Michael Earley provides program update as fall practice begins

The Michael Earley era has arrived in Aggieland as Texas A&M baseball begins fall practice with Wednesday's first full-team workout. The first-year head coach joined TexAgs LIVE to offer an inside look at his program, discussing the veterans and newcomers on the squad.

Key notes from Michael Earley interview

• It's ever-changing. There's something new every day, but I have a lot of good people all around me. It's been a really good transition for the coaching staff and the administrative help across the street. Everyone's been so supportive, so it's made my life a lot easier.
   
• I'm super lucky in year one to have a ton of returners who know how we do things. Our culture and structure are really good. I'm doing what I've typically done. There are differences, especially with new guys who don't know me — developing that relationship the right way because it is different now. But I'm super lucky to have the returners I have right now. It has been a seamless transition, and I need to fill in where I need to.
   
• Coach Caleb Longley has done a really good job recruiting, and all of us have been helping him. We just got a big one in the 2025 class. I can't say the name, but I'm sure people know how he is. Recruiting is hot and cold sometimes, and right now, we're doing well, but we've got to get into this 2026 class and continue to do well.
   
• Just meeting Mike Elko... He's an unbelievable guy. He's just a normal dude who really cares about his players and team.
   
• I always held back because I believed in playing my role in the role I was supposed to change, and my voice has changed because it has become louder, and that is just freedom for me. I was always holding back on defense because it wasn't my job. The players are responding to it, and I'm not screaming or berating guys, but it feels good to be that main voice. 
   
• Caden Sorrell's body grew throughout the year. He never stopped developing and now, with coach Jeremy McMillan, he's even bigger, stronger and more athletic. He does stuff at practice sometimes, and you think, "Man, this guy can be really good." I think the thing about him is that he's an outfielder, but he's a complete player. Some outfielders hide in the corner. Last year, he made some incredible plays, and he's a potential first-round guy who will continue to improve.
   
• I think Jace LaViolette is trying to take the pressure off. He wants to win clearly. You've got a guy who's projected to be the top pick. You let it be what it is going to be. If you look at his numbers, the swing and miss went down, and the chase went down. Jace needs to be patient. He's going to be walked a ton, and you know him. He wants to hit the ball, but those walks are still important for the team.
   
• Gavin Grahovac had a minor wrist surgery a couple of weeks ago. He has about four weeks to go until we’ll get him doing stuff. I don't anticipate playing him in any fall game. It would be too last minute for me. He is out but around the guys and taking over a bit of a leadership role.
   
• Hayden Schott wants to be out there. Talk about one of the most underrated players I have ever coached. I think he led the team in hitting last year. I can't imagine a lineup without that guy in it. He’s the real deal.
   
• We have a ton of depth on the mound. It will be about who takes over that role. Thats what those guys did, they took the role and owned it. You don't replace Evan Aschenbeck and Chris Cortez with two guys, but it could be four or five. I like the overall depth of our right-handers, so it will be about health, throwing strikes, and defense.
   
• Kaeden Kent came in with a new haircut, a little more tan, feeling himself a little bit. With him, he hasn't changed too much. He always played and prepared like he was the starting shortstop, which is not coach-speak. Thats why it was so easy for us not to jump into the transfer portal because we knew he was our guy. For him to prepare and continue to prepare the way he has is just an example I'll continue to use my whole coaching career.
   
• We're looking to continue to develop guys and keep guys healthy, get the freshman acclimated and being patient with them. You want to be impatient for action but patient for results.
   
• Regarding the stadium renovations, I met with them two weeks ago, and everything I've been told was that we're pushing forward, and we're going to get things going. It looks great. The plans look great.  I wish I could show you, but I'm not allowed. But yeah, everything is rolling forward, and it seems like there's more motivation than there's ever been, which is awesome for the program.