Los Angeles Angels select Texas A&M LHP Ryan Prager in 2024 MLB Draft

The Los Angeles Angels have selected Texas A&M left-handed pitcher Ryan Prager with the No. 81 overall pick in the 2024 MLB Draft. Prager spent three seasons with the Aggies.

This past season, Prager made 19 appearances, amassing 97.2 innings pitched. He tallied 124 strikeouts while holding opposing hitters to a .226 batting average. He finished the season with a 2.95 ERA and a 9-1 record.

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In Texas A&M’s win over Tennessee in Game 1 of the national championship, Prager pitched four innings. He only allowed two runs and notched six strikeouts. For his efforts in 2024, Prager was named an All-SEC Second-Team selection and a D1Baseball Second-Team All-American.

Prager did not participate in the 2023 season after suffering a UCL injury. He used his redshirt that season. He did not take his return to the mound for granted.

“Super grateful to be back,” Prager said after Texas A&M’s win over Kentucky in the College World Series. “Last time we were here, left a sour taste in my mouth. And to be able come back with this group of guys and do what we did, I think it was just a testament to who this team.

“We showed we can do it with a variety of different ways. To be honest, we just love being around each other. And the more days we can be around each other, we’re truly grateful for them.”

During his debut campaign with the Aggies in 2022, Prager appeared in 10 games with nine starts. He struck out 37 batters in 37.2 innings of work to go along with a 5.02 ERA.

Ryan Prager played high school baseball at Hillcrest High School (TX), where he was the No. 340 overall prospect and No. 40 LHP in the 2021 recruiting cycle, according to Perfect Game.

“While Prager hasn’t added any velocity since high school, working at 90 mph and peaking at 93 with his fastball, it has been unhittable because it comes out of a high release height with a ton of carry and he commands it so well,” MLB.com wrote.

“His low-80s slider plays well off his up-in-the-zone heater, darting under bats with two-plane depth. His low-80s changeup has similar action and elicits more empty swings and chases than his other offerings.

“Prager doesn’t light up radar guns but he keeps hitters off balance as well as any pitcher in the college ranks. His near-over-the-top delivery provides plenty of deception, and his ability to mix and command all three of his pitches also helps them play up. He’s a high-floor mid-rotation starter and some scouts think he has more upside and velocity left in his tank.”