Ryan Prager, LHP, Texas A&M: Rising Star Dominates SEC Conference in 2025 Season
Ryan Prager has emerged as a standout southpaw for the Texas A&M baseball program in 2025. The 6’3″, 200-pound junior left-hander recently joined the prestigious 200-K Club at Texas A&M and earned All-Tournament Team honors at the Astros Foundation College Classic earlier this season. His combination of size, left-handed velocity, and growing command has increasingly drawn the attention of MLB scouts as the 2025 draft approaches.
Born in Dallas, Texas, Prager has developed into one of the SEC’s premier pitchers this spring. His recent performances earned him SEC Extra’s pitcher of the week honors, adding to his growing resume. The lefty features a three-pitch mix that plays up thanks to his deceptive delivery and ability to work both sides of the plate effectively.
| Player | Position | Height | Weight | Bats | Throws | DOB |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Ryan Prager | LHP | 6’3″ | 200 lbs | Left | Left | Oct. 26, 2002 |
Contents
Early Career and College Commitment
Ryan Prager established himself as an elite left-handed pitching prospect during his high school career before committing to Texas A&M. His development as a prep standout set the stage for his collegiate career with the Aggies.
High School Achievements
At Hillcrest High School, Prager dominated on the mound with his imposing 6’2″ frame and advanced pitch arsenal. The southpaw quickly caught the attention of college recruiters and MLB scouts with his combination of velocity and command.
His high school statistics demonstrated why he became such a coveted prospect:
| Season | Record | ERA | Strikeouts | Innings Pitched |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Junior | 7-1 | 1.83 | 98 | 61.2 |
| Senior | 9-0 | 0.92 | 115 | 68.0 |
Prager’s repertoire featured a fastball that touched the low-90s and a developing breaking ball that showed promise. He threw left-handed but could also contribute offensively, occasionally playing first base when not pitching.
Commitment to Texas A&M
Prager announced his commitment to Texas A&M after joining FieldLevel on April 26 of his junior year. The Aggies secured his talent despite interest from several other major programs and professional scouts.
His decision to become an Aggie represented a significant recruiting win for the Texas A&M baseball program. When committing, Prager was considered one of the top left-handed pitching prospects in his 2021 class.
The commitment aligned perfectly with Prager’s development timeline. Texas A&M offered the ideal combination of top-tier SEC competition and proven pitcher development that could enhance his MLB draft prospects down the road.
Prager’s ceiling as a prospect made him a potential MLB draft pick straight out of high school, but his commitment to college development at Texas A&M showed his patient approach to his career.
Player Profile
Ryan Prager has quickly established himself as one of college baseball’s most promising left-handed pitchers. Currently starring for Texas A&M, his refined mechanics and physical tools have caught the attention of MLB scouts and earned him recognition in the SEC.
Pitching Style
Prager’s arsenal starts with a fastball that typically sits in the 91-94 mph range with excellent command. What separates him from many collegiate lefties is his ability to locate it effectively to both sides of the plate. His slider has become a legitimate out pitch, featuring tight spin and late break that generates swings and misses from both right and left-handed hitters.
His changeup gives him a solid third offering, showing good arm-side fade that plays well off his fastball. Perhaps most impressive is Prager’s advanced control and pitchability. He works with a mature approach, mixing speeds and locations rather than simply trying to overpower hitters.
The young lefty earned SEC Pitcher of the Week honors in Week 4 of the 2025 season, demonstrating his ability to dominate even the toughest conference competition.
Physical Attributes
At 6-foot-3 and 200 pounds, Prager possesses an ideal pitcher’s frame that allows for durability and projection. His lean but strong build enables him to maintain his mechanics deep into outings while generating power from his lower half.
| Physical Profile | Details |
|---|---|
| Height | 6’3″ (190cm) |
| Weight | 200 lbs (90kg) |
| Throws | Left |
| Bats | Left |
| Born | October 26, 2002 (Dallas, TX) |
Prager’s delivery is clean and repeatable, minimizing injury risk while maximizing his command. His arm action is smooth without excessive effort, suggesting he still has room to add velocity as he matures physically.
