LaViolette drafted by the Guardians
It took a little longer than initially expected, but Texas A&M outfielder Jace LaViolette has been drafted by the Cleveland Guardians.
LaViolette, who had entered the 2025 season in contention for the top overall pick, slid after a frustrating season that saw his average drop from .305 in 2024 to .258 this past season. His power numbers also slipped, from 29 home runs to 18.
But LaViolette still ended his career as A&M’s leading home run hitter, hitting 68 home runs in 680 at-bats over three seasons — exactly one home run for every 10 at-bats. He also reduced his strikeout numbers in 2025, from 81 in 2024 to 66. His OPS (on-base percentage plus slugging) last season was still a very strong 1.003.
LaViolette’s power potential from the left side, along with his base-stealing ability, was too much for the Guardians, who lack both power and younger position players, to ignore. They snapped him up with the 27th overall pick, fulfilling predictions LaViolette would be a first round pick.
