Texas A&M’s future pitching lineup now includes five transfer additions, while former Texas State RHP Wade Cooper might be the most intriguing new roster member, who had been connected with the Aggies as soon as he entered the transfer portal this offseason.
Given the average performance from A&M’s starting rotation, combined with a lack of development in the bullpen, coach Michael Earley made the tough, but right decision to fire pitching coach Jason Kelley, who did not live up to the standard set by previous pitching coach Max Weiner, leading Earley to conduct several interviews, landing on MLB pitching coach/coordinator Barry Enright.
Enright’s development background stood out, and despite his lack of experience recruiting high school and college-level players, helping land nearly every one of the Aggies’ five transfer pitchers so far proves he can connect with younger players and sell his development plan that will eventually lead to MLB.
Wade Cooper’s impressive freshman season ended with a 4.72 ERA, five saves in 66.2 innings pitched and 73 strikeouts, gaining significant attention from a long list of pitcher-needy programs, as the Del Rio (TX) native is looking to take the next step towards his development with Barry Enright, and already has experience against A&M’s 2026 lineup.
During Texas State’s mid-week victory over the Aggies, Cooper threw 38 pitches in 1.1 innings, allowing one hit and a run with two strikeouts, earning the win, and immediately becoming a target for Earley if he were to enter the portal. Entering his sophomore season, similar to current Aggie ace Aiden Sims, Cooper has a chance to earn a starting role, but will immediately compete for a key bullpen position
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This article originally appeared on Aggies Wire: Texas A&M transfer pitcher already faced most of the 2027 Aggie lineup
Reporting by Cameron Ohnysty, Aggies Wire / Aggies Wire
USA TODAY Network via Reuters Connect
By Cameron Ohnysty, Aggies Wire | USA TODAY Network
