Aggies Hit Record With Three Straight MLB Draft Picks

First‑Round Stars Emerge

Chris Hacopian, a Maryland transfer who batted .319/.405/.578 with 11 home runs and 41 RBI for the Aggies, slid to the Washington Nationals with the 11th overall pick. The selection caps a three‑year streak of first‑round choices for Texas A&M, matching a program milestone. Braden Montgomery, taken 12th overall by the Boston Red Sox in 2024, has already debuted with the Chicago White Sox, while Jace LaViolette joined the Cleveland Guardians as the 27th pick last summer.

Michael Earley’s second season has already reshaped the program’s on‑field profile, leading the Aggies back to the NCAA Tournament for the first time since 2024. The offense posted a .301 average and clubbed 121 home runs, though inconsistent pitching prompted the dismissal of coach Jason Kelley. Barry Enright, formerly of Arizona State, has taken over the pitching staff amid a broader roster overhaul.

Transfer Portal Boost

The offseason saw Texas A&M absorb 13 new bodies from the transfer portal, topping the list with former Clemson catcher Nate Savoie. Seven pitchers also joined the squad, giving the staff fresh arms after the previous group struggled. Nolan Cain returned as catcher coach, adding recruiting expertise to the mix.

Earley’s staff paired the new talent with returning core players to build a lineup that produced three consecutive first‑round selections. The momentum from the 2026 campaign, despite an early exit in the College Station Regional, is evident in the draft success.

Impact on the Program

The three straight first‑round picks signal a turning point for Texas A&M baseball, reinforcing Earley’s hire as the right move for rebuilding. The influx of transfer talent, especially among pitching and catching, addresses the previous year’s deficits and creates depth for future seasons. As the Aggies look ahead, the draft haul provides both prestige and promising prospects for continued ascent.

Meanwhile, the program’s focus on recruiting will likely intensify, seeking more players who can maintain the offensive power that produced .301 averages and 121 home runs. With a new pitching philosophy in place and a solid draft class on the horizon, the Aggies appear poised to extend their upward trajectory in college baseball.