The Angels selected Prager in the third round (81st overall) of the 2024 MLB Draft, though he elected to return to Texas A&M for the 2025 season. This decision could potentially boost his draft stock into first-round territory next year if his development continues on its current trajectory.
College Performance
Ryan Prager has established himself as one of the premier left-handed pitchers in college baseball, combining impressive statistical output with clutch performances in key moments for Texas A&M.
Statistical Overview
Prager has put together impressive numbers during his time with the Aggies. As a junior in the 2025 season, he’s posted a 3.93 ERA with a 2-2 record through his starts so far. His strikeout numbers have been particularly eye-catching, with 50 K’s already this season, showcasing his ability to miss bats consistently.
Most impressively, Prager recently joined Texas A&M’s exclusive 200-K Club, cementing his legacy as one of the program’s all-time great pitchers. His career has shown steady improvement in command, with a favorable strikeout-to-walk ratio that MLB scouts are certainly noting.
| Year | ERA | W-L | SO | IP | BB |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2025 | 3.93 | 2-2 | 50 | – | – |
The 6’3″, 200-pound junior throws from the left side with a high three-quarters arm angle that creates excellent deception for hitters.
Key Games and Tournaments
Prager has delivered some dominant performances in high-leverage situations. He was named to the 2025 Astros Foundation College Classic All-Tournament Team after an outstanding showing in that prestigious event.
One particularly remarkable outing saw him throw 7.0 perfect innings, allowing just 1 hit with no runs and no walks while striking out 13 batters on only 92 pitches. This efficiency demonstrates both his dominance and pitch economy.
Another highlight came during an SEC matchup at Blue Bell Park, where Prager turned in a strong performance in a 4-2 extra-inning win that showcased his ability to perform in what many consider “the best college baseball atmosphere.”
MLB scouts project Prager as a potential early-round selection in the upcoming draft, with his left-handed profile and proven SEC performance making him especially attractive to organizations.
Accolades and Recognition
Ryan Prager has established himself as one of college baseball’s premier left-handed pitchers, earning national recognition for his impressive performances on the mound. His combination of command, strikeout ability, and competitive fire has put him on the radar of major baseball awards committees.
Awards and Titles
Prager’s talent has been validated through several prestigious nominations. The Texas A&M southpaw was named to the Golden Spikes Award Midseason Watch List in April 2025, recognizing him as one of college baseball’s top performers. This honor came after he posted a 2-1 record with a 3.35 ERA and 38 strikeouts through his first seven starts of the season.
The lefty has also collected SEC Pitcher of the Week honors multiple times during his collegiate career. His ability to dominate conference opposition – often featuring future pro talent – has been particularly impressive to evaluators.
All-American Accolades
Prager’s consistency has put him in position for All-American consideration. His stellar numbers have garnered attention from selection committees, with many projecting him to land on several All-American teams by season’s end.
The NCBWA Dick Howser Trophy committee has recognized Prager’s excellence by naming him a semifinalist for their prestigious award, which honors the top player in college baseball.
Prager’s 2025 Stats (as of April 15)
| Record | ERA | IP | K | WHIP | Opp. Avg |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2-1 | 3.35 | 40.1 | 38 | 1.14 | .226 |
Despite being drafted by the Los Angeles Angels in the 3rd round (81st overall) of the 2024 MLB Draft, Prager opted to return to Texas A&M for another season. This decision has paid dividends for both his development and draft stock.
Draft Prospect and Professional Outlook
Ryan Prager has positioned himself as one of the most intriguing left-handed pitching prospects in the 2024 MLB Draft class. His combination of size, stuff, and collegiate success at Texas A&M has put him firmly on professional scouts’ radar.
MLB Draft Considerations
Prager was selected in the 3rd round (81st overall) by the Los Angeles Angels in the 2024 MLB Draft, marking him as a premium selection. At 6’3″ and 200 pounds, his projectable frame has long appealed to professional scouts. The southpaw’s draft stock benefited significantly from his performance as Texas A&M’s Friday night starter.
