Tag: Texas A&M Aggies Baseball

Update: Texas A&M pitcher Chris Cortez will return to the Aggies after removing his name from the transfer portal

After removing his name from the transfer portal after one day, Aggies pitcher Chris Cortez will return to Texas A&M for the 2024 season.

Information travels fast, and so does decision-making, especially for Texas A&M pitcher Chris Cortez, who, after entering the transfer portal on Thursday, announced that he will return to the Aggies for the 2024 season after immediately removing his name from the portal.

Following the announcement of Aggies pitching coach Nate Yeskie’s departure to join LSU, there was speculation that Cortez, who followed Yeskie to Texas A&M instead of committing to Arizona, would also follow him to Baton Rouge. However, after careful consideration, while recognizing just how good the Aggies could be next season, he’s staying put and hoping to become a substantial part of the pitching rotation and return to form.

During the 2023 season, Cortez regressed, ending in a 3-1 record but a massive 7.34 ERA, up from the sub-5 in 2022. However, his fastball reaches the upper 90s, and he has recorded triple digits on multiple occasions. Yet, his ball control has been an issue and will need to be his primary focus this offseason. The pro-potential is there; it’s just a matter of putting it all together in 2024.

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Texas A&M adds former Fairfield third baseman and MAAC Player of the Year, Charlie Pagliarini

The Aggies have continued to beef up their roster, as former Fairfield third baseman Charlie Pagliarini has transferred to Texas A&M.

Texas A&M Baseball (38-27 last season) has continued to add depth and potential starters through the transfer portal this offseason, including Hayden Schott (OF, Columbia), Jackson Appel (C, Pennsylvania), Ali Camarillo (INF, Call State Fullerton), Ted Burton (INF, Michigan), Zane Badmaev (RHP, Tarleton State), Tanner Jones (RHP, Jacksonville State), and Eldridge Armstong (RHP, San Diego State).

As of late Saturday night, news dropped when no one was paying attention, as former Fairfield third baseman and 2023 MAAC Player of the Year Charlie Pagliarini will officially transfer to the Aggies for the 2023-2024 campaign. With most of the 2022 infield returning next season, the Aggies have already lost Austin Bost and Brett Minnich, making Pagliarini’s experience and vast production a home run addition for the Maroon and White.

As impressive as last season, Charlie Pagliarini’s performance surprisingly fell under the radar, breaking six Fairfield records, including home runs (24), RBI (97), total bases (177), slugging percentage (.851), Walks (49), and on-base percentage (.528), while batting .399 on the year and leading the Stags to a 37-18 record before falling to Rider in the conference championship matchup.

Using his extra year of COVID eligibility, Pagliarini could be the missing piece for a Texas A&M team looking to return to the College World Series for the second time in Jim Schlossnagle’s first three seasons.

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Report: LSU is hiring Texas A&M pitching coach Nate Yeskie to the same position

D1 Baseball’s Kendall Rogers has reported that LSU is in the process of hiring Texas A&M pitching coach Nate Yeskie.

While NBA free agency and college football recruiting continue to dominate the headlines this summer, the college baseball offseason has provided us with its first piece of explosive news coming out of College Station, TX, as D1 Baseball Managing Editor Kendall Rogers has reported that Texas A&M pitching coach Nate Yeskie, who has been with the program since the 2021 seasons, has reportedly taken the same position the 2023 National Champion LSU Tigers.

At first glance, the move is somewhat surprising due to the Aggies’ pitching regression since the 2022 season, posting a 4.67 Team ERA, as 2023 produced a paltry 5.67 Team ERA, including a personal 6.32 ERA from Texas A&M Ace Nathan Dettmer. LSU, who went on an incredible post-season run behind the arm of future No.1 overall pick Paul Skenes (12-2, 1.69 ERA, 209 SO), Yeskie’s experience will likely aid what will be a youthful pitching staff that will try to avoid attrition after losing Skenes.

Despite how Texas A&M’s (38-27, 14-16 SEC) pitching staff performed during the regular season, strides were made in the postseason from nearly every starter, while the bullpen finally found some confidence down the stretch, and Yeskie deserves a ton of credit for stemming the tide.

