter and cutter that keep batters off balance.

Over the next few weeks, Johnson will be a player to watch as he decides what is best for his baseball career.

Colorado Rockies select Texas 1B/OF Jared Thomas with the No. 42 pick

After selecting 3B/OF Charlie Condon with their first pick, they turned to Longhorns Jared Thomas with the 42nd overall pick

On the first day of the MLB Draft, the Colorado Rockies were busy stockpiling college bats. After selecting 3B/OF Charlie Condon with their first pick, they turned to Longhorns outfielder Jared Thomas with the 42nd overall pick. Thomas will be joining a franchise that has had success developing hitters over the last few years.

During the 2024 campaign, Thomas was arguably the Longhorns’ best hitter. He led the team in offensively with a .349 batting average while recording 15 doubles and 16 home runs. The Dallas native used his speed to create chaos from the leadoff spot, stealing 18 bases without being caught. 

Although Thomas made headlines with his bat, he was also solid in the field. He split time between first base and the outfield. Regardless of the opponent, the former Longhorns star made an impact. He had a hit in 47 of the 60 games he played in.

As the draft took center stage in the sports world, Thomas was not the only player with Longhorns ties to see their dreams come true. Texas recruits Bryce Rainer, Theo Gillen, and Levi Sterling also heard their names called on Sunday night.

In 124 games, the Waxahachie product posted a .336 batting average and hit 20 home runs. Thomas has 156 hits in his collegiate career. He could return for another season or two if he wants to try and improve his draft stock. Otherwise, it is off to rookie ball for Thomas.

With Thomas’ selection, at least one Longhorn has been drafted every year since the draft began in 1965.

Texas Baseball: Detroit Tigers add former Longhorn Kody Clemens to 40-man roster

Tigers add former Texas standout Kody Clemens to the 40-man roster.

The Detriot Tigers added infielder Kody Clemens to their active 40-man roster on Friday. Adding Clemens to the roster keeps him from being available to other teams in the upcoming Rule Five Draft.

Clemens was selected in the third round of the 2018 MLB draft after an All-American junior season at Texas.

His 2018 season was one of the best in Texas baseball history. Clemens won Big 12 player of the year, finished as a finalist for the Golden Spikes Award and led the Longhorns to the College World Series.

The former Longhorn batted .247 with 18 home runs and 97 RBIs last season in Triple-A. Clemens primary played second base and has proved to be an adequate defender.

According to mlb.com, Clemens is the No. 18 prospect in the Tigers’ organization. Detriot adding him to the 40-man roster shows they have him in their long-term plans.

Contact/Follow us @LonghornsWire on Twitter, and like our page on Facebook to follow ongoing coverage of Texas news, notes and opinions.

Texas pitcher Ty Madden selected in the first round by the Detroit Tigers

Ty Madden was selected in the first round of the MLB draft by the Detroit Tigers. He becomes UT’s first opening-round pick since 2013.

Going into Sunday night, Ty Madden was considered a top prospect on the board for the 2021 MLB draft. The Texas starting pitcher was one of the best in the country, leading the Longhorns to Omaha.

In ESPN’s final mock draft, Madden was projected to go No. 11 overall to the Washington Nationals. After throwing 113.2 innings with a 2.45 ERA and 10.8 K/9, he finished as a D1Baseball All-American.

Madden slid into the competitive balance portion of the first round, the Detroit Tigers ended his long wait at pick No. 32. He becomes the first Texas player in the first round of the MLB draft since Corey Knebel in 2013.

Detroit has now taken three college starting pitchers in the first round over the past five seasons. Alex Faedo came out of Florida (2018), while Casey Mize (Auburn) was the No. 1 overall pick in 2019.

College pitchers have a history of making it to the majors quicker thanks to their progressed development. According to MLB.com, Madden is a 55 overall prospect out of 80. His fastball and slider are rated the highest at 60.

Madden will officially join the Tigers’ organization this summer.

Contact/Follow us @LonghornsWire on Twitter, and like our page on Facebook to follow ongoing coverage of Texas news, notes and opinions.

