Tag: sec baseball

Texas A&M’s Gavin Grahovac makes Baseball America’s All-American Team

Texas A&M third baseman earns another All-American bid making him a unanimous All-American

  • SLG%/OB% – .596/.390

    • Contact/Follow us @AggiesWire on X and like our page on Facebook to follow ongoing coverage of Texas A&M news, notes and opinions. Follow Jarrett Johnson on X: @whosnextsports1.

    The SEC Freshman of the Year Gavin Grahovac notched his fourth All-American nod, making him a unanimous All-American. After pulling out of the 2023 MLB draft, Grahovac came into Texas A&M with a load of expectations. He stepped up to the plate, taking the starting third base position and serving as the team’s leadoff hitter.

    He re-wrote the record books with 23 home runs as a freshman, eclipsing fellow, former unanimous Freshman All-American Jace LaViolette by two home runs. Like most of the 2023 roster with eligibility, he jumped into the transfer portal while the university started the new coaching search. However, the hiring of Michael Earley gave Grahovac the confidence to come back to Aggieland with some unfinished business

     

    SEASON STATS

    • Batting Average – .298
    • Runs – 83
    • Hits – 85
    • Home runs – 23
    • RBIs – 66
    • SLG%/OB% – .596/.390

    Contact/Follow us @AggiesWire on X and like our page on Facebook to follow ongoing coverage of Texas A&M news, notes and opinions. Follow Jarrett Johnson on X: @whosnextsports1.

    Texas Longhorns baseballs adds former Walter State pitcher Ethan Walker

    Former Walter State LHP Ethan Walker announced on social media that he was joining the Longhorns

    On Tuesday afternoon, the Texas Longhorns turned to the transfer portal to improve their pitching. Former Walter State LHP Ethan Walker announced on social media that he was joining the Longhorns. After one season with the Senators, Walker will look to build on his success in a new conference.

    During his freshman season, Walker posted a 4.80 ERA in 12 games while striking out 38 batters. While most of his work came out of the bullpen, the Virginia native did make three starts, showing off his versatility. As Walker looks to make a good first impression, improving his control will be critical.

    Although Walker only allowed three home runs last season, he walked seven batters and hit three. He also recorded three wild pitches, which made his outings stressful at times and put runners in scoring position.

    Despite his struggles, Walker brings an intriguing pitching mix to Austin. His arsenal includes a fastball that tops out in the low 90s, paired with a changeup and curveball that keep hitters off-balance. The Longhorns hope to bring out the best in his abilities, whether out of the rotation or bullpen.

    As Walker prepares for his first season as a Longhorn, he will join a pitching staff that posted a 4.91 ERA last season and only recorded 12 saves. If Walker can make adjustments, then the Longhorns bullpen will get a boost.

    LSU lands notable baseball commitment via transfer portal

    The talented hitter is heading to Baton Rouge.

    The LSU Tigers baseball program landed a noteworthy commitment through the transfer portal Tuesday morning, as infielder Daniel Dickinson officially committed to play in Baton Rouge next season.

    A second baseman, Dickinson, who has also seen time defensively at third base and shortstop, has spent the first two seasons of his collegiate career at Utah Valley where he is a two-time First Team All-WAC selection. Starting in 112-of-113 games over those two seasons, Dickinson slashed a combined .369/.458/.627 with 27 HR, 95 RBI, and 42 SB.

    As for this past season, Dickinson started in 59 games for Utah Valley during the 2024 season, slashing .363/.468/.653 with 18 HR, 53 RBI, and 32 SB. A sophomore, Dickinson also held a combined 28-35 K-BB ratio during the year, bringing his two-year K-BB ratio to 60-57.

    Looking ahead, Dickinson is now likely to make an immediate impact for the Tigers during the 2025 season. This could come at second base, as well as at other positions such as third base and shortstop as he played at Utah Valley.

    Texas Rangers call up former Auburn utility man Daniel Robert

    Robert, who now pitches in the Texas Rangers organization, is set to make his major league debut Monday night.

    Former Auburn baseball utility man [autotag]Daniel Robert[/autotag] began transitioning to a full-time pitcher after being selected in the 21st round of the 2017 MLB draft. On Monday, the hard work will pay off as he will make his major league debut as a relief pitcher.

