Cal Higgins went undrafted, but the Phillies quickly signed the former Texas lefty, betting his strikeout upside can erase a rocky 2026 season in Austin.
Cal Higgins didn’t hear his name called during the 2026 MLB Draft, but the former Texas Longhorns pitcher didn’t remain available for long.
Less than 24 hours later, Higgins signed with the Philadelphia Phillies and secured an opportunity to prove his final college season didn’t tell the entire story.
It’s an intriguing gamble for Philadelphia.
Higgins endured a difficult 2026 campaign at Texas, posting a 5.56 ERA across 11.1 innings.
Opponents produced too much damaging contact, and he never fully carved out a consistent role on the Longhorns’ pitching staff.
There was still plenty for Phillies scouts to like.
The left-hander struck out 16 batters in his limited workload and earned one victory.
That swing-and-miss ability gives Philadelphia something to develop, especially if Higgins can improve his command and keep hitters from barreling pitches inside the strike zone.
His time at Western Kentucky offers a much more encouraging snapshot of his potential.
Higgins recorded a 3.18 ERA during his sophomore season before delivering a breakout junior year.
He finished that campaign with a dominant 1.87 ERA over 22 appearances, collecting 52 strikeouts and six saves while handling meaningful late-inning situations.
That version of Higgins likely convinced Philadelphia that his uneven season in Austin was worth looking beyond.
He also won’t enter the Phillies organization completely alone.
Philadelphia selected former Texas pitcher Ruger Riojas with the 100th overall pick, giving Higgins a familiar teammate as both players adjust to professional baseball.
That connection shouldn’t be dismissed. The jump from college baseball to the minor leagues comes with new routines, longer schedules and constant pressure to perform.
Having someone nearby who already understands the highs and lows of the Texas program could make that transition a little easier.
Higgins joins a productive group of Longhorns entering professional baseball. Carson Tinney, Aiden Robbins, Thomas Burns, Luke Harrison and Cody Howard were also drafted or signed by MLB organizations following the season.
Going undrafted may have bruised Higgins’ résumé, but it didn’t end his career.
Now the Phillies get a low-risk left-hander with strikeout ability, bullpen experience and something significant to prove. Higgins won’t be handed a path to the majors, but Philadelphia has given him the only thing he needed—a chance to earn one.
Follow Timm Hamm on X at @IndyCarTim.
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