Texas baseball must replace three solid players on their roster

Bryce Elder, Duke Ellis and Kamron Fields will not be returning to Texas next season.

It’s been an odd year for the sport of baseball. Continue reading “Texas baseball must replace three solid players on their roster”

Former Longhorns’ pitcher Taylor Jungmann Invited To Minor League Camp

The Texas Rangers have added former Longhorns pitcher Taylor Jungmann to their minor league roster ahead of Spring Training.

The Texas Rangers have added former Longhorns hurler Taylor Jungmann on a minor league contract and will report to minor league camp according to Dallas Morning News writer Evan Grant. Jungmann last pitched for the Longhorns in 2011 when he was selected 12th overall by the Milwaukee Brewers.

Jungmann reached the Major Leagues by 2015. During his rookie year, he became the first Brewers’ pitcher to throw a complete game at Dodgers Stadium in their history. That year Jungman posted a 3.77 ERA in 21 starts. He struck out 107 batters in 119.1 innings for the brew crew. Over the next two seasons he would pitch in only nine games and would eventually head to Japan to continue his professional career.

Jungmann played the last two seasons for the Yomiuri Giants in Japan where he posted a 4.86 ERA with 53 strikeouts. His record through the 2019 season ended at 6-5. He will be looking to revive his Major League Baseball career with the Texas Rangers and regain that rookie season magic. He will have to work his way back up through their farm system.

At Texas, Jungmann was quite the pitcher for the Longhorns. He posted a 32-9 win-loss record, 1.85 ERA with 356 strikeouts. In his final year in Austin, Jungmann won the Dick Howser Trophy which is awarded to the nation’s top collegiate baseball player. He was part of the 2009 College World Series runner-up team and part of the 2011 team that qualified for the CWS.

Is It Time For Former Longhorn Roger Clemens To Get HOF Nod?

Roger Clemens missed out on the Hall of Fame class in 2020 but is it time that the former Texas Longhorn get in?

Just a week ago the newest class for the National Baseball Hall of Fame was announced. The class of 2020 includes former New York Yankee Derek Jeter and former Colorado Rockies, Montreal Expos and St Louis Cardinals first baseman and right fielder Larry Walker. One name that just missed the class was former teammate of Jeter and former Texas Longhorns great Roger Clemens.

Clemens finished fourth among the candidates receiving 60.7% of the votes, the required threshold is 75%. Each year since 2014, Clemens has been gaining votes that started with just 35.4% and continued to grow until this past year at 60.7%. Under voting rules, Clemens has until 2022 to receive the necessary number for induction or he comes off the ballot for writers. It then moves to a committee that would meet in 2024.

The controversy surrounding Roger Clemens induction stems around the BALCO investigation that stated that Clemens received performance enhancing drugs (PEDs) from trainer Brian McNamee. Baseball purist believe that Clemens doesn’t deserve to be in the Hall of Fame based on this investigation. Clemens never admitted to taking steroids and had he admitted one would think the case against him in the Hall of Fame wouldn’t be as strong.

Given the era that Clemens played in, it seemed to be common place for players using steroids. While it is no excuse, given how Clemens performed before the accusations of PEDs, he deserves his opportunity to shine and be inducted. For the former Longhorn, 2021 just might be his best chance given how voters have been delivering their votes in recent years. It is hard to deny what Clemens accomplished on the mound and for that it is time to make it right.

Roger Clemens Accomplishments

  • 11-time All-Star
  • Two-Time World Series Champion
  • Seven-time Cy Young Award Winner (Most All-Time)
  • American League Most Valuable Player (1986)
  • Two-Time Triple Crown Winner (ERA, Wins and Strikeouts)
  • Led Major League Baseball in wins (four times)
  • Led Major League Baseball in ERA (seven times)
  • Led American League in strikeouts (five times)
  • MLB All-Century Team
  • Boston Red Sox Hall of Fame
  • Career Wins-354 (9th All-Time)
  • 4,672 strikeouts (3rd All-Time)