LHP Will Johnston taken in the 13th round by the Oakland Athletics
The Oakland A’s, where the “A” apparently stands for “Aggies.”
On Tuesday, the Oakland Athletics selected Texas A&M left-handed pitcher Will Johnston in the 13th round, 376th overall of the 2023 MLB Draft.
Johnston is the third Aggie to be taken on the final day of the draft and will join teammate Nathan Dettmer in Oakland. Dettmer was a fifth-round pick by the A’s on Monday. Oakland also took RHP Micah Dallas in 2022.
Over four seasons in Maroon & White, Johnston compiled a 6-4 record in 98.1 innings in 66 appearances, primarily being used as a late-inning option over the last two years.
Johnston's best season in Aggieland was undoubtedly 2022. That spring, Johnston made 21 relief appearances and two starts as he helped the Aggies reach the Men's College World Series for the first time since 2017. Johnston built a 3-1 record with four saves that year to go along with a 3.25 ERA.
Entering 2023, Johnston was named to the Stopper of the Year Watch List by the NCBWA.
This spring, Johnston was 3-3 with four saves and a 5.89 ERA. He made 21 appearances out of the bullpen and emerged as a starter late in the season to make six starts, including a solid 4.1-inning stint to begin a series-clinching victory against No. 4 Florida in May.
A Roanoke native and Keller High School product, Johnston is eligible to return to school for a fifth season at Texas A&M should he opt to reject Oakland’s offer.
Ryan Brauninger's scout of Will Johnston
"Left-hander that can be used in multiple roles depending on situation/need. Up and down in terms of production but has quality stuff by analytical standards. Arm swing can be characterized as a bit stabby but does create deception. Fastball will be anywhere from 91-96 mph most of the time. Features two different types of breaking balls that differ in shape and spin rate, but both play hitters on either side of the plate. Can go on long-lasting swing-and-miss runs because of the stuff. Needs to find more consistency in terms of command. Will likely have to walk a fine line of still creating deception while also cleaning up some things with his mechanics. Competitive kid that pitches with emotion."