The news surrounding former Texas A&M head baseball coach Jim Schlossnagle’s shocking move to take over the Texas Longhorns program was certainly a story for the ages, announcing his departure just a day after the Aggie’s College World Series championship loss to Tennessee.
However, Texas A&M athletic director Trev Alberts went on to make his first hire with the University, bringing on former A&M hitting coach Michael Earley to take over the program after briefly following Schlossnagle to Texas.
A popular name among the current Aggie roster, Earley didn’t waste any time after taking on his new gig, as more than half the players who entered the transfer portal have returned. At the same time, ace pitcher Ryan Prager will surprisingly forgo the MLB and return for a final season in College Station.
Joining nearly every 2024 starter in the pitching rotation, Prager’s return makes A&M’s starting lineup a borderline elite unit, while several additions from the transfer portal shore things up even further ahead of what should be an exciting 2025 campaign. Here is what Texas A&M’s pitching rotation could look like heading into next season.
Starting Pitcher (ace) — Ryan Prager
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Class: Redshirt Junior
2024 stats: 9-1 record, 124 strikeouts, 2.98 ERA
Throws: Lefty
The Aggie’s ace is back for another year, bringing experience and confidence to the mound, while providing Michael Earley and new pitching coach Jason Kelly a reliable arm in their first season.
Starting Pitcher — Shane Sdao
Maria Lysaker-USA TODAY Sports
Class: Junior
2024 stats: 5-1 record, 55 strikeouts, 2.96 ERA
Throws: Lefty
After earning a starting spot late in the season, Shane Sdao suffered an upper-body injury that ended his postseason after just a few pitches against Oregon in the super-regional round. Coming back with added experience, slot Sdao in as a Game 2 starter in nearly every SEC series next season.
Starting Pitcher — Justin Lamkin
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Class: Junior
2024 stats: 3-3 record, 88 strikeouts, 5.21 ERA
Throws: Lefty
Justin Lamkin has been an MLB prospect since he stepped on campus but struggled to find consistency during his first two seasons. However, after Shane Sdao’s season-ending injury, Lamkin stepped up to the challenge, delivering 17 strikeouts in three outings en route to Texas A&M’s first-ever championship appearance.
Under Jason Kelly’s guidance, look for Lamkin to take another step in his development next season.
Starting Pitcher — Myles Patton
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Class: Junior
2024 stats: 4-3 record, 85 strikeouts, 3.26 ERA
Throws: Lefty
Myles Patton, before dealing with an injury, was one of the top pitchers in the country last season, sporting first-round MLB Draft potential. Joining a loaded lineup, Patton has the skillset to last more than six innings or come in for relief next season.
Starting/Relief Pitcher — Troy Wansing
(Photo by Eakin Howard/Getty Images)
Class: Junior
2024 stats: DNP
Throws: Lefty
Troy Wansing will return to the lineup after missing the entire 2024 season due to injury, but with the players in front of him, Wansing could be in line to compete for former star reliever Chris Cortez’s spot but still possesses starting arm talent depending on how ready he will be once the season begins.
Primary Reliever — Josh Stewart
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Class: Senior
2024 stats: 2-2 record, 39 strikeouts, 4.26 ERA
Throws: RHP
Josh Stewart’s return is huge for the middle of Texas A&M’s lineup. Chris Cortez’s departure provides an opening for the senior to take charge, proving his toughness when pitch control during the Aggie’s College World Series run.
Primary Closer — Brad Rudis
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Class: Senior
2024 stats: 6-0 record, 35 strikeouts, 2.55 ERA
Throws: RHP
With the news that Evan Aschenbeck will not return next season, senior Brad Rudis will likely be the first name that the new pitching coach, Jason Kelly, will consider for his replacement. In 24 appearances, Rudis had his ups and downs, but what pretty consistent overall.
Other names to watch
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As you’ve seen through this article, Texas A&M’s 2025 pitching rotation is extremely deep. Outside of the names I’ve mentioned, remember that both Kaiden Wilson and Weston Moss are returning for their sophomore seasons, providing Jason Kelly with two promising young arms that can spot-start or come for relief, especially during the regular season.