Latest news with #LaViolette
USA Today
27-05-2025
- Sport
- USA Today
Which franchise will select Texas A&M's superstar slugger in the 2025 MLB Draft?
Which franchise will select Texas A&M's superstar slugger in the 2025 MLB Draft? With the 2025 Major League Baseball Draft 63 days away, Texas A&M's outfield slugger is one of six players from the Southeastern Conference projected to hear their names called on Sunday, July 13, in Atlanta, Georgia. Jace LaViolette ranks as the No. 7 prospect from this year's available draft class, according to MLB Pipeline senior writer Jim Callis' 2025 mock draft list. The only players ahead of LaViolette from the SEC are Tennessee left-handed pitcher Liam Doyle and LSU's dominant lefty Kade Anderson. After a stellar performance in this year's SEC Tournament that saw LaViolette crush a grand slam and record six total RBI, the junior from Katy, Texas, earned his way to the 2025 SEC All-Tournament Team and collected All-SEC First Team honors. That is just the icing on the cake of a tremendous collegiate career, which was topped off by battling through a broken hand in Texas A&M's quarterfinals matchup against the LSU Tigers. Will the Cincinnati Reds franchise select the Aggies' superstar outfielder? Above and beyond his 68 home runs and 202 RBI in his collegiate career, there is an undeniable grit and determination to succeed. LaViolette has proven to be one of the toughest players in the country during his three years in Bryan-College Station, Texas. There are still areas that need improvement, however. One factor of LaViolette's game that has been an obstacle for franchises to look past is his inconsistency at times in his at-bats. One example is when he went 1-of-12 at the plate against LSU, in which a plethora of MLB scouts were in attendance to watch the Texas A&M slugger. Here is what Callis said about LaViolette on MLB's Pipeline mock draft rankings. "LaViolette entered the year No. 2 on our original Top 100, but he has had an up-and-down spring that included going 1-of-12 with six strikeouts against Louisiana State last weekend in front of a large group of scouts. While he offers the best combination of power, physicality and athleticism in the Draft, his swing-and-miss issues concern clubs." While most publications and members of the media have LaViolette being called in the first 10 picks of the MLB Draft, some have him falling back a few picks. He ranks as the projected No. 17 pick in The Athletic's Top 100 MLB Prospects. Here is what senior writer Keith Law had to say about LaViolette and what he brings to the table for franchises looking to select him. "LaViolette was overhyped coming into the year, but in this draft class he offers enough upside to go in the back of the first round, with easy plus power, some patience, and what will probably end up above-average defense in right field. He still swings and misses too often, and whoever takes him will probably have to work with him on his swing mechanics to cut that down." These sentiments from media professionals provide mixed reviews, with a common addressed issue. If LaViolette wants to see continued success in the pros, he must find ways to create better and more consistent at-bats, while also improving his mechanics at times. That will help the young star strike out less and secure more big-time hits like he recorded during his time in the Maroon and White. Contact/Follow us @AggiesWire on X (formerly Twitter) and like our page on Facebook to follow ongoing coverage of Texas A&M news, notes and opinions. Follow Dylan on X: @dylanmflippo.
USA Today
25-05-2025
- Sport
- USA Today
Texas A&M slugger, MLB prospect closes book on dominant collegiate career
Texas A&M slugger, MLB prospect closes book on dominant collegiate career It is difficult to express the importance of Texas A&M outfielder Jace LaViolette's contributions at the plate and in the field while wearing the Maroon and White uniform. During three years in Bryan-College Station, Texas, LaViolette shattered a plethora of program records. He currently holds the record for most career home runs (68) and walks (163), while also ranking fourth in RBI (196) and total bases (438). Above the astonishing career records at Texas A&M is a gritty and determined athlete who would do anything to help his club succeed. That sentiment glistened like a diamond under the bright lights at the SEC Tournament at Hoover Metropolitan Stadium in Hoover, Alabama, as the junior Major League Baseball prospect gritted his teeth through the pain of a broken hand and left it all on the field for the Aggies in the quarterfinals against LSU. No matter what franchise pulls the trigger on LaViolette, a mentality like that mixed with an undeniable ability to formulate excellent at-bats will provide success wherever he ends up following an incredible collegiate career. Before his arrival on the Texas A&M University campus as a freshman in 2023, LaViolette was ranked as the 27th outfielder in the nation at Tompkins High School in Katy, Texas. During his stint at Tompkins, he hit for a .591 batting average, 55 runs, 53 RBI, 13 stolen bases, 11 home runs, 12 triples, and nine doubles on his way to being named the All East Texas MVP in his senior year. From there, LaViolette had the decision to take the route of skipping college ball to enter the MLB Draft. As he spent time around the program during the summer of 2022, he knew he was destined to become an Aggie. "These last two weeks just really sealed the deal for me," LaViolette said in an interview with TexAgs following his summer interactions with members of the prgoram. "Before that, I was alread bought in, but I didn't fully understand by what people meant when they said this is the best university to come to. Now that I'm here and I understand, this