How the Longhorns will select their pitching staff in Texas baseball

As the Texas Longhorns prepare for another season of college baseball, their pitching staff is one of the most anticipated and critical aspects of the team’s success. The University of Texas Longhorns, traditionally known for their powerhouse baseball program, will once again look to their pitchers to carry them to the upper echelons of college baseball, with hopes of competing for a College World Series title. As with any successful baseball program, a strong pitching staff is essential, and how the Longhorns assemble theirs in 2025 will go a long way toward determining their fortunes this season.

Texas has built a reputation on excellent pitching over the years, boasting numerous MLB prospects and developing an enviable culture of dominant arms. From starting pitchers to relievers, the Longhorns have consistently been able to cultivate a pitching staff capable of competing at the highest levels. In this article, we will explore how Texas plans to select its pitching staff, from the approach to recruiting and developing pitchers to understanding the key factors that shape their selections.

1. The Importance of Recruiting the Right Arms

Texas baseball’s success starts with recruiting, and the first step in forming a pitching staff is selecting the right pitchers through a thorough recruiting process. The Longhorns coaching staff, led by David Pierce, has an exceptional track record of identifying and bringing in talent from all corners of the country.

When evaluating recruits, the coaching staff looks for pitchers with a combination of high upside, athleticism, and mental toughness. Velocity, command, and stuff (movement on pitches) are key attributes sought after in high school and junior college pitchers. Additionally, Texas also places significant emphasis on pitching mechanics and a pitcher’s ability to control the game, which includes control over their secondary pitches like sliders, curveballs, and changeups.

A major aspect of Texas’ recruiting success is their ability to evaluate and develop pitchers who may not have had the highest-profile high school careers but have the raw talent to make an impact in the college game. Many pitchers recruited to Texas have not only the physical gifts but the mentality to thrive under pressure, which is often the differentiator at the college level.

2. Developing Pitching Talent Through the System

Once pitchers are on campus, the development process begins. Texas is known for its ability to develop pitchers to reach their full potential. The coaching staff works closely with pitchers on their mechanics, pitch development, and mental approach. Under the guidance of pitching coach Sean Allen, who has been with the program for several years, the Longhorns have developed a reputation for helping pitchers take their game to the next level.

A pitcher’s development at Texas typically revolves around enhancing their ability to throw strikes consistently, improving their secondary pitches, and learning to handle the mental grind of the college season. Pitching depth is also a key focus. The Longhorns value having multiple options in the bullpen and a deep rotation, which enables them to keep pitchers fresh throughout the demanding Big 12 schedule and potential postseason play.

The team’s developmental approach focuses on both individual attention and group training. For example, pitchers may work on their mechanics one-on-one with coaches or through video analysis to identify areas of improvement. At the same time, they will participate in team bullpen sessions, where pitchers work together on specific drills aimed at building consistency and improving pitch execution.

3. Key Factors in Selecting Starting Pitchers

Once pitchers are fully integrated into the program, the next step is selecting who will make up the starting rotation. The starting rotation is arguably the most crucial part of a college baseball pitching staff, as these players set the tone for the team and are typically the ones who pitch in high-leverage situations.

There are several factors that David Pierce and his staff will consider when choosing who gets the nod as a starting pitcher.

a. Pitching Velocity and Stuff

A critical factor in selecting starters is the velocity of their fastball and the quality of their secondary pitches. While power pitchers who can throw high 90s are often a plus, Texas is not simply looking for pitchers who throw hard. Instead, they are looking for pitchers who can command their fastballs and pair them with a plus secondary pitch — whether that’s a slider, curveball, or changeup.

