Texas A&M's 2026 season may have ended prematurely in the Regional Round of the NCAA Tournament, but second-year coach Michael Earley accomplished his goal of getting the program back to the postseason, which served as the final run for several of the Aggies' stars, who have already been selected in the 2026 MLB Draft.
On Saturday, four 2026 starters were selected in the first four rounds of the 2026 draft, starting with former Maryland infielder Chris Hacopian, who went 11th overall to the Washington Nationals, followed by star hitters Caden Sorrell and Gavin Grahovac going 62nd overall to the Chicago Cubs, and 81st overall to the Los Angeles Angels after three seasons in College Station.
On the mound, junior LHP Shane Sdao, who returned after two injury-riddled seasons as one of three key starting pitchers, struggled out of the gate under second-year pitching coach Jason Kelley, who was subsequently fired after the 2026 season. Compared with his 5-1 record and 2.96 ERA in 2024, missing the 2025 season may have hindered his development.
Ending the year with the highest ERA (7.03) Sdao recorded a career high 83 strikeout, but allowed 16 home runs and 20 walks, which can be fixed with the right coaching staff. Still, talent always wins out, leading to the junior lefty being selected 120th overall in the fourth round by the New York Mets.
Given his financial slot, listed at $645K, Sdao has a choice to make regarding his future, and while returning for a final season could result in being selected one or two rounds higher this time next summer, developing in the minor leagues might be too tempting.
On Saturday, four 2026 starters were selected in the first four rounds of the 2026 draft, starting with former Maryland infielder Chris Hacopian, who went 11th overall to the Washington Nationals, followed by star hitters Caden Sorrell and Gavin Grahovac going 62nd overall to the Chicago Cubs, and 81st overall to the Los Angeles Angels after three seasons in College Station.
On the mound, junior LHP Shane Sdao, who returned after two injury-riddled seasons as one of three key starting pitchers, struggled out of the gate under second-year pitching coach Jason Kelley, who was subsequently fired after the 2026 season. Compared with his 5-1 record and 2.96 ERA in 2024, missing the 2025 season may have hindered his development.
Ending the year with the highest ERA (7.03) Sdao recorded a career high 83 strikeout, but allowed 16 home runs and 20 walks, which can be fixed with the right coaching staff. Still, talent always wins out, leading to the junior lefty being selected 120th overall in the fourth round by the New York Mets.
Given his financial slot, listed at $645K, Sdao has a choice to make regarding his future, and while returning for a final season could result in being selected one or two rounds higher this time next summer, developing in the minor leagues might be too tempting.
3 months ago
