​Texas A&M’s 2026 season may have ended earlier than the Aggies hoped, stopping in the Regional Round of the NCAA Tournament, but first-year head coach Michael Earley nonetheless achieved a major objective: guiding the program back to the postseason. That accomplishment served as a meaningful capstone for a number of Aggies stars, several of whom were already bound for the 2026 MLB Draft after their standout campaigns in College Station.
On Saturday, four of Texas A&M’s 2026 starters heard their names called in the first four rounds of the draft. The day opened with former Maryland infielder Chris Hacopian, who was selected 11th overall by the Washington Nationals. The excitement continued as two of the program’s most dynamic hitters—Caden Sorrell and Gavin Grahovac—were picked 62nd and 81st, respectively, with Sorrell destined for the Chicago Cubs and Grahovac for the Los Angeles Angels after three impactful seasons in Aggieland.
On the mound, junior left-hander Shane Sdao faced a challenging season after returning from two injury-plagued campaigns. Under second-year pitching coach Jason Kelley, Sdao struggled early, and the relationship between the pitcher and the coaching staff became a focal point as the year progressed. Kelley was ultimately dismissed following the 2026 season. When compared to his 5-1 record and 2.96 ERA in 2024, the absence of the 2025 season likely hampered Sdao’s development. He closed the year with a 7.03 ERA, the highest on the staff, and a career-high 83 strikeouts. He also yielded 16 homers and 20 walks, a combination that would have been easier to address with a different coaching dynamic and continued progression. Nevertheless, talent remained a constant for Sdao, and his potential continued to be recognized as he was selected 120th overall in the fourth round by the New York Mets.
With a projected financial slot of around $645,000, Sdao now faces a pivotal choice about his immediate future. Returning for a final season could push his draft stock higher by one or two rounds next summer, but the lure of the minor leagues and the daily development path might prove too enticing to pass up.
As Texas A&M continues to process the end of the 2026 season, the focus shifts to what lies ahead for Earley’s program and the pipeline of talent moving from Aggieland to professional baseball. The offseason will be a critical period for refining the pitching staff, maximizing the growth of its heralded hitters, and building on the momentum of a postseason appearance that, despite the abrupt end, underscored the program’s return to national relevance.
This piece originally appeared on Aggies Wire: Texas A&M LHP selected by New York Mets in 2026 MLB Draft for better SEO. For ongoing Texas A&M coverage, follow Aggies Wire on X (formerly Twitter) and like the page on Facebook. Follow Cameron on X: @CameronOhnysty.