Texas A&M’s baseball program is under new management, as former hitting coach Michael “Mike” Earley is now the program’s newest head coach after Jim Schlossnagle left for Texas to join is close friend, Longhorns Athletic Director Chris Del Conte.
One of Earley’s primary jobs this offseason was to keep the 2024 roster intact, starting with star hitters Gavin Grahovic and Jace LaViolette, while ace pitcher Ryan Prager was slated to leave for the MLB. Well, credit to Earley’s relationship building, as all three paired with several other starters/reserves.
LaViolette’s skillset is undeniable, as the 6-6, 230 pound outfielder is built like a Texas A&M tight end, while possessing the power destroy any pitch. In just two seasons, the Katy, Texas native is just seven home runs away from breaking Daylan’s Holt’s career record.
While Aggie fans are certainly excited for him return to one of the stacked hitting lineups in the country, MLB scouts will be attending as many Texas A&M games as possible, as MLB Pipeline recently ranked LaViolette as the No. 1-ranked prospect ahead of the 2025 MLB Draft.
Another No. 1️⃣ ranking for @JaceLaViolette2 👍#GigEm x @MLBPipeline pic.twitter.com/z8nXty6MUn
— Texas A&M Baseball (@AggieBaseball) September 19, 2024
During his 2024 sophomre season, LaViolette hit .305 with 29 home runs (second most in program history), 78 RBI, while drawing an impressive 64 walks.
Texas A&M will open the 2025 season, participating in the Astros Foundation College Classic starting with a matchup against Arizona on Friday, February 28.
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