Baseball America Ranks Texas Longhorns No. 13 in Top 25 Poll
After three years of consistency, Baseball America is once again high on the Texas Longhorns, ranking them at No. 13 in its preseason Top 25 poll.
In recent years, Texas has stood out as one of the most reliable teams nationally, and the lineup appears poised to continue challenging for supremacy in the Big 12, a title it claimed last season.
With the potential of right-handers Lebarron Johnson Jr. and Tanner Witt, the team boasts a 1-2 pitching combination that could rank among the best in the country. Adding to their strength, Texas benefits from a seasoned lineup, setting the stage for another competitive run.
Texas came out on top in the college baseball MLB draft, retaining key players like right-hander Tanner Witt, who opted not to sign as an 18th-rounder. Outfielder Porter Brown, right-hander Lebarron Johnson Jr., and third baseman Peyton Powell went unpicked, but the Longhorns secured top-100 draft prospect Will Gasparino for their freshman lineup.
With Johnson and Witt returning, Texas boasts a potent pitching duo, although Witt's recovery from Tommy John surgery remains a wildcard. The team anticipates improved performance from Witt this spring. With Charlie Hurley completing the rotation and a strong bullpen, led by righthander David Shaw, Texas is set to shine on the mound once again after ranking 10th nationally in team ERA (4.10).
Texas had a successful draft but lost key players, including Big 12 Player of the Year Dylan Campbell, Eric Kennedy, Garret Guillemette, and Mitchell Daly. Sophomores Rylan Galvan and Jalin Flores step in for Guillemette and Daly, potentially upgrading but with less experience. Freshmen Will Gasparino and Nik Sanders bring talent to the lineup.
The departure of four key players, responsible for over half of last season's home runs, is a challenge. Texas added Luke Storm through the transfer portal, a switch-hitter with 20 homers in the last two seasons at Duke, expected to ease pressure on the young talent.
Come the first game, all eyes will be on the breakout star in 2023, starting pitcher Lebarron Johnson. He transitioned into the rotation mid-season, ending with an 8-4 record, 2.91 ERA, and 98 strikeouts in 86.2 innings. Now, he steps into the No. 1 starter role, succeeding All-American Lucas Gordon.
Texas came close to securing its third consecutive College World Series appearance last year, and the team is positioned to be a strong contender once again in 2024.
Notable player development, like Johnson, Powell, and Campbell's strides, bodes well and if one of these key players takes a significant step forward, the Longhorns could thrive. Coach Pierce's midseason adjustments and consistent success, averaging 46.3 wins over the last three seasons, add to the optimistic outlook for Texas this spring, hopeful to make it to Omaha.