is the best place to be." Since he made it official, he has always and forever bled Maroon and White. His willingness to lay it all on the line for his teammates and coaches proved to be a tremendous selling point, as LaViolette set the Texas A&M freshman record for homers in a season with 21 blasts in 64 starts for the Aggies. LaViolette followed the outstanding freshman year by racking up his first First Team All-SEC honors as a sophomore in 2024, as he recorded a .305 batting average, 29 homers and 78 RBI. What more can be said about LaViolette's junior year as an Aggie? To many, it can be defined by his string of impressive performances in Hoover. In the opening contest against Mississippi State, LaViolette welcomed the Bulldogs to the SEC Tournament by mashing a grand slam that aided the Aggies to a dominant 9-0 victory. After setting up a showdown against Auburn with the win over the Bulldogs, LaViolette was primed and ready to give everything he had in the tank to help Texas A&M stay alive. That was before adversity struck in the form of a left-hand injury, as he was struck by a fastball against the Tigers. This changed everything. A player like LaViolette is a game-changing athlete who can push a program to unprecedented heights. The entirety of the sporting world, college baseball fans across the country and even LaViolette himself seemingly believed his season was over. That is when he did the unthinkable, as he jogged out for batting practice and told his coaches he was good to go. As a designated hitter for the Aggies, he recorded two RBI and kick-started a fiery momentum for his fellow teammates. Through the hardships and adversity he faced in Hoover and throughout his career sporting the Texas A&M uniform, LaViolette said he would fight for this program forever. "It's hard man. You work so hard and prepare for a season like we did, and sometimes baseball's a funny game. It's hard, it's got its ups and downs, but at the end of the day, I'll be able to call these guys brothers for the rest of my life, and I'm just glad for [head coach] Michael Earley, and I couldn't have asked to play for anyone else." Aggie fans will have to wait until Sunday, July 13, to hear LaViolette's name called in the 2025 MLB Draft. According to the MLB Top Baseball Draft Prospect Rankings, he ranks as the seventh-best player entering the draft this year. The draft will take place in Atlanta, Georgia, starting on July 13 and ending on July 15. Contact/Follow us @AggiesWire on X (formerly Twitter) and like our page on Facebook to follow ongoing coverage of Texas A&M news, notes and opinions. Follow Dylan on X: @dylanmflippo.
USA Today
24-05-2025
- Sport
- USA Today
'I'd die for him and it's not only me': Texas A&M discusses SEC Tournament loss to LSU
'I'd die for him and it's not only me': Texas A&M discusses SEC Tournament loss to LSU The Texas A&M baseball program battled until the very end, but ultimately dropped the SEC Tournament quarterfinals to the LSU Tigers 4-3 at the Hoover Metropolitan Stadium in Hoover, Alabama, on Friday night. Unfortunately for the Aggies, the season is now over following the loss, as any postseason hopes for the club were dependent upon a triumphant run ending with the SEC Tournament title. Texas A&M finished the 2025 campaign with a 30-26 record (11-19 SEC) and two victories in Hoover over Mississippi State (9-0) and Auburn (3-2). With this being the final game suiting up in the Aggies uniform for players like MLB prospect Jace LaViolette, the emotions were on full display in the postgame press conference for the members of the program. Here are quotes from the Texas A&M players and coaches following the club's elimination from the SEC Tournament via Baseball America National College Reporter Jacob Rudner: Head coach Mike Earley Rudner reported that Earley explained to the media his thoughts on the season and how the Aggies concluded this year's campaign. "We had situations throughout the year where, whether it be injuries or self-inflicted wounds, one thing that never stopped was our care and our belief. Those guys believe in each other, and I'm really proud of them for that. This year is not how we drew it up, but they never stopped playing." Earley also talked about LaViolette's toughness and hard-nosed mentality to play for his team with a significant left-hand injury. "For (LaViolette) to do what he did today, I mean, that's one of the most, maybe the most incredible thing I've ever seen on a baseball field, and it just shows a lot about how much that guy cares about his team." Junior outfielder Jace LaViolette According to Rudner, LaViolette discussed his feelings towards the Aggies' skipper Michael Early following the 4-3 loss against LSU. LaViolette also mentioned the brotherhood inside the program and the importance of staying together through the ups and downs baseball can throw your way, Rudner reported. "It's hard man. You work so hard and prepare for a season like we did, and sometimes baseball's a funny game. It's hard, it's got its ups and downs, but at the end of the day, I'll be able to call these guys brothers for the rest of my life, and I'm just glad for coach Mike Earley, and I couldn't have asked to play for anyone else." Pitcher Clayton Freshcorn Following a five-strikeout performance and 3 1/3 scoreless innings, Freshcorn talked about his mindset as he jogged out to the mound in relief of left-hander Myles Patton. "I just wanted to give everything I could for the guys that I knew wouldn't be putting on this uniform anymore. There's no question that I think that all of us left everything we could." Contact/Follow us @AggiesWire on X (formerly Twitter) and like our page on Facebook to follow ongoing coverage of Texas A&M news, notes and opinions. Follow Dylan on X: @dylanmflippo.
