Last weekend, Texas A&M coach Michael Earley saw eight players from the 2026 roster, combined with several 2026 high school commits and one offseason transfer portal addition, hear their names called during the 2026 MLB Draft. Losing his top 3 hitters, Caden Sorrell, Gavin Grahovac, and Maryland transfer Chris Hacopian, two of the Aggies’ starting pitchers were also selected, including junior LHP Shane Sdao.
After three seasons in College Station, the junior lefty went 120th overall to the New York Mets, even after his worst statistical season, ending the year with the highest ERA (7.03) among the starting rotation, recording a career-high 83 strikeouts, but gave up 16 home runs and 20 walks.
It’s important to note that this was a year after Sdao’s season-ending injury to his throwing arm, which more than likely affected his control, and while there were several moments during SEC play where the junior starter looked like one of the top arms on the roster, consistency was an issue that should be ironed out in the minor leagues.
It’s clear that Sdao is on track to reestablish his 2024 form with the right coaching staff leading his development, and, financially, the Montgomery (TX) native is in a good spot after signing his deal with the Mets, which is reportedly just a bit under his slot value at $642,600. While Sdao could have returned for a final season to further develop under new pitching coach Barry Enright, forgoing the MLB for a second straight season was highly unlikely.
Texas A&M’s revamped pitching rotation looks to be in solid shape with six transfer additions, led by Aiden Sims, and elite closer Clayton Freshcorn, who announced his return on Tuesday night.
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This article originally appeared on Aggies Wire: Texas A&M LHP signs $642,600 rookie deal with the New York Mets
Reporting by Cameron Ohnysty, Aggies Wire / Aggies Wire
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By Cameron Ohnysty, Aggies Wire | USA TODAY Network
