“2025 MLB Draft Forces Big Decisions for Texas and Texas A&M Stars and Signees — Future Hangs in the Balance for Top Talent”
The 2025 MLB Draft has once again cast a bright spotlight on the state of Texas, and this year’s version is shaping up to be a defining moment for both the University of Texas and Texas A\&M baseball programs. With several draft-eligible stars and top-tier high school signees at the center of it all, the choices these young athletes make in the coming days will not only shape their individual careers but also significantly alter the short-term futures of these collegiate powerhouses. As scouts descend, agents negotiate, and families deliberate, the balance between turning pro and honoring a college commitment has never been more precarious or consequential.
For Texas and Texas A\&M, two of the most storied programs in the college baseball landscape, this year’s draft presents both opportunity and risk. Each program has seen a surge in both performance and national relevance in recent years, and a strong crop of players has elevated the expectations surrounding them. However, with success comes visibility, and with visibility comes the attention of Major League Baseball scouts. This draft cycle has made one thing clear: talent runs deep across both programs, and the decisions of these young men could dictate whether the Longhorns or Aggies make another run at Omaha—or are forced to rebuild faster than expected.
At the heart of this draft conundrum is the sheer volume of players and signees drawing interest. For the Longhorns, junior pitcher Mason Gilliam has turned heads with his mid-90s fastball and devastating slider. Projected to go in the top three rounds, Gilliam now faces the classic decision of whether to cash in on his draft stock or return to Austin to further refine his game and possibly boost his draft value even more in 2026. Head coach David Pierce has publicly expressed his confidence in the culture and support system at Texas, hoping that it might convince some of the top talents to stay.
Meanwhile, in College Station, Texas A\&M finds itself in a nearly identical situation. Coach Michael Earley, in his first year as head coach, is hoping to ride the momentum of a recent College World Series berth into the next era of Aggie baseball. But his success has come with a price: players like slugger Connor Veidt and ace left-hander Josh McCain are both being scouted heavily. Veidt, a sophomore-eligible bat with tremendous power and plate discipline, could be a sleeper pick in the early rounds. McCain, a junior with one of the best changeups in the country, is also fielding calls from multiple MLB organizations.
The pressure is especially acute for the programs’ incoming freshmen. Both schools have inked historic recruiting classes, featuring multiple players ranked in the top 100 nationally. Among the most notable is shortstop Dylan Morales, a Texas A\&M signee from California whose defensive instincts and quick bat have been praised by evaluators across the league. Morales is reportedly being considered as a potential late-first-round pick, and should he choose to forgo his college commitment, the Aggies would be dealt a serious blow to their future infield plans. On the Longhorns’ side, right-handed pitcher Jaxon Lively, a top high school hurler from Houston, is also weighing whether to join Texas or leap straight into the professional ranks. Lively has impressed scouts with a four-pitch mix and a bulldog mentality on the mound.
The dynamic at play here extends beyond just the players and their universities. The influence of MLB organizations, slot bonuses, and development philosophies has made the draft a complex game of chess. Teams now evaluate whether high school players are truly signable, considering their college commitments and bonus expectations. In some cases, MLB clubs may pass on talented players if they believe the individual is firmly committed to college and unlikely to sign for below a certain threshold. This has allowed players to gain some leverage in the decision-making process, although it adds another layer of uncertainty for both the college coaches and the MLB teams trying to construct their future rosters.
Financial considerations are another major factor. With MLB draft bonuses potentially reaching into the millions, many families must wrestle with the question of immediate financial security versus long-term development. College baseball offers the structure of academic support, a high level of competition, and a chance to build maturity before entering the often ruthless world of professional sports. But for others, the allure of signing a professional contract and starting their climb through the minor leagues is too enticing to pass up.
Texas A\&M’s recent success in placing players into the professional ranks also complicates matters. The program has now extended its streak of having three or more players drafted every year since 2001, a run unmatched in the country. That reputation only further convinces recruits and current players that they can be developed into professional-caliber athletes in College Station. However, it also increases the likelihood that players may choose to leave early when the opportunity arises, potentially undercutting the team’s ability to field a consistent veteran lineup.
For Texas, the situation is equally delicate. With the looming move to the SEC now complete and the level of competition escalating, keeping elite players on campus is more crucial than ever. A mass exodus of talent due to the draft could make the transition more difficult. Coach Pierce and his staff are working overtime to not only recruit but to retain, selling the value of development, education, and national exposure that comes with donning the burnt orange. The Longhorns’ pedigree and history of sending players to the majors, including the likes of Roger Clemens and Huston Street, remains a strong draw.
Behind the scenes, conversations between players and their inner circles are in full swing. Advisors—often unofficial agents prior to signing—are fielding calls from MLB front offices and relaying critical information about bonus offers and developmental plans. These discussions play a massive role in helping players determine whether to go pro or spend a few more years sharpening their tools in college. It’s a high-stakes atmosphere, full of pressure, hope, and uncertainty.
There are, of course, the rare players who defy the odds and manage to walk the line perfectly. Some elect to return to college despite being drafted high, knowing that another strong season could vault them into the first round. Others sign professionally but negotiate contracts that include college tuition, hedging their bets on both fronts. Still, for the vast majority, the decision must be made quickly and definitively. The MLB’s signing deadline leaves little room for hesitation.
Beyond just Texas and Texas A\&M, the state as a whole continues to assert itself as a breeding ground for baseball talent. From East Texas to the Rio Grande Valley, scouts have noted the depth of skill and passion for the game. The programs at Texas and A\&M benefit from this pipeline, but they also feel the strain of keeping their top targets from being lured away by pro ball. With NIL (Name, Image, and Likeness) money now a legal and increasingly competitive component in the recruiting arsenal, schools are hoping to use it as a tool to retain borderline players, offering competitive packages that might offset the appeal of low-round MLB contracts.
In the weeks following the draft, both fan bases will be watching closely as announcements come in. Will their favorite power hitter return for another season, or has he signed with a major league club? Will the pitching staff remain intact, or will key arms head to rookie ball? These questions loom large, and they will determine not only the makeup of next year’s rosters but also the long-term trajectory of these flagship baseball programs.
No matter how the dust settles, the 2025 MLB Draft has once again made one thing abundantly clear: the line between college and professional baseball is thinner than ever, and navigating it requires vision, patience, and a fair bit of faith. For Texas and Texas A\&M, the coming days will be filled with phone calls, negotiations, and ultimately, clarity—one player at a time. As coaches wait, as families weigh their futures, and as fans hope for the best, the heart of baseball in the Lone Star State beats stronger than ever. The decisions made in the next week could determine who dominates the diamond next spring—and who’s already chasing a big-league dream.
