Latest news with #MichaelEarley
USA Today
12 hours ago
- Business
- USA Today
Texas A&M needs to pursue Western Kentucky star transfer OF
Texas A&M needs to pursue Western Kentucky star transfer OF Texas A&M's 2025 offseason is critical for second-year head coach Michael Earley, whose job was saved last week after Athletic Director Trev Alberts made his final decision to give the young skipper a second chance, which was both shocking and relieving to the Aggie fan base. On Monday, the transfer portal officially opened. Earley is well aware of the program's needs, knowing that eight players have now entered the portal, which includes pitchers Isaac Morton, Kyrin LeBlanc, Austin Vargas, Houston Thomlinson, and Blayne Lyne. At the same time, catchers Jacob Galloway and Hayden Crites, combined with outfielder Nathan Tobin, rounded out the losses. While Tobin and LeBlanc look like the only significant losses due to their potential, Earley will also lose star infielder Wyatt Henseler, while Jace LaViolette will more than likely declare for the 2025 MLB Draft given his status as No. 15-ranked prospect. However, with third baseman Gavin Grahovac and freshman outfielder Terrence Kiel II guaranteed to return, the 2026 lineup will still lack juice at the plate, meaning landing another star hitter is mandatory if the Aggies hope to be viewed as contenders for the NCAA Tournament next summer. As soon as the portal opened, Western Kentucky star Ryan Wideman entered his name after slashing .398 with 68 RBIs and 10 home runs. While Texas A&M's 30-26 (11-19 SEC) record last season resulted in missing the postseason for the first time since 2006, gaining talented players from the transfer portal has not been an issue in the previous two offseasons. However, Earley still has a lot to prove in terms of offseason recruiting. Landing Wideman would be a great start and likely provide momentum moving forward. Contact/Follow us @AggiesWire on X 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
2 days ago
- Sport
- USA Today
Texas A&M's bullpen is in good shape with several pitchers returning
Texas A&M's bullpen is in good shape with several pitchers returning Texas A&M's baseball program will continue to be headed by Michael Earley, who will retain his position going into the 2026 season, which was met with mixed reactions within the Aggie fan base. After finishing 30-26 and 11-19 in SEC play during the inaugural season, Earley is entering a "prove it" year entering the summer. However, he'll likely have most of the 2025 roster to work with after five players, led by third baseman Gavin Grohavac and freshman outfielder Terrence Kiel II, announced their returns, while up-and-coming relief pitchers Clayton Freshcorn and Caden McCoy joined the party on Saturday afternoon. With Freshcorn and McCoy returning, Texas A&M's future bullpen is in great shape. On paper, starter Shane Sdao, who was injured last season, is slated to return. At the same time, ace Ryan Prager and Justin Lamkin could declare for the MLB draft, but should consider returning for a final season to increase their value, especially Prager. Behind Freshcorn and McCoy are several young arms, including Aiden Sims and Gavin Lyons, who saw an increase in playing time during non-conference games. However, nothing matches the likely return of veteran reliever Josh Stewart, who was also lost early in the 2025 season, and will be healthy heading into the winter months. One of the reasons Michael Earley and pitching coach Jason Kelly used so many arms throughout the season was to gain valuable experience, especially during SEC play. If Clayton Freshcorn and Caden McCoy live up to their immense potential next season, the early struggles of last season will have paid off. Contact/Follow us @AggiesWire on X 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
3 days ago
- Sport
- USA Today
Texas A&M Baseball 2025 Transfer Portal Tracker
Texas A&M Baseball 2025 Transfer Portal Tracker It's been a whirlwind 2025 season for the Texas A&M baseball team, filled with ups and downs that ultimately led to a disappointing finish. After becoming the first preseason No. 1 team in decades to miss the NCAA Tournament, first-year head coach Michael Earley's job was in question for weeks. However, Texas A&M athletic director Trev Alberts announced that Earley would be retained, though changes were on the horizon. One of those changes came in the coaching staff, with fielding coach Will Fox being the first to be let go. Fox spent six seasons in Aggieland, but given the number of errors on seemingly routine plays, the Aggies felt it was time to move in a different direction. More staffing changes could follow, and the same uncertainty applies to the roster. While several players have already committed to returning under Earley for the 2026 season, others will inevitably depart for personal reasons. Entering the transfer portal does not necessarily mean a player is leaving, but starting the process early offers the best chance of finding a new team. To help keep track, here is the updated transfer portal tracker of who is going and who is coming. Entered Portal: Kyrin LeBlanc - Pitcher - Junior Nathan Tobin - Outfield - Freshman Hayden Crites - Catcher - Freshman Committed / Returning to A&M: Gavin Grahovac - Infield - Sophomore Terrence Kiel II - Outfield - Freshman Clayton Freshcorn - Pitcher - Sophomore Caden McCoy - Pitcher - Freshman Bear Harrison - Catcher - Sophomore 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 Jarrett Johnson on X: @whosnextsports1.