USA Today
24-05-2025
- Sport
- USA Today
Texas A&M star OF will reportedly play vs. LSU in the SEC Tournament on Friday night
Texas A&M star OF will reportedly play vs. LSU in the SEC Tournament on Friday night Texas A&M (30-25, 12-19 SEC) will face No. 1 LSU on Friday night in the SEC Quarterfinals after defeating Mississippi State and Auburn over the past two days, as the starting pitching has stepped up with Ryan Prager and Justin Lamkin combined for 11 strikeouts, leading to Myles Patton taking the mound against the Tigers. Nothing compares to the dour news that star oufielder Jace LaViolette would miss the remainder of the SEC Tournament, and likely the season after his left hand was hit by a pitch, resulting in the junior writhing in pain, dropping to his knees, and eventually leaving the game for good. After returning with a cast on his left hand, it was inevitable that he would miss Friday's game at the very least. However, for those who ever questioned LaViolette's toughness, it's time to backtrack, as TexAgs' Ryan Brauninger revealed that the future first round MLB draft selection will miraculously play against LSU in the designated hitter spot, batting third in the lineup. How this is possible is beyond my own novice medical knowledge, but trusting the Texas A&M training staff, LaViolette is back in the buisness to help his team in any way possible. Texas A&M will face LSU on Friday at 6:30 p.m. CT. The game will air on the SEC Network. Contact/Follow us @AggiesWire on X (formerly Twitter) and like our page on Facebook to follow ongoing coverage of Texas A&M news, notes and opinions. Follow Cameron on X: @CameronOhnysty.
USA Today
23-05-2025
- Sport
- USA Today
Will Jace LaViolette play vs LSU in SEC Tournament? Injury update for Texas A&M star
Will Jace LaViolette play vs LSU in SEC Tournament? Injury update for Texas A&M star Show Caption Hide Caption Why Tennessee baseball has the highest stakes in the SEC tournament The Montgomery Advertiser's Adam Cole explains why the Volunteers need to win or make a deep run in the SEC baseball tournament. In a turn of events, Texas A&M baseball will reportedly have its star slugger back for Friday's SEC tournament quarterfinal vs. LSU after all. According to several reports, Aggies star outfielder Jace LaViolette is in the lineup for Friday night's game at Hoover Met Stadium in Hoover, Alabama, less than 24 hours after sustaining a broken left hand. Texas A&M manager Michael Earley had ruled out LaViolette for the remainder of the SEC Tournament after the Aggies' 3-2 second-round win over Auburn. Friday's game will be LaViolette's 187th career start in an Aggies uniform. He is hitting .256 on the season with 19 home runs and 59 RBIs. He is also ranked by MLB Pipeline as the seventh-best prospect in this year's upcoming MLB draft. Texas A&M and LSU are slated for a 7:45 p.m. ET first pitch on Friday in Alabama. The winner will face Ole Miss in the semifinals on Saturday. Here's the latest on LaViolette's status for Friday's game vs. LSU: Is Jace LaViolette playing tonight? Status for SEC tournament According to the Austin American-Statesman's Tony Catalina, LaViolette is set to play in Texas A&M's game vs. LSU on Friday in the SEC tournament. He is slated to hit in the third spot in the lineup while serving as the Aggies' designated hitter. Catalina reported that the broken bone in LaViolette's broken left hand "can't get any worse" than it already is. LaViolette's status change for Friday's game vs. LSU comes 24 hours after Earley said LaViolette would miss the remainder of the SEC Tournament. "Yeah, he got an X-ray, he broke his hand, so he'll be out. We're going to see what we're going to do with it. I don't know if there's a situation where we get him operated on how what we're going capacity where he's able to pinch run as long as we're able to pad it up and he's safe and can't injure it," Earley said in his postgame news conference on LaViolette. "That, I don't know at this moment, but he's not going to be in the starting lineup for this tournament. But we think if we can get this done, then we might be able to get him back for the postseason." Jace LaViolette injury update LaViolette's injury came in the fifth inning of Texas A&M's second-round game vs. Auburn. The SEC Network broadcast showed LaViolette attempting to swing at a pitch that eventually came in on him and hit him off his knuckles and the knob of the bat. He then trotted down to first base, where he stood briefly on the base before signaling into the Texas A&M dugout that he couldn't remain in the game. He left with an apparent left-hand injury. After leaving the Aggies' dugout for X-rays at the stadium, the SEC Network's broadcast caught LaViolette sitting at the top of the dugout in the seventh inning with his hand wrapped LaViolette, speaking before the game, had this to say of his return from injury: What is Jace LaViolette's injury? In his postgame news conference with reporters in Alabama on Thursday, Earley said that X-rays showed that LaViolette broke his hand. Earley's comments confirmed a report on the SEC Network's broadcast of Tennessee-Texas by sideline reporter Kris Budden that LaViolette fractured his left hand.
