Tag: Texas Aggies Baseball

Aggies alumnus Braden Montgomery is ‘feeling great again’ after trade to Chicago White Sox

“I went down to Fort Myers, Florida to work with the Red Sox staff. They got me back on my feet. I’m moving around, feeling great again.”

Former Texas A&M baseball player Braden Montgomery has had a whirlwind of a year.

In 2024, Montgomery transferred from Stanford to the Aggies, quickly asserted himself as a top 10 MLB prospect and broke his right ankle during the College World Series. The injury caused Montgomery to drop to the 12th overall pick, where he was selected by the Boston Red Sox.

Montgomery was asked about his recovery on Hot Stove with Matt Vasgersian and Harold Reynolds last week on MLB Network.

“I’m doing great! I went down there to Fort Myers, Florida to work with the Red Sox staff. They were awesome. They got me back on my feet,” Montgomery said. “I’m moving around, feeling great again. Back up to sprinting, hitting and everything. Ready for the game plan.”

Last Wednesday, he was traded to the Chicago White Sox as part of a package for All-Star pitcher Garrett Crochet. Montgomery was dealt to the south side alongside Kyle Teel, Chase Meidroth and Wikelman González.

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Kendall Rogers of D1Baseball ranks pair of Texas A&M transfers in top 5 with rave reviews

“As if the Aggies needed more big-time bats in their lineup for the upcoming season, Henseler is another big-time playmaker at the plate.”

The Texas A&M baseball team will be on a revenge tour in 2025 and head coach Michael Earley has loaded up in the NCAA Transfer Portal.

Two of Earley’s additions have caught the attention of many, including Kendall Rogers from D1Baseball. On his “Top 50 Impact Transfer Hitters” list, Rogers ranked two Aggie seniors in the top five.

Third baseman Wyatt Henseler was slotted at No. 3 in the countdown.

“As if the Aggies needed more big-time bats in their lineup for the upcoming season, Henseler is yet another big-time playmaker at the plate,” Rogers stated. “The first thing that stood out about Henseler this fall was his physical 6-foot-1, 210-pound frame. He certainly looks stronger than the measurables would suggest.

“Henseler is coming off four decorated seasons with the Quakers. He hit .365 and .385, respectively, his first two seasons before hitting .321 and then .360 his final two seasons at Penn. Henseler hit 14 or more home runs in each of his final three seasons while also accumulating more than 50 RBI in each of those campaigns as well.”

First baseman Gavin Kash was ranked fifth.

“It’s a one-scrimmage sample size, but Kash, a 6-foot-3, 210-pound, left-handed hitter, looked more like his old self in the Aggies’ scrimmage against Houston earlier this fall,” Rogers wrote. “Kash had a monster 2023 campaign at Texas Tech, hitting .326 with 26 home runs and 84 RBI.

“He also had strong power production for the Red Raiders last season, hitting 17 doubles, 15 home runs and knocking in 51 runs.”

Texas A&M will begin the regular season with a three-game series versus Elon at Blue Bell Park, beginning Valentine’s Day at 6 p.m.

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Former 12th Man returns to Texas A&M baseball team to join Michael Earley’s coaching staff

Texas A&M has hired a former player who played 181 games as an Aggie and was bestowed with the honor of wearing the sacred No. 12 jersey.

The Texas A&M baseball program has hired a former player who played 181 games as an Aggie and was bestowed with the honor of wearing the sacred No. 12 jersey.

According to TexAgs analyst Ryan Brauninger, Ryan Targac is returning to the team as an assistant in strength & conditioning under Jeremy McMillan once he finishes his degree.

Targac was chosen to be the 12th Man during his senior year in 2024.

“Being named No. 12 is such an honor to me,” Targac stated in January. “To be able to represent Texas A&M and what it stands for is such a privilege. I wouldn’t be in this position if it weren’t for God, my family, coaches and teammates. The work still continues though. I will continue to show up and be the best version of myself and to serve others.”

The versatile second baseman was selected to the All-SEC second team in 2022 and chosen for the 2023 preseason All-SEC second team.