    Robert’s contract was selected by the Texas Rangers on Monday after the Rangers designated LHP Antoine Kelly for assignment, and sent RHP Grant Anderson down to AAA-affiliate Round Rock.

    Ahead of his MLB debut, Robert tossed 30 innings for Round Rock this season, striking out 40 batters and walking just seven while boasting a 2.35 ERA and a 3-1 record. In five minor league seasons, Robert has built 171 1/3 innings of work on the mound with 231 strikeouts and an ERA of 3.52.

    While at Auburn, Robert hit .290 as a senior in 2017 with a team-leading 41 RBI. He pitched in just eight games during his sophomore and junior seasons at Auburn.

    Robert will wear No. 57 for the Rangers, and will start off in the Rangers bullpen ahead of its series with the Los Angeles Angels.

    Contact/Follow us @TheAuburnWire on  X (Twitter), and like our page on Facebook to follow ongoing coverage of Auburn news, notes, and opinions. You can also follow Taylor on Twitter @TaylorJones__

    Jeremy McMillan returns to Texas A&M as head coach of baseball strength and conditioning

    According to a recent report, a familiar face is returning to College Station to join the staff of new baseball head coach Michael Earley.

    According to a recent report, a familiar face is returning to Texas A&M to join the staff of new baseball head coach Michael Earley.

    Per TexAgs analyst Ryan Brauninger, Jeremy McMillan is coming home to College Station to become the head coach of strength and conditioning. He spent 12 years in Aggieland serving in the same role from 2012 to 2023.

    McMillan departed Texas A&M last year for the same position at LSU but, similar to Earley at Texas, he is back like he never left. McMillan is a member of the Lone Star State through and through as a graduate of Texas Tech and native of San Antonio.

    During his original stint with the Aggies, he coached 10 future big leaguers: Ryan Hendrix, Corbin Martin, Kyle Martin, Daniel Mengden, A.J. Minter, Tyler Naquin, Ross Stripling, Michael Wacha, Bryce Miller and Braden Shewmake.

    Prior to being hired at Texas A&M, McMillan previously worked at Texas State and the University of New Mexico.

    Contact/Follow us @AggiesWire on X and like our page on Facebook to follow ongoing coverage of Texas A&M news, notes and opinions. Follow Shaun on X: @Shaun_Holkko.

    Former LSU star Paul Skenes sets MLB strikeout record in first 10 games

    Former LSU Tigers pitcher Paul Skenes set a major league record with 78 strikeouts in his first 10 MLB games.

    Former LSU Tigers pitcher Paul Skenes struck out eight over seven innings for the Pittsburgh Pirates against the New York Mets on Friday – his tenth career start and ninth outing with seven or more strikeouts.

    The electric right-hander now has 78 strikeouts in 59.1 career innings, setting a major league record for most strikeouts in a player’s first ten games.

    Skenes was the first overall pick in the 2023 MLB draft out of LSU, where he dominated to the tune of a 13-2 record with a 1.69 ERA and an astonishing 209 strikeouts in 122.2 innings pitched.

    He previously pitched at Air Force, where he won the John Olerud Award as the best two-way player in college baseball in 2022.

    After just 34 innings in the minor leagues – where he posted a 1.85 ERA with 55 strikeouts – Skenes made his big league debut with the Pirates on May 11 as perhaps baseball’s most anticipated pitching prospect since Stephen Strasburg back in 2010.

    He’s projected to take the mound next against the Brewers in Milwaukee on July 10.

    Aggies third baseman Gavin Grahovac shares message for 12th Man while playing for Team USA

    “Here with Team USA, looking forward to next year with y’all. The 12th Man has been awesome, looking forward to being back at Olson Field.”

    Freshman third baseman Gavin Grahovac became one of several Texas A&M Aggies to announce their respective return to College Station this past week after briefly entering the transfer portal following the departure of former head coach Jim Schlossnagle to the Longhorns.

    As the nation celebrated Independence Day on Thursday, Grahovac is representing his country by playing for the United States on the diamond. After his return was announced, Grahovac shared a message with Aggies fans.

