Shortstop Ali Camarillo selected in 12th round by the Oakland A's

¡SUAVE!

On Tuesday, Texas A&M shortstop Ali Camarillo was selected in the 12th round, 346th overall, by the Oakland Athletics in the 2024 MLB Draft.

Of the six A&M products picked in this year’s draft so far, Camarillo becomes the third Aggie position player to come off the board, joining outfielder Braden Montgomery and Jackson Appel.

Reminiscent of Hunter Haas in 2023, one year in Aggieland was all it took for Camarillo to skyrocket up draft boards.

A transfer from Cal State Northridge, “Strawberry Fanta” hit .288 with seven home runs and 36 RBIs in the bottom third of the A&M lineup.

Along with modest success at the plate, Camarillo lived up to the hype as a smooth defensive shortstop, fielding .961 in his 68 starts at the position while making highlight-reel plays appear routine. His omission from the All-SEC Defensive Team remains one of the bigger snubs of the year.

A native of Chula Vista, CA, he joined an exclusive club to play in both Williamsport and Omaha. A member of the 2016 Chula Vista Little League World Series club, Camarillo played a big role in helping the Aggies reach the 2024 Men’s College World Series.

Prior to his single season at A&M, he was a 2023 All-Big West First-Team pick as a sophomore at CSUN. That season, he hit .371 and posted a 1.032 OPS.

Should he choose not to sign, Camarillo could return for a senior campaign in Maroon & White.

Ryan Brauninger’s scout of Ali Camarillo

“Smooth operator on the dirt where his ability to make the routine and spectacular are both eye-catching. Understands timing and reads hops well. Arm isn't elite, but it passes the test. Shows outstanding feel for the baseball in transitions and is comfortable throwing from any arm slot. Made necessary changes in his bat path and overall approach in the last 12 months to improve his overall profile in the batter's box. Exit velos are OK but could see another jump in professional baseball as he continues to add mass/strength to his slender frame.”