Maria Lysaker-USA TODAY Sports

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One of Texas A&M baseball’s top 2025 prospects has decommitted from the program

Javorski Lane Jr. will reportedly look at other options moving forward

After the debacle that was Jim Schlossnagle’s abrupt exit to take over the Texas Longhorns head coach position this summer, Aggie fans and those of us who cover the program knew that recruiting could take a hit, as several former Texas A&M 2025 commits have decommitted.

On Sunday, it was revealed that another Aggie commit has decommitted from the program. Javorskie Lane Jr., the son of former Texas A&M star running back Javorskie Lane, will explore other options going forward. No, this does not mean that he is automatically transferring to Texas.

Lane Jr. is one of the best athletes in the cycle. At the plate, Lane was one of the best hitters in the country during his 2023 junior season; the incoming senior hit for .591 in 34 plate appearances, recording  52 hits, 37 RBI, 51 runs, and eight home runs on the year.

Lane is a versatile player who can play in the infield and outfield at the next level. For Texas A&M head coach, Michael Earley, I expect he will keep in contact with Lane as he continues to make future visits.

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NCAA Baseball has several rule changes approved by the oversight panel

College Baseball might look different next season as the new NCAA rules are set to take place

Over the last month, college baseball has seen many changes on and off the field. The most impactful off-field change has been the shift in scholarship allocation among the sports. However, a few days ago, the Playing Rules Oversight Panel approved a litany of rules changes for the upcoming season.

The rules overall seem to be reasonable, with the more eye-raising differences geared toward the pitchers. One of the rules that will stick out in the minds of many Texas A&M fans will be the following:

  • If a pitcher is found to be using a foreign substance on the baseball, the pitcher and the head coach both will be ejected from the game. A starting pitcher also will serve a four-game suspension, and a relief pitcher will receive a two-game suspension.

We bring this up because everyone remembers the infamous video that surfaced on social media of the Georgia pitcher who tucked himself away in the corner of the bullpen and started fiddling with his glove. While it was never proved the pitcher was using a foreign substance, there was never an attempt to check.

Below, Kendall Rogers of D1Baseball, highlights some of the other changes coming down soon.

Overall, these changes should improve the on-the-field product. The NCAA has been under a lot of pressure lately with the explosion of NIL and the loose transfer rules, so I’d expect more news throughout the year surrounding all things college sports-related changes.

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Texas A&M baseball team announces 2 state matchups in October for fall exhibition schedule

According to Ryan Brauninger, Texas A&M finalized its fall exhibition schedule and will host two in-state foes at Blue Bell Park in October.

In spirit of the 21 Aggies currently competing in the 2024 Summer Olympic Games in Paris, the silver medalist Texas A&M baseball team will begin its revenge tour in just over two months.

According to TexAgs analyst Ryan Brauninger, the Aggies finalized their fall exhibition schedule this week. Texas A&M will host two in-state foes at Blue Bell Park in October.

The Aggies play Houston Christian on Oct. 4. Three weeks later, on Oct. 25, Texas A&M takes on the University of Houston.

Michael Earley‘s tenure as head coach officially begins on the final day of February with the Astros Foundation College Classic at Minute Maid Park in Houston.

The Aggies begin the 2025 season on Feb. 28 against Arizona. The following night, Texas A&M plays Oklahoma State. The Aggies conclude that weekend series on March 2 versus Texas rival Rice.

Texas A&M finished the 2024 campaign at 53-15 overall and 19-11 against SEC competition. The Cougars were 26-28 this year while the Huskies were 18-31.

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Texas A&M baseball lands another 2025 commitment

Versatile 2025 outfielder Jorian Wilson has committed to Texas A&M

With new head coach Michael Earley taking over Texas A&M’s baseball program after Jim Schlossnagle’s now memorably shocking move to the Texas Longhorns, the former hitting coach has already assembled one of the most talented rosters ahead of the 2025 season.

Returning a bulk of the 2024 roster, including star hitters Jace LaViolette and Gavin Grahovic and ace pitcher Ryan Prager, Earley has begun to shape the program’s future by utilizing the transfer portal while focusing on the Texas recruiting pipeline to build the 2025 cycle.