In college baseball, pitchers with multiple quality pitches are more successful than those who rely solely on velocity. If a pitcher can mix speeds effectively, keeping hitters off balance, that will increase their chances of earning a starting role.

b. Command and Control

Command is an area where many college pitchers make their biggest improvement. A pitcher with the ability to throw strikes consistently while avoiding walks is highly valuable. The coaching staff will closely evaluate a pitcher’s strike-to-ball ratio and ability to execute pitches in high-pressure situations. Pitchers who have a tendency to walk hitters or who struggle to get ahead in the count are less likely to earn starting roles.

c. Mental Toughness

The Longhorns staff places significant emphasis on the mental aspect of pitching. Starting pitchers are often asked to pitch in high-leverage situations, and having the mental fortitude to perform under pressure is crucial. Texas coaches will evaluate pitchers on how they handle adversity on the mound, such as bouncing back from a bad inning or making adjustments when a pitch isn’t working.

d. Durability and Workload

Durability is another key consideration. Texas needs to ensure that their starting pitchers can handle the workload of a full season, which typically includes 15-20 starts. The coaching staff will evaluate a pitcher’s stamina, recovery time, and ability to handle a heavy workload without compromising their performance. Pitchers who can eat innings and go deep into games are highly coveted as starters.

e. Previous Performance and Spring Training

Lastly, the coaches will look at a pitcher’s performance during preseason scrimmages, spring training, and past games to evaluate their readiness for a starting role. Players who perform well in these settings — especially against strong competition — may earn a spot in the rotation. Coaches will also factor in how pitchers have developed over the course of their time at Texas, including improvements in pitch command, velocity, and overall performance.

4. The Bullpen: Versatile Relief Options

While the starting rotation may get most of the attention, a team’s bullpen is just as important to its success. The Texas bullpen will likely feature pitchers who are capable of coming in to relieve tired starters or finish games in high-pressure situations.

When selecting bullpen arms, the Texas coaching staff looks for a few key attributes:

a. Strikeout Ability

Bullpen pitchers who can generate strikeouts are invaluable. Texas places an emphasis on pitchers who can get outs quickly by missing bats. Bullpen pitchers with good velocity, sharp breaking balls, or an effective changeup tend to have an advantage in relief roles.

b. Control and Efficiency

While strikeouts are valuable, the Longhorns bullpen also needs pitchers who can limit walks and pitch efficiently. Having pitchers who can come into games and throw strikes while getting outs quickly — ideally in one or two innings — is crucial for keeping pitchers fresh for the duration of the season.

c. Ability to Perform in High-Pressure Situations

Bullpen pitchers are often asked to come in with runners on base or in tight situations. The ability to perform under pressure is a key trait for relievers. Whether it’s closing out a tight game or getting out of a jam in the middle innings, pitchers with mental toughness and the ability to handle stress are essential.

d. Lefty vs. Righty Matchups

As with most college baseball teams, Texas will look to exploit left-handed and right-handed matchups. Having a reliable left-handed reliever who can face left-handed hitters is a crucial component of a successful bullpen. Coaches will likely evaluate matchups throughout the season and use their lefty relievers in situations where they have the best chance to succeed.

5. Final Selection Process and Depth Chart

After evaluating pitchers on all the above factors, the Texas coaching staff will finalize their pitching staff by selecting the starting rotation, bullpen arms, and depth chart. The coaching staff’s goal is to build a staff that can sustain success through a long season, with pitchers capable of stepping up in various roles as needed.

Depth is a key factor when selecting a pitching staff. Texas aims to have a stable of pitchers who can contribute in both starting and relief roles, ensuring that the team doesn’t burn out its top arms. The Longhorns coaching staff will also take into account the physical and mental health of their pitchers, adjusting the workload of certain arms as necessary throughout the season.

 A Strong Pitching Staff for the Longhorns

Selecting a pitching staff for Texas baseball is no small task. With such a deep pool of talent, the Longhorns coaching staff will make strategic choices based on pitching performance, velocity, mechanics, mental toughness, and matchup scenarios. Given Texas’ rich history of elite pitching, the 2025 season will likely see another strong group of pitchers ready to carry the Longhorns back to Omaha for the College World Series. With a focus on developing both young and veteran pitchers, the team’s pitching staff is set to be a central part of its quest for national success.