Five questions for the 2025 Aggies before opening day in Texas A&M baseball

As the 2025 Texas A&M baseball season approaches, excitement builds among fans, coaches, and players alike. After a successful 2024 campaign that saw the Aggies make significant strides, expectations are high for the 2025 season. With several returning players and new talent joining the team, Texas A&M has the potential to build on its momentum and become a true contender in the competitive Southeastern Conference (SEC).

Before opening day arrives, there are several important questions that the Aggies need to address in order to ensure a successful season. These questions span across various areas of the team, from pitching to offensive consistency to leadership on and off the field. Let’s dive into the top five questions for the 2025 Texas A&M baseball team and explore what needs to be answered before they take the field.

1. Who Will Emerge as the Ace of the Pitching Staff?

One of the most critical questions heading into the 2025 season for Texas A&M baseball is who will step up as the ace of the pitching staff. In college baseball, having a reliable and dominant starting pitcher can make all the difference, especially in a conference as competitive as the SEC. The Aggies have a talented group of pitchers, but finding consistency at the top of the rotation is vital for the success of the team.

The Aggies lost several key pitchers from last season, and while they bring back a solid group, the rotation will need to be solidified. There are a few pitchers who could fill the role of ace, but the competition for this spot will be fierce. Players like Cameron Hill, Chase Weisenberger, and Zachary Sibley have the potential to take on this responsibility, but they will need to prove themselves in the upcoming weeks of spring training.

The Aggies’ pitching staff showed flashes of brilliance in 2024, but it was often inconsistent. If they can find a true ace who can eat innings, generate strikeouts, and keep runs off the board, they will significantly improve their chances of competing for an SEC championship. The coaching staff will likely lean on the leadership of returning upperclassmen to lead this group and help develop the younger pitchers into reliable options.

2. How Will the Aggies’ Offensive Lineup Evolve?

The Texas A&M offense has the potential to be explosive in 2025, but there are several questions surrounding how the lineup will evolve. With several key contributors returning, including Austin Bost, Jack Moss, and Ryan Targac, the Aggies have the makings of a strong offensive core. However, they will need to find consistency and balance throughout the lineup if they hope to compete with the top teams in the SEC.

One of the major questions for the Aggies’ offense is who will step up and provide protection for the key hitters in the lineup. Last season, Texas A&M relied heavily on the top of the order, but depth behind those players was sometimes lacking. This year, the Aggies will need to identify players who can produce from the bottom half of the lineup to ensure they have consistent production from all nine positions.

Freshman players like Dylan Rock and Jaden McAlister could play crucial roles in the middle of the lineup, adding both power and speed to an already potent offense. Additionally, the Aggies will need to determine whether they have enough left-handed bats to balance their lineup and create a more dynamic offensive attack. While the Aggies have a good amount of right-handed hitters, facing quality left-handed pitchers in the SEC will require diversity in the lineup.

The Aggies also have to focus on their approach at the plate. Last season, they showed flashes of great offensive potential but often struggled to capitalize in key situations. If they can refine their plate discipline and reduce strikeouts while being more aggressive with runners in scoring position, the Aggies could have one of the most dangerous offenses in college baseball.

3. Can Texas A&M Improve Its Defensive Consistency?

While the Texas A&M offense showed great potential last season, one area that left room for improvement was the team’s defense. The Aggies had several lapses in the field that cost them runs and, in some cases, games. For the 2025 season to be successful, the Aggies must improve their defensive consistency across the board, particularly in the infield.

Infield defense will be especially important for the Aggies. With key players like Trevor Werner, Brock Vannoy, and Brandon Mims returning, the Aggies have solid defensive pieces in place, but they will need to work on their fundamentals. The team must focus on improving double plays, fielding ground balls cleanly, and reducing throwing errors that can lead to unearned runs.

The outfield will also be an area to watch. Texas A&M has some solid returning outfielders, including Tyler Whitaker and Jacob Walden, but the Aggies will need to continue to develop their range and communication. The Aggies can be one of the best teams in the conference if they can reduce their mistakes on defense and turn those plays into outs, especially in high-pressure situations.

A key element of defensive improvement will be better communication between players. Many of Texas A&M’s defensive breakdowns last season were the result of miscommunication, so the team must focus on building strong chemistry in the field and creating a consistent, reliable defensive unit.

4. How Will the Aggies Handle the SEC Grind?

The SEC is arguably the most competitive conference in college baseball, and the 2025 season will be no different. Texas A&M will face a grueling schedule full of tough opponents, including perennial powerhouses like Vanderbilt, Ole Miss, and LSU. The Aggies will need to prove that they have the mental and physical toughness to handle the week-in, week-out grind of SEC baseball.

A key question is whether the Aggies have the depth to withstand injuries and long stretches of tough competition. Injuries are a common issue in college baseball, and the Aggies will need to have solid backups at key positions to keep their performance consistent over the course of a 56-game regular season.

In addition to depth, the Aggies will need to maintain a strong mental focus and resilience. Playing in the SEC can be mentally taxing, and maintaining a level head throughout a season full of ups and downs will be critical. Texas A&M will need to develop leadership and team chemistry that allows them to bounce back quickly from tough losses and maintain momentum when things are going well.

One element of handling the SEC grind will be managing the pitching staff throughout the season. With a loaded SEC schedule, the Aggies will need to make sure they don’t overuse their pitchers, especially early in the season. Having a well-rested and healthy pitching staff at the end of the season will be key for Texas A&M as they prepare for postseason play.

5. Who Will Step Up as the Team Leader?

In any successful baseball team, leadership is crucial. While Texas A&M has a talented roster, the question remains: Who will step up as the team leader in 2025? With several key players returning, including some upperclassmen, the leadership will likely come from a combination of individuals both in the clubhouse and on the field.

Players like Jack Moss, Austin Bost, and Trevor Werner have the experience to be vocal leaders, but they will need to take ownership of the team’s success and ensure that the younger players are developed and integrated into the system. In addition, leadership from the pitching staff will be important. Having a pitcher who can lead by example on the mound and offer advice and mentorship to younger pitchers will be crucial for the Aggies.

The coaching staff, led by Jim Schlossnagle, will also play a key role in fostering leadership and setting the tone for the team. Schlossnagle has proven himself as a capable leader, and his ability to cultivate a culture of accountability and team-first mentality will be critical as the season progresses.

In terms of off-the-field leadership, the Aggies will need to stay focused and committed to their goals, balancing their academic responsibilities and social lives with their commitment to the team. Building chemistry both on and off the field will be critical for maintaining a positive atmosphere that translates to success.

Conclusion

The 2025 season for Texas A&M baseball holds plenty of promise. With a talented roster, a strong coaching staff, and a commitment to improvement, the Aggies have the potential to be a force in the SEC. However, addressing these five key questions will be essential for the team to achieve its goals.

As opening day approaches, the Aggies will need to continue refining their pitching rotation, improving their defense, developing offensive consistency, and preparing mentally for the challenges of the SEC. If Texas A&M can answer these questions with positive results, the team will be well-positioned for a successful 2025 season and beyond.