Adding to the 2025 class this week, outfielder Jorian Wilson out of Hallettsville, Texas, has formally committed to Texas A&M, becoming the 13th commit for the program in the cycle. Standing at an impressive 6-foot-4 and 235 pounds, Wilson brings noted power at the plate, while his versatility as an infielder and RHP made him one of the more sought-after prospects in the class.

After last season’s immense success, making it to the College World Series Championship series, it’s no surprise that Texas A&M’s recruiting will continue to thrive under Earlely’s guidance.

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Texas A&M star OF Braden Montgomery has signed his deal with the Boston Red Sox

Braden Montgomery has officially signed his deal with the Boston Red Sox

  • SLG%/OB% – .733/.454

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    After weeks of speculation, Texas A&M superstar outfielder Braden Montgomery has signed his deal with the Boston Red Sox. The franchise drafted him 12th overall during the 2024 MLB Draft.

    After one year with the Aggies, Montgomery only needed one season to endear himself to the fan base, as his stellar play on the field during the 2023-2024 regular season was a huge reason for A&M’s run to the College World Series finals for the first time in program history.

    Poised to steadily rise through the minor league system, Montgomery’s season-ending ankle injury is not expected to hamper his readiness for next season but was one of the main reasons A&M failed to bring home its first championship due to his regular season production.

    Montgomery is an equally awesome human being. His professionalism makes him a perfect fit for one of the league’s oldest and most successful franchises. At the same time, his 27 home runs last season showed scouts how powerful he could be at the plate for years to come.

    According to MLB.com’s Jim Callis, Montgomery’s deal with the Red Sox is reportedly worth $5 million.

    2024 SEASON STATS

    • Batting Average -.322
    • Runs – 65
    • Hits – 76
    • Home runs – 27
    • RBIs – 85
    • SLG%/OB% – .733/.454

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    2024 SS prospect Wyatt Sanford has signed his deal with the Pittsbugh Pirates

    Texas A&M’s top 2024 propsect has signed his deal with the Pittsburgh Pirates

    Texas A&M’s baseball program is in good hands under new head coach Michael Earley. Jim Schlossnagle’s chaotic departure to take over the Texas Longhorns is slowly entering the dustbin of history, as the program’s future is brighter than ever.

    After the conclusion of the MLB Draft, ace pitcher Ryan Prager opted to return to the Aggies for a final season, while star hitter Braden Montgomery, who was drafted 12th overall by the Boston Red Sox, has yet to sign his contract. However, the program’s top 2024 prospect is officially headed to the MLB.

    2025 shortstop Wyatt Sanford, who the Pittsburgh Pirates selected in the second round with the 47th overall pick, has signed his deal with the franchise and could be on the fast track to making the roster due to his elite skillset.

    Ranked as the No. 34 overall prospect in the draft, Pittsburgh is getting tremendous value in the second round. Sanford’s elite defensive skills, athleticism, and decision-making at the plate should accelerate his route to joining the Pirates from the minor leagues.

    According to a source, Sanford’s deal with the Pirates is for a a reported $2.5 million.

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    ‘Unfinished business,’ LHP Ryan Prager bypasses Los Angeles Angels for return to Texas A&M

    “We came so close, feeling like we have a good shot to be able to avenge some of the things that we weren’t able to accomplish,” he said.

    A few weeks ago, Texas A&M left-handed pitcher Ryan Prager accomplished a childhood dream by being drafted in the MLB Draft.

    Prager was picked very high as well, in the third round at 81st overall by the Los Angeles Angels. However, he has decided to return to the Aggies for his redshirt junior season next year.

    “I thought that would be huge for my career and be able to put me in a big spot to have a long career and that’s the ultimate goal,” Prager told KBTX on Thursday. “Then, also, a little unfinished business after last year. We came so close, feeling like we have a good shot to be able to avenge some of the things that we weren’t able to accomplish.”

    Los Angeles also selected Texas A&M junior RHP Chris Cortez, but Prager opted to stay in College Station rather than joining his teammate in Anaheim.

    “I knew that I wasn’t going to jump into a situation that I thought was not the right one, because I knew what A&M had to offer,” Prager said. “What one more year of addressing a few things on the development side could do for my career, because the goal is still to be a major league player and to do it for a long time. So, it was kind of a bet on myself at this point.”

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