Aggies Evan Aschenbeck Named to NCBWA Stopper of the Year Preseason Watch List

The Texas A&M Aggies feature one of the nation's top bullpen arms entering 2023.

Texas A&M baseball is more than just a two-man wrecking crew of Jace LaViolette and Braden Montgomery. Voters are paying attention to the bullpen.

Aggies relief pitcher Evan Aschenbeck was named to the Preseason Watch List for the 19th annual National Collegiate Baseball Writers Association Stopper of the Year award. 

The award is given to the top relief pitcher in NCAA Division I Baseball. The institution or conference sports information directors submitted nominees.

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The notion marks the second straight season the Aggies have landed a relief pitcher on the initial watch list, following Will Johnston in 2022. Overall, Aschenbeck was one of 12 SEC pitchers on the list, which marked the most of any conference.

In his first season with A&M, the Brenham, Texas, native made 26 appearances out of the pen and led the Maroon & White in wins (8), ERA (3.46) and strikeouts (75). 

The senior also tallied three saves on the season and pitched multiple innings in 19 of his 26 appearances. In the D1Baseball Player Preseason rankings, Aschenbeck was listed as the nation's No. 21 relief pitcher.

Ascenbeck will be essential in helping the Aggies return to Omaha for the first time since 2022. Last season, starting pitching was a weak link for A&M behind an inconsistent weekend rotation outside of right-hander Nathan Dettmer. 

Third-year coach Jim Schlossanagle announced A&M would start all left-handers for the three-game series against McNeese entering Opening Weekend. Ryan Prager will open the series, while Justin Lampkin and Shane Sdao will close things out on Saturday and Sunday, respectively. 

Jim Schlossnagle Unveils Starting Rotation for Opening Weekend

The No. 8 Aggies open the 2024 season at Blue Bell Park on Friday at 6 p.m. against McNeese.

To view the full NCBWA Stopper of the Year Watch List, click here.