Pair of Former Aggie Aces to Take the Mound in World Baseball Classic – Texas A&M Athletics

Pair of Former Aggie Aces to Take the Mound in World Baseball Classic – Texas A&M Athletics

February 7, 2026 discoverhiddenusacom Sports

Two former Texas A&M baseball standouts, Ryan Prager and Michael Wacha, have been selected to compete in the 2026 World Baseball Classic. Wacha will represent the United States, while Prager will play for Team Israel, marking a first for the Aggie program.

Aggie Pitching Power on the World Stage

Wacha’s selection continues a recent tradition of Texas A&M pitchers in the Classic, following Alex Wilson in 2017 and Brooks Raley in 2023. However, Prager’s participation is unprecedented, as he is the first former Aggie to represent a nation other than the United States. He is eligible to play for Team Israel through his Jewish heritage.

Michael Wacha: A Storied Career

A Texarkana native, Wacha excelled in three seasons with the Aggies from 2010 to 2012, contributing to back-to-back Big 12 titles. He was inducted into the Texas A&M Athletics Hall of Fame in 2023. Drafted 19th overall by the St. Louis Cardinals in 2012, Wacha has since played for six Major League Baseball teams – Cardinals, New York Mets, Tampa Bay Rays, Boston Red Sox, San Diego Padres, and Kansas City Royals – amassing a 111-75 record and 1,416 strikeouts over 13 professional seasons.

Did You Know? Michael Wacha never finished a collegiate season with an earned run average above 3.00 during his three years at Texas A&M.

Wacha’s collegiate career ranks among the program’s best, placing third in innings pitched (348.2), tied for sixth in wins (27), and ninth in ERA (2.40). He is one of only four pitchers in school history to record over 300 strikeouts, finishing with 336.

Ryan Prager: Rising Star

Prager, a Dallas native, pitched for the Aggies from 2022 to 2025, earning All-America honors and an All-SEC nod in 2024. Initially drafted by the Los Angeles Angels in 2024, he chose to return to Texas A&M for a final season before being selected by the Cleveland Guardians. He currently pitches for Cleveland’s Single-A affiliate, the Lynchburg Hillcats.

Expert Insight: Prager’s decision to return to Texas A&M for an additional season demonstrates a commitment to collegiate development and a strategic approach to maximizing his potential before entering professional baseball.

Over three seasons, Prager recorded a 3.93 ERA in 52 appearances (50 starts), accumulating 250 strikeouts – the 12th-most in program history. He became the 21st Aggie to reach 200 career strikeouts with a shutout against New Mexico State in 2025.

Prager played a key role in the Aggies’ 2024 College World Series run, allowing only two earned runs in 10.2 innings across two starts in Omaha. His most dominant performance came on April 12, 2024, with a seven-inning shutout against No. 6 Vanderbilt, striking out 10 batters.

Looking Ahead

Team USA, featuring Wacha, will compete in Pool B against Brazil, Great Britain, Italy, and Mexico at Daikin Park in Houston, Texas. Team Israel, with Prager on the roster, will face the Dominican Republic, Netherlands, Nicaragua, and Venezuela in Pool D at loanDepot Park in Miami, Florida. The tournament is scheduled to run from March 6-11.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Michael Wacha’s professional record?

Over a 13-year professional career, Michael Wacha has a record of 111-75 with a career ERA of 3.89 and 1,416 strikeouts.

How many strikeouts does Ryan Prager have in his Texas A&M career?

Ryan Prager recorded 250 strikeouts during his three seasons with the Texas A&M baseball team.

Where will Team USA play its pool games?

Team USA will play its Pool B games at Daikin Park in Houston, Texas.

As both former Aggies prepare to represent their respective nations, what impact do you think their collegiate experiences will have on their performance in the World Baseball Classic?