The Texas A&M Aggies reshuffled infield talent, moving a star to first base, unlocking potent offensive combinations and solidifying the 2026 lineup.
Texas A&M baseball enters the early portion of the season in evaluation mode, with the coaching staff clearly prioritizing one thing above all else ... getting the most productive bats on the field without creating defensive liabilities.
With roster turnover and competition at nearly every position, the Aggies have treated early spring as an extended audition - and the results have already produced some intriguing lineup looks.
The most notable development has come on the infield.
Junior Gavin Grahovac, an All-SEC performer at third base and one of Texas A&M’s most consistent offensive threats, has been shifted to first base.
Grahovac’s bat plays anywhere, but the move suggests the staff believes his athleticism and instincts can translate across the diamond while stabilizing a position that lacked continuity last season.
That change opened the door for a youth movement on the left side of the infield.
Freshman Nico Partida has been getting reps at third base, while fellow freshman Boston Kellner has slotted in at shortstop.
Maryland transfer Chris Hacopian has handled second base, creating an infield alignment that blends proven production with long-term upside under the watchful eye of infield coach Cliff Pennington.
The ripple effects extend directly into the batting order.
If Grahovac settles in defensively at first, it frees up flexibility elsewhere - most notably at designated hitter. Blake Binderup has emerged as an early candidate for that role. The 6-6 slugger showed promise at the plate last season and posted a .970 fielding percentage, but first base was often a week-to-week decision based on performance.
That revolving door created uncertainty.
A steady presence from Grahovac could solve that issue while allowing Texas A&M to deploy Binderup’s power more strategically.
Nothing is finalized, and the Aggies will continue to experiment as Opening Day approaches.
Still, the willingness to move a star like Grahovac speaks volumes. Texas A&M is chasing the most complete, dangerous lineup possible.