Mike Earley showers freshman class with praise after blazing hot start

Mike Earley and the Texas A&M baseball staff deserve to pat themselves on the back after signing one of the most productive freshman classes in NCAA baseball this season. Earley indeed recognized his efforts, saying that this year’s class is “up there” as one of the best in his collegiate career, according to Nick Kuzma of KBTX.

The Aggie freshman trio of Nico Partida, Boston Kellner, and Jorian Wilson has been on fire this season. Partida was named Midseason Freshman of the Year by Perfect Game, is second on the team in HRs, third in hits, and fourth in RBIs. This is particularly impressive considering he is competing with two players who received first or second-round 2026 MLB draft evaluations from ESPN: Caden Sorrell and Gavin Grahovac.

Kellner ranks first on the team in walks despite having fewer plate appearances than his counterparts, drawing 33 BBs (and 8 HBP) in 9 fewer plate appearances than the second-placed Jake Duer. This has led Kellner to a .483 on-base percentage, ranking second on the team.

Wilson hasn’t received as much action this year, with both Partida and Kellner logging 75 more plate appearances than him. Still, in his 22 games of action, Wilson has shined. He ranks tied for fourth in home runs for the team with 6, and would be on pace to be second-place if he had as many plate appearances as the team leaders: Sorrell, Partida, and Grahovac.

On the mound, the Aggies have deployed Cole Hubert and Hunter Vincent for a combined 21 innings pitched (15.2 for Hubert, 5.1 for Billings). While their collegiate careers have started a little rockier than those of the freshman hitters, with both pitchers posting ERAs above 8.50, there is still talent in the Texas A&M pitching staff to mold into high-level pitchers. Hubert has earned the fourth-most starts on the team while still making relief appearances, and Vincent leads the team in SO/9 (Yes, this is on a small sample size. Regardless, it’s still notable.)

While Partida has stolen the show, this freshman class isn’t a one-hit wonder. Kellner and Wilson are like fire and ice in the Aggie batting order, with Kellner providing stability by getting on base in nearly half of his plate appearances, and Wilson providing the high-upside extra base hits. The first-year pitchers have largely been sequestered at the end of the rotation/bullpen due to the old, deep pitching unit Texas A&M boasts, but each has shown flashes of talent that could be refined as they develop.

While it’s typical for coaches to boast about their confidence in their young talent, Earley’s praise is no participation trophy; the Aggie freshmen have been phenomenal this season.

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This article originally appeared on Aggies Wire: Mike Earley showers freshman class with praise after blazing hot start