Here is Head Coach Jim Scholossnagle’s official sendoff to Nate Yeskie:

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Aggie Baseball receives votes in final USA Today Sports Coaches Poll

After ending their season in the Stanford Regional, Texas A&M still received votes in the final USA TODAY Sports Coaches Poll.

Texas A&M Baseball’s 2023 season was quite the rollercoaster ride, finishing the season at 38-27 (14-16 SEC), reaching the SEC Tournament Championship game before falling to Vanderbilt, while going 2-2 in the Stanford Regional in the NCAA Tournament, falling to Cardinals 7-1 to end their postseason run.

While a successful season for some programs is solely based on postseason success, Texas A&M’s pitching issues through the season marred their momentum down the stretch in SEC play, seeking into the SEC Tournament after a heroic performance from the now departed Brett Minnich and freshman phenom Jace LaViolette, who led the Aggies in home runs (21), RBI (63), triples (2) and slugging (.632).

On Tuesday, USA Today released their final Top 25 Coaches Poll after the conclusion of the NCAA Tournament Championship Game, where LSU downed Florida 18-4 in record-setting fashion, as the Tigers earned their seventh Title in program history and their first since 2009. For Texas A&M, the Aggies, despite their final two losses to Stanford, received 37 votes ahead of what has already been a productive offseason.

With a bulk of the roster returning next season, Texas A&M is still in need of more arms in the bullpen; Head Coach Jim Schlossnagle has already added pitchers Zane Madbaev and Tanner Jones, combined with grad transfer outfielder Ted Burton from Michigan, with hopefully more to come this summer.

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

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Three Texas A&M prospects make their debut at the 2023 MLB Draft Combine

For Texas A&M’s Hunter Haas, Jack Moss, and Nathan Dettmer, the road to the draft is ramping up as they make their debut at the 2023 MLB Draft Combine.

While Texas A&M baseball may be heading into its offseason, the work ahead is just ramping up for three Aggie prospects looking to head to the majors.

Infielders Hunter Haas and Jack Moss, as well as RHP Nathan Dettmer, will represent the Maroon and White in the majors as they make the leap to the next level. The first stop on that journey is showcasing their skills at this year’s MLB Draft Combine, which is being held at Chase Field in Phoenix, home of the Arizona Diamondbacks.

This year’s event marks the third iteration of the draft combine, as the top 300 draft-eligible players, which are identified by MLB teams, descend upon Phoenix in order to take part in a series of medical and performance assessments. Additionally, prospects will have the opportunity to participate in a pro-style showcase workout, as well as strength and performance assessments.

The entire event runs from Tuesday, June 20 to Friday, June 23. On-field scouting workouts will run on the 20th and Wednesday the 21st.

Moss (.355) and Haas (.323) led the Aggies in batting average this season to go alongside a combined 174 hits and 114 runs. Both chipped in for a combined 184 RBIs. Haas had 10 homers on the season while Moss went yard four times.

Dettmer finished with a 6.32 ERA on the season with a 1.65 WHIP and a 1-4 record as a starter. While he managed to log 65 strikeouts, consistency on the mound proved to be an obstacle for the junior, although the same can be said for much of the Aggies’ bullpen as a whole.

Despite some of his struggles this season, Dettmer has proven to rise to the occasion when the stakes are high, so there’s a great probability that he can find his groove as he transitions to the professional level. Haas and Moss have illustrated their ability to drive in runs, so there should be no shortage of MLB clubs looking to add their talents.

The 2023 MLB Draft is planned for July 9-11 during All-Star Week in Seattle, featuring 20 rounds of coverage across the three days. Fans can tune in across ESPN and MLB Network to see where each of the three Aggies land in the majors.

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Texas A&M baseball has its next transfer portal target in Clemson star Billy Amick

The transfer portal welcomed a big addition in Clemson breakout star Billy Amick, setting up Texas A&M and Coach Schlossnagle to make an aggressive run for the infielder.

A breakout star has entered the transfer portal, setting up Texas A&M to make an aggressive run as they look to retool their roster.

According to Kendall Rogers of D1Baseball, the transfer portal welcomed a surprise addition in Clemson infielder Billy Amick. Following an excellent season with first-year head coach Erik Bakich, one of the Tigers’ breakout stars is officially looking for a new home next season.

