Tag: Texas Aggies Baseball

2024 OF/SS Terrence Kiel Jr. solidifies his commitment to Texas A&M baseball

Terrence Kiel Jr. will stay committed to Texas A&M and new head baseball coach Michael Earley

Texas A&M baseball head coach Michael Earley has already made a significant impact on the recruiting trail after Jim Schlossnagle’s sudden departure to head the Texas Longhorns baseball program, starting with flipping two 2024 and 2025 commits from Schlossnagle’s new program this week.

After Earley’s hiring, more than half of the players who previously entered the transfer portal will be back with the team for the 2025 season. While several key 2024 prospects will follow Schlossnagle to the 40 acres, one of the Aggies’ top prospects in the cycle, outfielder/shortstop Terrence Kiel Jr., who could also end up playing for the football team, will stay committed to the program.

Kiel, who is the son of the late Texas A&M football standout out safety Terrence Kiel, is one of the most athletic prospects in the cycle, with the skill set to play in the infield and outfield, while his collegiate position could be as a utility player to start.

Terrence Kiel Jr. has been committed to Texas A&M since 2022.

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Texas A&M baseball flips 2025 LHP David Ramirez from Texas

Texas A&M baseball has flipped another former Texas commit!

New Texas A&M baseball head coach Michael Earley has already made a significant impact on the recruiting trail after Jim Schlossnagle’s sudden departure to head the Texas Longhorns baseball program. Earley flipped two of his previous boss’s 2024 and 2025 commits this week.

First, 2024 pitcher Gavin Lyons announced his intentions to head to College Station next season, as the former top Longhorns commit looks like a perfect fit for new pitching coach Jason Kelly. Following Lyons, Earley dipped into the 2025 cycle with eyes on Texas’s top left-handed pitching prospect, David Ramirez, who also flipped his commitment to Texas A&M on Monday afternoon.

While both coaches deserve equal credit for the recent recruiting success, Jason Kelly’s short but extremely successful time as LSU’s pitching coach makes him as SEC-ready as he could be, knowing that with Texas entering the conference, the rivalry has only heated up. Recruits are paying attention to what he and Earley are building thus far.

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Former Texas Tech star Gavin Kash confirms to commitment to Texas A&M

According to his post on X, Gavin Kash is all in transferring to Texas A&M next season

With all the chaos surrounding Jim Schlossnagle’s shocking exit to take over rival Texas, new Texas A&M baseball head coach Michael Earley has been making moves through the transfer portal.

Landing several key commitments to the roster, only former Penn outfielder Wyatt Henseler can slightly trump the future addition of former Texas Tech star hitter Gavin Kash. Their combination with the return of Jace LaViolette and Gavin Grahovac makes the Aggies’ lineup the best in the nation.

With the 2024 MLB Draft entering its final day on Tuesday, five Aggies have been drafted, led by outfielder Braden Montgomery, who the Boston Red Sox selected with the 12th overall pick. Kash, who could still hear his name called on Day 3, recently stated on X that he is still committed to transferring to Texas A&M.

In his last two seasons combined with the Red Raiders, Kash hit 41 home runs. He is coming off an impressive 2023 season in which he slashed .300/.365/.561 with 15 home runs and 51 RBIs. With 2024 first baseman Ted Burton departing the program, Kash will likely contend for his starting spot next season.

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Texas A&M SS commit Wyatt Sanford selected in the second round of the 2024 MLB Draft

Texas A&M’s top 2024 prospect has been drafted with the 47th overall pick in the 2024 MLB Draft

It’s been a bust night for Texas A&M baseball’s 2024 roster, as star outfielder Braden Montgomery was drafted by the Boston Red Sox in the first round of the 2024 MLB Draft, followed by stud relief pitcher Chris Cortez being selected in the second round with the 45th overall pick by the Anaheim Angels.

With nine more rounds to go, one of Texas A&M’s top commitments in the 2024 recruiting class has gone off the board, as shortstop Wyatt Sanford was selected in the second round with the 47th overall pick by the Pittsburgh Pirates.

Ranked as the No. 34 overall prospect in the draft, Pittsburgh is obviously 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.

However, Sanford can still retain his commitment to joining Texas A&M next season to enhance his skillset further and join an elite roster that should only help him in the long run.

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Texas A&M SP Ryan Prager tested out as one of the best pitchers in the country

Ryan Prager has a chance to be drafted in the first or second round of the 2024 MLB Draft

Former head coach Jim Schlossnagle’s abrupt exit to take over rival Texas just a day after Texas A&M’s loss to Tennessee in the College World Series Finals sadly took the air out of the Aggie’s incredible run. Still, ahead of the 2024 MLB Draft, several A&M stars are slated to hear their names called.

The draft’s first two rounds will be broadcast on ESPN starting Sunday night. According to multiple analysts, Texas A&M ace pitcher Ryan Prager is predicted to land in the second or third round.

Prager could still opt to return to the program after the conclusion of the draft, as he has plenty of room to add to his skillset as a starting pitcher. His teammate, junior relief pitcher Chris Cortez, could go as high as the first round due to his strong arm and improved control after fixing his previous issues during the 2024 season.

According to 643 Charts, a notable baseball scouting outlet, Prager, who finished his redshirt sophomore campaign with 124 strikeouts, a 9-1 record, and a 2.95 ERA, his elite outings were accomplished in the zone, leading the country with a 58.7% strike zone average, while 70% of his first pitches ended in strikes.

Prager’s fastball usually gets the job done, but his slider made him one of the top throwers in the SEC, recording 72.4% of his strikes with the pitch.

The first and second rounds of the 2024 MLB Draft will start at 6:00 p.m. CT on ESPN.