    “What’s up, Aggieland! Out here with Team USA, looking forward to next year with y’all,” Grahovac foretold. “The 12th Man has been awesome, looking forward to being back at Olson Field.

    “Gig ‘Em!”

    During his first year in College Station, the underclassman star was named the D1Baseball Preseason SEC Freshman of the Year. He followed that by earning SEC Freshman of the Week in back-to-back fashion during April.

    Grahovac previously played for the 2022 18U U.S. national team.

    Contact/Follow us @AggiesWire on X and like our page on Facebook to follow ongoing coverage of Texas A&M news, notes and opinions. Follow Shaun on X: @Shaun_Holkko.

    New Texas A&M head baseball coach Mike Earley talks about his hitting philosophy

    Watch new head A&M baseball coach Mike Earley discuss his approach to hitting that help the Aggies become one of the best offensive teams in the nation

    One thing about assistant coaches is that most of the time, you do not really get to know much about them outside of them being mentioned during an interview with a head coach or the players. Outside of people who follow baseball outside of the general team press conferences, most know that Michael Earley is regarded as one of the better-hitting coaches in the nation.

    However, they have no idea of his approach to hitting or why his current and former players speak so highly of him in all aspects of a coach. So, with the announcement of Earley being officially named head coach of the Texas A&M baseball team in his press conference, it was the first time most people had even heard his voice.

    Despite his relative youth, Michael Earley’s insights on hitting and his coaching methods are highly sought after. His public appearances, such as the in-depth webinar below, are rare and provide valuable insights into his journey and hitting philosophy.

     

    Contact/Follow us @AggiesWire on X and like our page on Facebook to follow ongoing coverage of Texas A&M news, notes and opinions. Follow Jarrett Johnson on X: @whosnextsports1.

    Michael Earley proclaims he is ‘built for this’ job as Texas A&M baseball head coach

    “I’m ready for this, I’m built for this. I’ve seen what it takes to get almost to the top here. Been to Omaha two of the last three years.”

    Despite becoming a college baseball head coach for the first time in his career, Michael Earley is confident he’s the right man to lead Texas A&M to the promised land.

    “Here’s the deal, I’m ready for this, I’m built for this. I’ve seen what it takes to get almost to the top here. We were so close. Been to Omaha two of the last three years. I’ve worked, recruited and gone against these guys in the SEC the last three years. I completely understand I’ve never been a head coach, that’s fine. I’ve assembled a staff that has my back. The one thing is that I know I love Texas A&M,” Earley said. “My knowledge and appreciation for the very motivated fan base, I think my age, experience level is an advantage. My energy will be infectious and I promise you that I will do everything I can to take this baseball program to new heights.

    “I can’t thank you enough for being here and look forward to seeing you out at Blue Bell. Thanks and Gig’Em!”

    Earley will be competing directly against his former boss, Jim Schlossnagle, and the Longhorns, who officially joined the SEC alongside Oklahoma on Monday.

    Contact/Follow us @AggiesWire on X and like our page on Facebook to follow ongoing coverage of Texas A&M news, notes and opinions. Follow Shaun on X: @Shaun_Holkko.

    LSU pitcher Thatcher Hurd reportedly enters transfer portal

    The right-hander is also a likely 2024 MLB draft pick.

    A key member of the LSU Tigers pitching staff the last two seasons, Thatcher Hurd officially announced his intentions to enter the transfer portal Tuesday, while also holding a “do not contact” tag with his name.

    Having transferred from UCLA prior to the 2023 season, Hurd has seen time in both the starting rotation and bullpen for LSU across the last two seasons.

    In 2023, Hurd appeared in 23 games for a LSU team that won the national championship, with 11 of those appearances being starts. Across those 63.1 IP, the right-hander held a 8-2 record with a 5.68 ERA and 84-40 K-BB ratio, while also compiling three saves.

    This past season, Hurd appeared in 18 games for the Tigers, nine of which were starts. Over that span, Hurd owned a 3-4 record with a 6.55 ERA and 56-24 K-BB ratio across 44 IP.

    Also ranked as the No. 114 overall prospect in the 2024 MLB draft by MLB, Hurd is also a candidate to get drafted this July. Where will Hurd now end up transferring should he stay in college?