Two Aggie stars, Hacopian and Partida, shine on national watchlists, igniting excitement for Texas A&M's dominant 2026 baseball season ahead.
The buzz around Olsen Field at Blue Bell Park is reaching a fever pitch as the 2026 college baseball season approaches. While fans are marking their calendars for the big televised matchups, the national media is busy spotlighting the individual talent that makes this Texas A&M baseball roster so dangerous.
This week, Baseball America confirmed what many in College Station already knew: the Aggies have some of the most elite talent in the country.
Chris Hacopian: A Powerhouse Addition to the Infield
Topping the headlines is junior infielder Chris Hacopian, who has officially been named to the Preseason College Player of the Year Watchlist.
Already recognized as a Preseason Third-Team All-American, Hacopian is expected to be a cornerstone of the Aggie offense.
The 6-1 slugger arrives in Aggieland with a resume that should terrify SEC pitchers. During his time at Maryland, he was a statistical machine. Last season alone, he put up an eye-popping .375 batting average and a massive 1.080 OPS.
What’s even more impressive than his 14 home runs and 61 RBI is his plate discipline - he drew 40 walks while striking out only 19 times. That kind of veteran presence is exactly what a team needs to navigate a grueling conference schedule.
Nico Partida: The Freshman Phenom
On the other end of the experience spectrum is Nico Partida, who earned a spot on the Preseason College Freshman of the Year Watchlist.
Partida isn't your average rookie; he’s a true two-way threat from Pearland, Texas, who dominated the high school circuit as both a pitcher and a hitter.
His senior year stats look like something out of a video game:
- On the Mound: A 4-1 record with a microscopic 0.70 ERA.
- At the Plate: A .480 batting average supplemented by eight home runs and 22 stolen bases.
As a three-time Texas Class 6A All-State First Team selection, Partida brings a winning pedigree to the locker room. Whether he's closing out a tight game or sparking a rally with his legs, he’s a player fans will want to watch closely from Day 1.
The journey begins on Feb. 13, when Texas A&M hosts Tennessee Tech to kick off the 2026 campaign. With stars like Hacopian and Partida leading the charge, the Aggies aren't just looking to play - they're looking to dominate.