Texas A&M will open the 2026 baseball season on Friday night against Tennessee Tech, as second-year head coach Michael Earley will look to lead the Aggies back to the NCAA Tournament after missing the postseason during his inaugural campaign. On paper, Texas A&M's 2026 roster is more than talented enough to make a run, but experience, especially on the mound, continues to be an issue.
On Thursday, it was announced that junior pitcher Shane Sdao, whose last start was nearly two years ago, will take the mound on Friday, and likely serve as the team's ace, followed by Weston Moss and Aiden Sims making their first starts of the season on Saturday and Sunday.
After losing sophomore LHP Caden McCoy earlier this offseason, RHP Aiden Sims will look to provide stability as the Day 3 starter, knowing that Earley and his staff can't afford injuries on the mound anymore to get through the season in one piece. However, Earley should be great about his battling lineup, once again led by Caden Sorrell and Gavin Grahovac, who dealt with injury issues last season.
Staying healthy throughout the winter practice period, Grahovac, who started his career at third base, will reportedly switch to first base this season, which was confirmed by Michael Earley after announcing the Opening Day pitching lineup. Still, the star hitter will also see some time back at third base, depending on the opponent.
“He prides himself on being a versatile player. … You’ll see him at third some, and he has been working out at both.”
Grahovac's versatility is noteworthy and will only fuel his potential as a Day 1 selection in the 2026 MLB Draft, and it will hopefully help solidify Texas A&M's defense, which was inconsistent last season. Overall, the Aggies are well equipped to reestablish their offense with Grahovac and Sorrell back in the lineup, combined with several key transfer additions, including former Maryland infielder Chris Hacopian.
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This article originally appeared on Aggies Wire: Texas A&M's Gavin Grahovac to see time at first and third this season