How the Longhorns will select their pitching staff in Texas baseball

The University of Texas Longhorns baseball program has consistently been one of the top college baseball teams in the nation. As one of the premier programs in the Big 12 Conference and college baseball as a whole, Texas is always looking to build a championship-contending roster. While the offensive lineup and defensive consistency are always important, the key to success often hinges on the strength and depth of a team’s pitching staff. For the Longhorns, selecting the right pitchers is a task that combines evaluating talent, understanding team needs, and planning for the long-term success of the program.

In this article, we will dive into the various factors that influence how Texas Baseball will choose its pitching staff for the upcoming season, and we will break down the methods and strategies the team’s coaching staff will employ to ensure that they are putting the most effective group of pitchers on the mound.

The Importance of a Strong Pitching Staff in College Baseball

Before diving into the specifics of how Texas selects its pitchers, it’s important to recognize just how crucial a strong pitching staff is in college baseball. In a sport where pitching often determines the outcome of games, the Longhorns will need a mix of pitchers capable of shutting down powerful offenses and securing wins in high-stakes games.

College baseball is played over a shorter season than professional baseball, and each game is pivotal. For Texas, which routinely contends for Big 12 titles and College World Series appearances, having a dominant pitching staff is non-negotiable. Teams need starters who can go deep into games, a reliable bullpen to maintain leads, and versatile arms to handle various situations throughout the season.

As the 2025 season approaches, Texas head coach David Pierce and his coaching staff must decide how to fill the pitching staff with players who will give the Longhorns the best chance to win games and ultimately contend for championships. This decision is no small feat, given the immense talent available both on the current roster and in the incoming recruiting class.

Factors Influencing the Selection Process

1. Returners and Veterans: Experience Matters

One of the most important factors in selecting the Texas pitching staff is evaluating the returning players from the previous season. Veterans who have already proven themselves at the collegiate level are often given priority when filling out the starting rotation and bullpen roles. These players bring much-needed experience to the table, especially in high-pressure situations such as tournament play or matchups against ranked teams.

For example, Lucas Gordon, who emerged as a leader in the starting rotation during the 2024 season, will likely be one of the primary pitchers that Texas leans on in the 2025 season. His proven ability to handle key moments and eat innings provides stability to the pitching staff. Similarly, other veterans with experience in high-leverage roles—whether as closers, middle relievers, or spot starters—will play a big role in determining how the pitching staff shakes out.

Veteran pitchers often have a strong understanding of what works for them on the mound, whether it’s a specific pitch sequence, mindset, or approach to opposing batters. This makes it easier for coaching staff to rely on them in different game situations, knowing they can get the job done.

2. Incoming Freshmen and Transfers: The New Blood

While veterans are valuable assets, the Longhorns also need to incorporate fresh talent into their pitching staff. Incoming freshman pitchers and transfer students are often wildcard players who could contribute in a significant way, depending on how quickly they adjust to college baseball’s level of competition.

Freshman pitchers bring raw potential but may need some time to adapt to the speed and skill level of college hitters. Texas will often look to recruit pitchers who have demonstrated exceptional high school or junior college performances, as well as those who have excelled in summer leagues. A top-tier freshman could potentially break into the rotation, or at the very least, contribute in long relief or as a midweek starter.

Meanwhile, transfer pitchers are an increasingly common source of talent for college baseball programs. These players may have had success at other universities or junior colleges but are looking for a fresh start with a power program like Texas. Transfers can bring immediate impact, especially if they’ve played at a high level of competition in previous seasons. Texas will often look for transfer pitchers who can immediately fill a hole in the rotation or offer another arm in the bullpen.

3. Pitching Styles and Roles: Building Versatility

When selecting the pitching staff, Texas coaches need to look beyond raw talent and consider how a player’s pitching style fits within the team’s overall needs. Texas will typically have a balanced staff that includes both power pitchers and finesse pitchers, each contributing a different aspect of success to the team’s dynamic.

The selection process often involves determining the role each pitcher will take on:

• Starting pitchers: These players must have the ability to throw a lot of innings while maintaining consistency. They need to be able to attack hitters early in counts, mix pitches effectively, and maintain composure deep into games.
• Relievers: The bullpen plays a huge role in the outcome of games, and it’s crucial that Texas has pitchers capable of coming in for short stints to close out games or keep a lead intact. Relievers need to have exceptional control, the ability to pitch under pressure, and the stamina to handle multiple appearances throughout the week.
• Closer: The closer is typically a pitcher who excels at getting batters out in tight, high-leverage situations. This player must be mentally tough and have the ability to perform in the most intense moments of the game.

David Pierce and his coaching staff will tailor the pitching roles based on each player’s strengths and weaknesses. A hard-throwing right-handed pitcher who can consistently touch 95 mph may be ideal as a closer, while a pitcher with exceptional control and the ability to induce weak contact could be used as a starter. Coaches must also consider how different pitchers match up against various teams’ hitters, which often plays a role in determining who gets the nod on any given weekend.

4. Health and Durability

Injuries can play a significant role in shaping the pitching staff. A pitcher’s health is always a top priority for Texas, and the Longhorns’ medical staff works closely with coaches to assess a player’s readiness and long-term durability. This is especially true for pitchers coming off previous injuries or those who have had issues with arm fatigue in the past.

For example, if a starting pitcher is recovering from an elbow injury, the team may elect to use him in limited situations early in the season and gradually build up his workload as he regains full strength. On the flip side, a pitcher who’s coming off a stellar offseason and has demonstrated increased velocity or improved command might be given a larger role on the staff.

5. Competition and Scrimmages: Evaluating in Real-Time

One of the most telling ways Texas selects its pitching staff is by evaluating players in scrimmages and preseason competition. This is when Texas can see how players perform in real game scenarios against live hitters. While a player’s performance in practice is important, there’s nothing quite like the pressure of a game to show a player’s true potential.

Scrimmages provide a controlled environment where pitchers can experiment with their pitches, work on specific mechanics, and prove themselves in pressure situations. For the coaching staff, these scrimmages offer a direct way to compare pitchers side by side, which is vital for determining who will secure spots in the starting rotation and the bullpen.

6. Mental Toughness and Leadership

Another critical factor in selecting the pitching staff is assessing mental toughness. College baseball, especially in a program like Texas, requires players to be able to handle intense pressure. Pitchers are often the players who shoulder the blame when a game is lost, and as such, they must have the resilience and leadership qualities to overcome adversity. Coaches look for players who can stay focused, remain confident, and bounce back from mistakes quickly.

Leadership on the mound is also crucial. The ability to communicate with catchers, maintain composure in tough spots, and inspire the defense is a vital part of being an effective pitcher. Texas often selects players who can take charge on the mound, communicate effectively with teammates, and keep the energy positive, even when the game isn’t going their way.

Building a Championship Staff

The process of selecting the Texas pitching staff for any given season is a combination of evaluating talent, assessing fit, and making strategic decisions based on the team’s needs. David Pierce and his coaching staff will weigh each pitcher’s experience, style, role, and mental fortitude as they build a pitching staff that can contend at the highest levels of college baseball.

By drawing on a mix of veteran presence, fresh talent, and strategic role assignments, Texas will put together a dynamic pitching staff that can give the Longhorns the best chance of competing for the Big 12 championship and ultimately making a run for the College World Series. With the Longhorns’ track record of excellence, there’s little doubt that the coaching staff will select a pitching unit capable of keeping Texas at the top of the college baseball world.