Through 46 games, the sophomore infielder led the team with a .413 batting average to go along with 69 hits and 13 home runs. Amick, who initially started the season on the bench, became a staple in the Tigers’ lineup after an injury forced him into a starting role.

Despite a short tenure with the Tigers, Clemson fans will remember his grand slam in the team’s ACC Tournament semifinal matchup against North Carolina.

The Tigers’ breakout star could be the next big name to target in the transfer portal following an aggressive start by coach Jim Schlossnagle. The Maroon and White recently added the likes of Michigan grad transfer Ted Burton and relief pitcher Zane Badmaev from Tarleton.

While those two additions should help bridge the gap following the losses of Austin Bost and Brett Minnich, adding an emerging star like Amick could give the Aggies a promising star tandem alongside freshman star Jace LaViolette.

Amick would also give the Aggies a nice offensive boost after Texas A&M saw a dip year-over-year in team batting average (.270), slugging percentage (.449), and OPS (.842).

After Texas A&M saw their postseason campaign end anticlimactically to Stanford in the NCAA Regionals, continuing to be aggressive via the transfer portal remains a sound strategy throughout the offseason. Reeling in a big name like Amick would illustrate how serious Coach Schlossnagle is about retooling this roster to make a serious run next season.

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

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The Texas Longhorns’ last appearance in the CWS remains a 10-2 loss to Texas A&M

After losing to Stanford, Texas’s last appearance in the College World Series remains a 10-2 loss to Texas A&M last season.

Bragging rights in college sports between bitter rivals sometimes matters more than recent wins and losses in some cases, and after the Texas Longhorns, who were one win away from their second consecutive appearance in the College World Series, were eliminated by the Super Regional host Stanford on Monday night.

Tied 6-6 in the bottom of the ninth with a man in scoring position, Stanford’s Drew Bower skied a ball into center field, which to all of our surprise, led to Texas’s Eric Kennedy being blinded by the stadium lights, as the ball painfully dropped to the ground resulting in a walk-off RBI single for the Cardinal, who are back to their second CWS appearance with the victory.

This could have happened to anyone, especially in a night game when most stadium lighting will affect vision in reflection with the night sky. Still, for all the outside flack Texas A&M and head coach Jim Schlossnagle have received this season, their successful run in the SEC Tournament combined with a solid showing in the Regional before falling to the better Stanford team is something to be proud of, no matter the final result. And for anyone out there criticizing Kennedy for the mistake, TexAgs’ Ryan Brauninger said it best.

However, the Aggies still hold one advantage on the diamond over the Texas fanbase that is probably still sulking as of today; Texas’s last appearance in the College World Series remains a 10-2 loss to Texas A&M, and as I stated in a previous article, strategically avoiding The Longhorns only to watch them lose to the same Stanford team that booted them from the Tournament just a week prior was not only genius but makes for one heck of a reunion on the gridiron in 2024.

Call this petty if you must, but facts are facts, and until these two teams meet again in any capacity, trash-talking on Twitter is something you all can do in your spare time. Gig ’em, and BTHO off-season.

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

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Texas A&M must make a run for Wichita State star Payton Tolle, who has entered the transfer portal

Following a breakout season as both a DH and a starting pitcher, Wichita State star Payton Tolle has entered the transfer portal, setting up Texas A&M to make an aggressive run for him.

Texas A&M baseball is expected to be aggressive in the transfer portal this offseason, and head coach Jim Schlossnagle may have just found his primary target.

Kendall Rogers of D1 Baseball shared via Twitter that Wichita State star Payton Tolle has entered the transfer portal. A native of Yukon, Oklahoma, Tolle had been the lone starter to remain with the Shockers following Kevin Saal’s decision not to retain Loren Hibbs.

Tolle was named as a finalist for the John Olerud Two-Way Player of the Year Award after a breakout season as both a designated hitter and a starting pitcher. Tolle went 9-3 on the mound with a 4.62 ERA in 14 starts, leading the AAC in wins and innings.

He had 97 strikeouts in 85.2 innings, striking up double-digit batters in four starts. Offensively, Tolle batted .311 with 13 homers and 50 RBIs. He had 20 multi-hit games and 18 multi-RBI games.

Following a frustrating finish in the NCAA Regional that saw the Aggies drop two straight to Stanford while being outscored a combined 20-6, it only heightened the need for Texas A&M to be aggressive in the transfer portal.