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How to watch the 2024 MLB Draft

How to watch the 2024 MLB Draft, starting on Sunday night

For several stars from the 2024 Texas A&M baseball roster, the 2024 MLB Draft is just the next step in their playing careers, as three starters, including Braden Montgomery, Ryan Prager, and Chris Cortez, are predicted by several analysts to be selected in the first two rounds.

Amid Texas A&M’s legendary run to the College World Series Finals, Montgomery, who is currently slated to be selected within the first ten picks of the draft, sustained a season-ending ankle injury during the super regional round vs. Oregon, likely ending his college career after hitting 27 home runs in his first season with the program.

Prager, who returned to the mound after missing the 2023 seasons due to injury, almost immediately earned his starting role as A&M’s ace, finishing with a 9-1 record, including a 2.95 ERA and a team-high 124 strikeouts on the year. Cortez, under former pitching coach Max Weiner, all but remedied his previous issue with control, as his powerful arm produced 101 Ks with a 10-3 record 2.78 ERA.

On its face, Montgomery and Cortez might be the most MLB-ready, as Prager, who could easily end up being drafted in the first round, can still add to his repertoire if he opts to return for a final season with Texas A&M.

Starting with round one on Sunday night, here is how to watch all three rounds over the next two days:

  • Day 1: Rounds 1-2 on Sunday, July 14, which will air on ESPN 
  • Day 2: Rounds 3-10 on Monday, July 15, which be available on MLB.com 
  • Day 3: Rounds 11-20 on Tuesday, July 16, which will be available on MLB.com

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Another Texas A&M pitcher has announed his return for the 2025 season

Texas A&M pitcher Troy Wansing will return for the 2025 season!

What a month it has been for Texas A&M baseball. New head coach Michael Earley has already made an impact after being hired early last week. More than half of the 14 players in the transfer portal returned to the program and several key veterans have been added during the past few days.

Despite Jim Schlossnagle taking former Aggies’ pitching coach Max Weiner to join his staff at Texas, Earley is well-equipped after bringing on former Washington head coach Jason Kelly as the program’s new pitching coach. Kelly brings an impressive resume as one of the best assistants in the country, serving with Earley during their days at Arizona State.

As it stands, nearly every pitcher from the 2024 staff outside of Ryan Prager and Chris Cortez has announced his return. The depth chart is littered with lefties, including junior pitcher Troy Wansing, who announced his return on Tuesday afternoon.

One of Texas A&M’s top arms during the 2023 season, Wansing, missed all but one game during the 2024 campaign due to a back injury. He should be completely healthy in the coming months.

After transferring from Purdue, Wansing was stellar on the mound. In 2023, despite his relatively high 5.50 ERA, he recorded 72 strikeouts while allowing just five home runs in 18 appearances.

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Texas A&M baseball lands a commitment from former Alabama State star

Former Alabama State star infielder Jamal George is headed to College Station

The good news keeps coming for Texas A&M baseball; new head coach Michael Earley will be well-equipped ahead of his inaugural 2025 season. With more than half of the roster set to return and the program gaining several new additions through the transfer portal, the team’s strength and potential are undeniable.

An already busy month continued on Monday when the Aggies added two more players from the portal: former Rice infielder Ben Royo and former Alabama State star infielder Jamal George.

George’s versatility is a game-changer. His exceptional athleticism and ability to play across the infield and outfield make him a valuable asset. His impressive batting record further solidifies his potential. He hit .299 with 70 RBIs, 16 home runs and 51 walks combined over the last two years, and .310 with 54 hits and nine home runs last season.

Adding obvious depth to an already loaded roster, George’s utility skill set is unmatched, providing Earley and his staff plenty to work with when exploiting every opponent’s weaknesses.

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Texas A&M baseball lands another in-state transfer

Texas A&M has gained a commitment from former Rice infielder Ben Royo

The good news keeps coming for Texas A&M baseball; new head coach Michael Earley will be well-equipped ahead of his inaugural 2025 season.

With more than half of the roster set to return and the program gaining several new additions through the transfer portal, the team’s strength and potential are undeniable.

On Sunday, Texas A&M’s starting pitching rotation became even stronger. Former Long Beach State lefty Myles Patton is heading to College Station for what is likely his final collegiate season before entering the MLB draft. Former Rice infielder Ben Royo will also transfer to Texas A&M.

In need of infield depth, Royo is good enough to earn a spot in the lineup after leading the Owls with 13 home runs coupled with 40 RBIs during his 2023 freshman campaign, which was capped by his being named to the Conference USA All-Freshman team.

While his production dropped during the 2024 season, the talent is still there. Being trained by new hitting coach Caleb Longley should improve his performance at the plate, while his defense remains top notch.

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Texas A&M third baseman Gavin Grahovac named to another All-American list

Texas A&M third baseman Gavin Grahovac received another post season accolade

With all the chaos surrounding Texas A&M’s baseball program over the last two weeks, things took a positive turn after Jim Schlossnagle’s surprising exit. New head coach Michael Earley is looking toward the future and capitalizing on Aggie’s 2024 success.

After Schlossnagle’s exit, 14 players, including star freshman third baseman Gavin Grahovac, entered the transfer portal. Still, just days after Earley’s hire became official, Grahovac joined incoming junior star outfielder Jace LaViolette as the first Aggies to withdraw their names, leading to half of the entries announcing their return to the program.

As one of the top players in the portal, Grahovac’s return after setting the program’s freshman home run record is paramount for Earley’s transition to head coach. The California native has received another post-season accolade, being named to D1Baseball’s freshman All-American team.

During the year, Grahovac ended with a .298 batting average, 85 hits, 66 RBIs, and 23 home runs. Heading into his 2025 sophomore campaign, these numbers are expected to be shattered, as a year of SEC experience should only improve his ability at the plate.

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