USA Today
3 days ago
- Sport
- USA Today
Texas A&M HC Michael Earley has made his first staff change of the 2025 offseason
Texas A&M HC Michael Earley has made his first staff change of the 2025 offseason With the news that Texas A&M baseball coach Michael Earley will return for the 2026 season after Athletic Director Trev Alberts made his final decision on Friday, it was assumed that staff changes were afoot, knowing that last season's issues were much more than poor play by the roster. However, while some thought hitting coach Caleb Longley would be the first to go, Earley has made a somewhat surprising change to start the new regime. On Saturday, it was revealed that infield coach Will Fox will not be retained. Fox has been with the program for the past six seasons and is considered one of the up-and-coming coaches with a bright future. According to D1Baseball's Kendall Rogers, Fox could join McNeese as the program's newest assistant. Before serving as an assistant coach, Fox spent the previous three seasons as the director of video and analytics and his first two years in College Station as director of player personnel and video coordinator. Texas A&M's infield defense was average at best last season, leading to several game-changing errors in key games down the stretch. While this is minor compared to the team's consistency issues at the plate, this is likely just the first change Earley will make on the staff heading into the summer. Contact/Follow us @AggiesWire on X 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
4 days ago
- Sport
- USA Today
Aggie fans and media react to Texas A&M retaining coach Michael Earley for the 2026 season
Aggie fans and media react to Texas A&M retaining coach Michael Earley for the 2026 season After weeks of speculation, Texas A&M Athletics Director Trev Alberts has confirmed that head baseball coach Michael Earley will return in 2026. This was undoubtedly a tough conversation between the two, and while we are not privy to the details, we can assume that changes will be made. It would be hard to justify running it back with the exact same staff, whether that means adding to it or replacing some members. Despite the challenges this season, they have done an excellent job recruiting and has assembled a talented 2026 class alongside a solid core of returning players, including: Gavin Grahovac Caden Sorrell Terrance Kiel II Shane Sdao In a statement released by Texas A&M's AD, one of the key quotes that stood out was: "I appreciate Mike's work in taking a holistic view of what changes need to be made so that we have a baseball program that meets our high standards." Take that for what it is, but the decision has sparked a range of reactions across the college baseball world. After missing the NCAA tournament Michael Earley keeps his job Changes will need to be made on the staff Now we can finally move on Robert Behrens doesn't miss It's been a crazy few weeks in Aggieland There are mixed feelings but the support wont waver for everyone The decision seems neutral, but it's a good look for future coaches who might struggle early in their Aggie tenure Some fans believe it was the correct choice hands down Others absolutely hate the idea Giving Earley another does come as a surprise if you consider all the hiccups this season One of the most common themes was this being a risky move for A&M AD Trev Alberts Earley should be on a short leash next season The players and recruits that want him to stay now need to show up big next season While fans are mixed on the decision, there is no question the players are still all in on coach Earley Contact/Follow us @AggiesWire on X and like our page on Facebook to follow ongoing coverage of Texas A&M news, notes and opinions. Follow Jarrett Johnson on X: @whosnextsports1.