The Aggies’ season was marred by a handful of players that regressed from the season prior after the Maroon and White advanced to the College World Series in Omaha. Almost every hitter who returned to the team following last season, particularly Austin Bost, Ryan Targac, and Brett Minnich, regressed from a statistical standpoint.

That’s on top of a noticeable step back from the Aggies bullpen, particularly right-handed pitchers such as Chris Cortez and Nathan Dettmer.

Tolle may profile as a southpaw, but his two-way skillset would provide an instant boon to a Texas A&M roster that clearly needs to retool after overachieving in 2022. Those 13 homers from Tolle would pair nicely alongside freshman phenom Jace LaViolette, who led the Aggies with 21 homers himself this season.

A sound path forward would be to build around LaViolette, and bringing Tolle to College Station would give the Maroon and White a promising tandem to make another run for Omaha next season.

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

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Texas A&M’s Brett Minnich gives heartfelt goodbye to Aggies baseball

After three seasons representing the Maroon and White, Texas A&M outfielder Brett Minnich officially said goodbye to Aggies baseball on Friday.

Texas A&M outfielder Brett Minnich is officially departing College Station after making his announcement on social media Friday afternoon. Minnich spent three seasons with the Maroon and White and was a fan favorite of the 12th Man.

In a Tweet confirming his decision, the Aggies senior wrote:

“It’s hard to say bye to something that gave you everything. From having the best season in Texas A&M history to the countless injuries and setbacks, I’ll cherish every moment. My time in Aggieland has been life-changing and I can’t thank God, my family, friends, coaches, teammates, and especially the 12th man enough for all the support. This place will always be home.”

Despite an up-and-down regular season, the Maroon and White put on a miraculous run in the postseason through the SEC Tournament and the NCAA Regionals.

The Aggies advanced to the SEC title game and nearly became the first double-digit seed to claim a conference championship. While A&M reached the Stanford Regional Final, their season came to an anticlimactic finish after dropping two straight games against the Cardinal.

In three seasons at College Station, Minnich had a .278 career batting average while driving in 96 runs. The outfielder batted .263 this season with a career-high ten home runs and received preseason All-SEC Second-Team honors this year.

Unfortunately, injuries are an unwelcome reality in sports, and undoubtedly put a damper on Minnich’s season. He suffered a broken thumb back in the Aggies’ season opener and a separated shoulder in May.

Still, it won’t take away his pride when representing Texas A&M, nor the class and passion he carried as an Aggie. Just glance at the comments from the 12th Man in his social media post, and you’ll see the effect he had on the fanbase.

Thank you, Brett, for all the memories and hard work, and we wish you the best in your next endeavors. Gig’em, and BTHO the majors!

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

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‘College 12-Pack’ podcast debut features another batch of ‘Aggies avoiding Texas’ discussions

Falling to Stanford last week, College 12-Pack podcast wonders if Texas A&M avoided the Super Regional round to face Texas.

Ah yes, the conspiracy theories regarding Texas A&M’s willingness to continue avoiding Texas in multiple sports, most recently falling to Stanford in the NCAA Baseball Tournament with a chance to face the Longhorns in the Super Regional round this weekend.

Last week, I wrote a piece exploring said theories jokingly. However, some still believe the Aggies a purposely doing everything in their power to save every bit of bad blood before Texas joins the SEC in 2024.

On Friday, College Sports Wire Senior Editor Patrick Conn and LSU Wire Managing Editor Tyler Nettuno continued the discussion. Texas is set to take on Stanford in Palo Alto on Saturday night. Disappointed that some iteration of the Lone Star Showdown will yet again have to wait, Patrick Conn, like most of us, was rightfully disappointed.

“I was looking forward to watching Texas vs. Texas A&M,” Conn Stated. “But much like basketball, Texas A&M goes out of their way to lose to avoid playing Texas before joining the SEC”

Putting all the cards on the table, Texas vs. Texas A&M, Texas A&M vs. Texas, Aggies vs. Horns, Maroon and White vs. Burt Orange, etc., it will all happen in due time in a setting of significant meaning, but nothing will top the moment they final reunite on the gridiron, as the 2024 SEC schedule is set to be released on Wednesday, June 14.

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

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