Texas A&M junior pitcher Ryan Prager is headed to the Cleveland Guardians after being selected 282nd overall in the 2025 MLB Draft.
Ryan Prager, a standout pitcher for Texas A&M, has made the leap from College Station to the professional ranks, as he was selected 282nd overall by the Cleveland Guardians in the 2025 MLB Draft. For Prager, this is the culmination of years of hard work, perseverance, and development, and it marks the beginning of a new chapter in what is shaping up to be a promising career in professional baseball.
Prager’s selection in the draft was the result of a career that saw steady growth and success. Known for his strong arm, sharp breaking pitches, and overall competitive spirit, he became one of the cornerstones of the Aggies’ pitching staff over his time in College Station. As a junior, he had already made his mark as one of the SEC’s most reliable pitchers, and his performance this season only reinforced the idea that he was ready for the next step in his baseball journey.
For Texas A&M, Prager’s departure represents a significant loss. He was not only a key piece of the Aggies’ pitching rotation but also a leader on the mound. His ability to manage high-pressure situations, his poise, and his repertoire of pitches made him an invaluable asset for head coach Jim Schlossnagle and the rest of the coaching staff. However, while his departure leaves a hole in the team’s pitching staff, it also serves as a testament to the development that Texas A&M’s baseball program has been fostering.
In this article, we’ll take a look at Prager’s journey to the MLB Draft, his time at Texas A&M, and what the future may hold for the right-handed pitcher in Cleveland.
Ryan Prager’s college baseball career at Texas A&M was marked by consistent improvement and growth. When he first arrived at College Station, he was seen as a talented pitcher with raw potential. However, it was through his work ethic, determination, and the guidance of Texas A&M’s coaching staff that Prager developed into one of the top pitchers in the country.
Over the course of his time at Texas A&M, Prager’s stuff improved markedly. His fastball, which sits comfortably in the low 90s, gained velocity as he honed his mechanics. His breaking ball, a sharp slider, also became one of his primary weapons, and it was difficult for opposing batters to make solid contact when he was on top of his game. His changeup, once an afterthought in his arsenal, turned into a weapon that kept hitters off balance and allowed him to attack batters with multiple different pitches.
During his junior season, Prager became the Aggies’ ace, shouldering the burden of leading the team’s pitching rotation. He demonstrated an ability to pitch deep into games, and his strikeout numbers were impressive, showcasing his ability to overpower hitters when needed. But it wasn’t just his physical tools that stood out; it was his mental toughness and his ability to stay composed on the mound that made him such a valuable asset for Texas A&M.
Prager’s resilience was tested throughout the 2025 season, especially as the Aggies navigated the challenges of the tough SEC schedule. Whether it was battling through tight games or coming back from adversity, Prager proved time and time again that he could handle the pressure. That resilience would play a crucial role in his success as a professional pitcher, and scouts took notice of his ability to handle the mental and emotional challenges of playing at a high level.
One of Prager’s standout performances during his junior season came in a must-win game against a ranked SEC opponent, where he threw seven strong innings, giving up just two earned runs while striking out nine. His command of the strike zone, his ability to mix pitches, and his poise under pressure were all on full display, leaving no doubt that he was ready for the next level.
As the season progressed, it became clear that Prager was a legitimate MLB Draft prospect. His success in the SEC, arguably the toughest conference in college baseball, only elevated his draft stock. By the time the 2025 MLB Draft rolled around, Prager was regarded as one of the top pitching prospects in the country, and it was clear that his future would be in professional baseball.
When the 2025 MLB Draft arrived, Prager’s name was one of the most anticipated to be called in the later rounds. After an outstanding junior season, he was widely expected to go in the first ten rounds, with a few scouts even speculating that he could be selected higher. When the Cleveland Guardians selected him 282nd overall in the 9th round, it was a moment of pride not only for Prager but also for Texas A&M’s baseball program.
For Prager, the experience of being drafted was both humbling and exciting. Having worked tirelessly for years to get to this point, being selected by a major league organization represented the realization of a lifelong dream. However, it was also just the beginning of a new challenge. Being drafted by the Guardians means that Prager will now have to adjust to a new level of competition, and the transition from college baseball to professional baseball can be a steep learning curve.
“It feels amazing to be drafted,” Prager said after the selection. “All the hard work, the hours of practice, the grind, it all pays off in moments like this. But at the same time, I know this is just the start. There’s a lot more work to be done. I’m excited for the opportunity to keep improving and making my mark in professional baseball.”
Prager’s selection by the Cleveland Guardians is significant for a number of reasons. Cleveland is a team that has developed a strong reputation for identifying and nurturing pitching talent. The Guardians have a well-respected player development system, and their track record of developing pitchers makes them an ideal organization for Prager to begin his professional career. They’ve produced numerous pitchers who have gone on to have successful major league careers, including Corey Kluber, Shane Bieber, and Triston McKenzie.
With Prager’s ability to command multiple pitches and his poise under pressure, he fits the mold of a pitcher the Guardians often target. Additionally, the Guardians have been known to place a strong emphasis on the mental aspect of pitching, something that will undoubtedly benefit Prager as he continues to mature as a pitcher. The Guardians’ development system will provide Prager with the resources and mentorship he needs to fine-tune his game and reach his full potential.
Ryan Prager’s departure to the MLB Draft is bittersweet for Texas A&M. While the Aggies are losing one of their top pitchers, they can take pride in the fact that they played a significant role in his development. Head coach Jim Schlossnagle has created a culture of excellence in the Aggies’ baseball program, and Prager’s success is a reflection of that.
Schlossnagle has been instrumental in developing some of the top pitching talent in college baseball, and his track record of success speaks for itself. Prager’s time under Schlossnagle’s tutelage allowed him to refine his skills and elevate his game, and the experience of competing in the SEC helped prepare him for the challenges of professional baseball.
The Aggies have a reputation for producing top-tier talent, and Prager is just one example of the type of players the program is capable of developing. With his selection in the MLB Draft, Prager joins a long list of former Aggies who have gone on to have successful careers in professional baseball. His success serves as a testament to the strength of the Texas A&M program, which continues to develop players who can compete at the highest level.
While Prager’s time at Texas A&M may be coming to an end, his legacy will live on. He was a key contributor to the Aggies’ success during his time on the team, and his leadership on the mound will be remembered by fans and teammates alike. More importantly, Prager’s story will serve as an inspiration to future players in the program, showing them that hard work, dedication, and belief in oneself can lead to success at the highest levels.
For Prager, the road ahead is full of promise. While his immediate future lies in the Cleveland Guardians’ minor league system, the ultimate goal is clear: make it to the major leagues. It’s a long and challenging journey, but Prager has already demonstrated the necessary qualities to succeed in professional baseball. His combination of mental toughness, pitchability, and competitive spirit will serve him well as he climbs the minor league ranks.
The Guardians have a solid player development system, and Prager will have every opportunity to continue improving and refining his craft. While it may take time for him to reach the majors, his selection in the MLB Draft is a strong indication that he has the talent and the work ethic needed to succeed at the highest level.
For Texas A&M, Prager’s departure is a reminder of the continued strength of their baseball program. The Aggies are a team on the rise, and with recruits like Prager entering the fold, the future looks bright for Texas A&M baseball. As Prager moves on to the professional ranks, the program will continue to produce top talent and strive for even greater success in the years to come.
In the meantime, Ryan Prager will continue to chase his dream of playing in the majors, and Aggie fans will be cheering him on every step of the way. His journey from College Station to Cleveland is just beginning, and if his time at Texas A&M is any indication, there’s much more to come.
