Texas A&M Misses On Naulivou Lauaki Jr.

Texas A&M baseball took a big swing in the transfer portal, but this one didn’t leave the yard for the Aggies.

Former Oregon utility bat Naulivou Lauaki Jr. committed to Georgia, taking one of the most intriguing power bats on the market away from A&M’s late-portal board.

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It’s not a disaster, but it’s definitely a whiff that matters. Players with Lauaki’s combination of pop, production and remaining eligibility don’t sit around long.

Lauaki put up loud numbers at Oregon, slashing .321/.370/.687 with 43 hits, 14 home runs and 37 RBIs. 

For an Aggies team still trying to sharpen its 2027 roster, adding a bat like that would’ve been a serious jolt.

Instead, Georgia gets the prize.

The frustration for Texas A&M is obvious. The Aggies were in the mix, had a real shot and still came up short.

But this isn’t the kind of miss that wrecks an offseason. A&M has already built a strong base with Nico Partida, Jorian Wilson and Boston Kellner in the fold, and there’s still enough time for the staff to make another move before the portal door slams shut.

That’s where Nolan Cain matters. With Cain back involved, the Aggies have a proven recruiter working the final stretch, and this is exactly the type of window where aggressive programs separate themselves. A&M doesn’t need to panic. It needs to close.

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The next few days should be fascinating. Texas A&M still has room for another impact bat, another arm, or both. Missing on Lauaki stings, but the portal is never about one name.

It’s about finishing strong. Now the Aggies have to prove they can.

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