Baseball thread for 2026 and going forward

[Sirhornsalot]

 

[david ficken]

So, Mendoza after checking with all MLB teams on trying to get a FA deal not to happen and a phone call with the staff about his shoulder is back.

He is to have shoulder surgery soon. No timetable on his return.

I fully believe that the staff is looking for a unitily infielder. But if they don't like what's out there then we have several freshmen incoming that will be able to fill the m at 2nd.

Here is the likely players that could/should see playing time next year:

At C: Armstrong. BA: .351
Robinson and Murrieta

1st: Borba. BA: .266
Portal unitily infielder/freshmen

2nd: Mendoza. BA: .278
Portal unitily infielder/freshmen

SS: A Rod. BA: .327
Garcia/freshmen

3rd: Linkin Garcia. BA: .336. BTW hope his walk up music is Linkin Park

Autrey/unitily infielder

LF: Pack Jr. BA: .355
J. Williams/B. Peterson

CF: Goldenetz/ J.Willisms

RF: Brennan. BA: .290
Solitaria. BA: .290

DH. Brennan/Solitaria/Autrey/ Robinson/etc

Weekend starters: Volantis, Cozart. One of Crossland or Walls

Tuesday night games starters:
Winter/ freshmen either RS or true

Closer: Rangel? Walls?

We are slowly getting more depth and better, we may lose some Tuesday night games to play some younger players to get them fielding/hitting/pitching going forward.

 

[david ficken]

Now, for the 2027 draft the following is eligible:

Cozart
Crossland
A Rod
D. Volantis
Armstrong
Garcia
J. Williams
Brennan
Mendoza
Borba
Solitaria, need to double check on him, but believe so

 

[david ficken]

Haiden Leffew signed an UDFA deal either Saturday or Monday with Tampa Bay Rays.

Now, from what I've heard the staff would have liked to have him back, but not surprised he went this route.

Again the staff is looking for players in the portal, but also love all the top notch young arms that are coming in and coming back.

 

[david ficken]

The baseball team awards have been announced for the 2026 season:

Luke Harrison -- James and Huston Street Award. This award recognizes the player who most embodies what it means to be a Longhorn through leadership, selflessness, and integrity both off and on the field.

Anthony Pack Jr -- Brooks Kieschnick team MVP

Aiden Robbins -- Keith Moreland offensive player of the year

Carson Tinney -- Spike Owen defensive player of the year

Dylan Volantis-- Greg Swindell pitcher of the year

Ethan Walker -- Sean Braswell academic MVP

 

[david ficken]

We are probably just over 2 weeks from having a update roster on texasports.com.

Also, one of the last press conference had by Coach Schloss until January/February. Unless something happens.

Have been told the staff believes that there is at least 1 more portal players if not 2. Don't know any names or positions. It has to work with the 34 player roster.