His selection in the top three rounds wasn’t surprising given his development trajectory. Prager’s draft appeal centered around his left-handed delivery, command profile, and ability to perform against elite SEC competition.
| Player Profile | Details |
|---|---|
| Height | 6’3″ |
| Weight | 200 lbs |
| Bats | Left |
| Throws | Left |
| Draft Position | 3rd Round (81st overall) – Angels |
Projections and Scouting Reports
Professional evaluators view Prager as a potential mid-rotation starter with room to develop further. His arsenal features a fastball that plays up due to deception and command, complemented by secondary offerings that flash plus potential. Scouts particularly value his ability to sequence pitches effectively against high-level collegiate competition.
Prager’s membership in the 200-K Club at Texas A&M demonstrates his ability to miss bats at the collegiate level. His performance in the 2025 Astros Foundation College Classic earned him All-Tournament Team honors, further cementing his reputation as a big-game performer.
The Angels organization likely projects Prager to move relatively quickly through the minor leagues given his college experience and advanced feel for pitching.
Injury and Recovery
Ryan Prager’s promising baseball career at Texas A&M faced a significant setback when an unexpected injury changed his trajectory. The talented left-hander would endure a lengthy rehabilitation process that tested both his physical abilities and mental fortitude.
Tommy John Surgery Experience
The news broke in 2023 that Prager would be sidelined for the entire season. According to reports, the sophomore left-hander needed Tommy John surgery after suffering a UCL injury during fall practice.
This devastating development came at a particularly unfortunate time. Prager had established himself as a key piece of the Aggies’ pitching staff, having started 16 games in his previous season. The timing couldn’t have been worse for a young pitcher on an upward trajectory.
The surgery, which typically requires 12-18 months of recovery time, meant Prager would need to take a redshirt year. He spent the entire 2023 season recovering from the procedure, watching from the dugout as his teammates competed without him.
Post-Recovery Performance
Prager’s return to the mound was closely monitored by MLB scouts and college baseball analysts alike. His opening day performance against McNeese marked a significant milestone in his comeback journey, as he discussed his return from injury with noticeable emotion.
The road back wasn’t easy. As noted in Texas A&M’s official athletics site, it was truly “the long road to win number two” for the talented southpaw. His ability to regain velocity and command would determine his future draft prospects.
Despite being selected in the MLB draft following his injury, Prager made the calculated decision to return to school. He cited three specific reasons for this choice, prioritizing his development and education over an immediate professional career.
Comparative Analysis
Ryan Prager has established himself as one of college baseball’s premier left-handed pitchers. His performance metrics and development trajectory reveal both his current value and his potential at higher levels of competition.
Performance Against Peers
When measuring Prager against his contemporaries, the numbers speak volumes. The Texas A&M southpaw’s 124 strikeouts in 2024 placed him among the elite arms in college baseball, ranking ninth all-time in Aggies program history.
Compared to teammates like Seth Hernandez and Chris Cortez, Prager’s command stands out dramatically. His 124:20 strikeout-to-walk ratio demonstrates exceptional control that separates him from other power pitchers.
| Pitcher | ERA | WHIP | K |
IP |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Ryan Prager | 2.95 | 1.05 | 124:20 | 97.2 |
| SEC Average (2024) | 4.82 | 1.38 | 2.1:1 | – |
Prager earned D1Baseball Second Team All-American and Baseball America Third Team All-American honors, validating his status among the nation’s elite arms.
Historical Context
Prager’s evolution from freshman year to present tells a compelling development story. His freshman campaign showed promise despite surface numbers. He had a 1-4 record, 5.16 ERA, and 53 strikeouts in 59.1 innings, but these stats didn’t reflect his potential.
The transformation has been remarkable. Prager cut his ERA by over two runs while more than doubling his strikeout rate. This improvement curve mirrors other Texas A&M greats who developed into high MLB draft picks.
The Los Angeles Angels recognized this talent, selecting Prager in the third round (81st overall) of the 2024 MLB Draft with a slot value of $948,000. His decision to return to College Station for 2025 rather than sign professionally speaks to both his confidence and his commitment to further development.
