Texas A&M Star Jace LaViolette Carrying Aggie Legacy to MLB With Power Bat, Leadership, and Deep Pride in College Roots
Jace LaViolette isn’t just heading to Major League Baseball with a powerful left-handed swing and highlight-reel athleticism—he’s taking the spirit of Texas A&M with him. After an electrifying collegiate career that cemented his place among the greatest to wear the maroon and white, the former Aggie outfielder is poised to begin the next chapter of his journey, carrying not just his own ambitions but the legacy of an entire program.
LaViolette’s path from a heralded high school recruit to an Aggie superstar—and now a top MLB prospect—is a story of dedication, character, and pride. With his selection in the first round of the 2025 MLB Draft, he’s not only realizing a lifelong dream but also reaffirming Texas A&M’s growing reputation as a national baseball powerhouse.
A Phenomenal College Career
LaViolette arrived in College Station as a five-tool prospect out of Tompkins High School in Katy, Texas. Highly touted for his bat speed, fielding ability, and baseball IQ, he chose Texas A&M over perennial powerhouses like LSU, Texas, and Vanderbilt. For LaViolette, the decision was as much about the culture as it was about development.
“From the first visit, I felt like I belonged here,” LaViolette said. “It was a brotherhood. It was family. And it was a place where I knew I could grow on and off the field.”
Grow he did.
As a freshman, LaViolette made an immediate impact, finishing the 2023 season with a .296 average, 21 home runs, and 65 RBIs. But it was in 2024 and 2025 that he fully blossomed into one of the most feared hitters in college baseball. His junior campaign saw him blast 28 home runs, bat .321, and anchor an Aggie lineup that reached the College World Series.
Beyond the numbers, LaViolette was the heart and soul of Texas A&M’s clubhouse. Known for his infectious energy and relentless work ethic, he became a mentor to younger players and a vocal leader during crucial postseason runs.
“He brought the juice every day,” said A&M head coach Jim Schlossnagle. “Whether it was lifting, practice, or the ninth inning of a super regional, you knew Jace was going to show up. He’s everything you want in a leader.”
Draft Day Dreams Come True
On July 15, 2025, LaViolette’s name was called in the first round of the MLB Draft by the Kansas City Royals with the No. 12 overall pick. The moment, shared with family, teammates, and coaches, was emotional—and deeply affirming.
“I’ve dreamed about this since I was five years old,” LaViolette said on draft night. “But I wouldn’t be here without Texas A&M. This place made me who I am.”
The Royals lauded his maturity, his advanced approach at the plate, and his outfield versatility. Analysts have compared LaViolette to former MLB slugger Kyle Tucker—another Houston-area product with a sweet left-handed swing and corner outfield pop.
“He checks every box,” said ESPN analyst Kyle Peterson. “Power, plate discipline, makeup, leadership—Jace LaViolette is the total package, and he’s going to rise fast in a pro system.”
Carrying the Aggie Legacy
LaViolette has never hidden his pride in being an Aggie. Even as his draft stock rose and scouts filled the stands at Blue Bell Park, he remained grounded in the traditions of Texas A&M.
From saluting the 12th Man after every home run to wearing his maroon batting gloves deep into the SEC Tournament, LaViolette embodied the culture that defines Aggieland.
“Every time I stepped on that field, I felt the weight of those who came before me,” he said. “Guys like Tyler Naquin, Michael Wacha, Braden Shewmake—they paved the way. I just wanted to add to that legacy.”
And now, he’s extending it to the major leagues.
LaViolette has already promised to return to College Station in the offseason, hoping to train with current Aggies and stay connected with the program that shaped him.
“This isn’t goodbye,” he said. “It’s just the next chapter. I’ll always be part of this family.”
A Model of Development
LaViolette’s rise also shines a light on Texas A&M’s growing development pipeline under Jim Schlossnagle. In just a few years, Schlossnagle and his staff have turned College Station into a destination for elite prospects who want to prepare for pro ball while competing for national championships.
“Jace’s success is a testament to what we’re building here,” Schlossnagle said. “We don’t just recruit talent—we develop it, mentally and physically. And we do it within a culture of accountability and pride.”
LaViolette’s evolution—from a raw power hitter to a complete outfielder and clubhouse leader—serves as a blueprint for current and future Aggies. His commitment to film study, diet, recovery, and leadership became contagious.
Freshman outfielder Connor Valdez, who shared a locker next to LaViolette this past season, said watching him prepare “taught me more than any coach ever could.”
Off the Field Impact
Beyond the diamond, LaViolette’s impact in College Station was profound. He volunteered at local elementary schools, led team Bible studies, and spoke frequently at youth baseball camps. For him, it was never just about the game.
“I wanted to be remembered as more than a baseball player,” he said. “I wanted to be someone who gave back, who lived the values we preach here.”
Those values include humility, service, and perseverance—traits LaViolette credits to both his family and the Texas A&M community. He’s often spoken about how the Aggie Core Values—Respect, Excellence, Leadership, Loyalty, Integrity, and Selfless Service—became personal principles.
“They’re not just words on a wall,” he said. “They’re who we are.”
Looking Ahead
Now, with the ink dry on his MLB contract and a minor league assignment looming, LaViolette is ready to chase his next dream—reaching the big leagues and making an impact at the highest level.
“I’m going to keep being me—work hard, compete, stay humble, and honor God in everything I do,” he said. “That’s what got me here, and that’s what’s going to carry me forward.”
Scouts project LaViolette could reach Double-A within a year if he adjusts quickly to professional pitching. His advanced plate discipline and opposite-field power are seen as tools that could translate immediately.
“I’m not in a rush, but I’m ready,” he said. “I’ve faced SEC pitching. I’ve played in Omaha. I’ve been through the grind. Let’s go.”
The Face of a Movement
In many ways, Jace LaViolette represents more than just himself. He’s the face of a new wave of Texas A&M baseball—a wave that believes in championships, community, and character.
As MLB clubs look increasingly toward college baseball for well-rounded prospects, LaViolette’s story serves as validation for both his journey and the program that helped mold him.
“We always say ‘once an Aggie, always an Aggie,’” Schlossnagle said. “Jace is living proof of that. And he’s just getting started.”
