When Texas A&M outfielder Jace LaViolette steps to the plate, the entire stadium holds its breath. The junior from Katy, Texas, carries the hopes of the Aggies on his shoulders. After hitting his 60th career home run, LaViolette continues to etch his name in the Texas A&M record books.
Jace LaViolette Continues Hot Streak as Texas A&M Struggles
While the team around him struggles, the power hitter focuses on what he can control. LaViolette is widely expected to be an early selection in the 2025 Major League Baseball Draft. MLB.com ranks LaViolette as the No. 2 prospect.
“Possessing as much raw power as anyone in the Draft, LaViolette is built to crush balls with a quick left-handed stroke, the strength and leverage in his impressive 6’6: frame, and a focus on launching pitches to his pull side.
“He also makes quality swing decisions and established an Aggies record with 64 walks in 68 games last spring. The lone flaw in his offensive game does scare some teams, however, because he frequently swings and misses within the strike zone, even on fastballs.”
TWO-RUN 🚀 FROM LORD TUBBINGTON 👑#GigEm pic.twitter.com/gU4P1u0Eze
— Texas A&M Baseball (@AggieBaseball) April 5, 2025
That assessment reveals what makes the Aggie power hitter special. His swing is sudden and powerful, and the ball explodes off his bat with speed and loft.
He reminds many of a thinner, equally strong Adam Dunn with better bat-to-ball skills. His patience has also improved over time. As the quote mentions, LaViolette doesn’t chase pitches low in the dirt, a common tendency for many left-handed hitters.
Big boy swing from Jace LaViolette who turns around this 95 MPH FB and drives a 2-run HR out to right through an extremely stiff wind. Flashes every bit of his ++ raw power. Since March 16, LaViolette is 15-37 (.405) with 5 HRs and 15 RBIs. pic.twitter.com/ZSYB4zTVHX
— Peter Flaherty III (@PeterGFlaherty) April 5, 2025
Team Inconsistency
Baseball America, widely respected for its baseball analysis, predicted Texas A&M would win the Southeastern Conference. The writers strongly believed in the Aggies’ chances to secure a conference title, explaining:
“After reaching the finals in 2024 but losing to Tennessee in three games, Texas A&M is armed with the No. 1 roster in the country and geared up for another run at a national championship.”
Instead, the Aggies currently sit twelfth in the conference with a 16-15 record. The team has struggled in close games, with 12 of their 15 losses occurring within a four-run margin. As a result, the team plays well enough to compete but hasn’t been able to consistently secure victories.
Furthermore, the team’s high strikeout rate is a concern. Averaging 8.3 strikeouts per game makes the offense appear inconsistent. For example, Texas A&M has struck out in the double digits in 12 of their 21 games.
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With four home runs and 10 runs batted in during his last six games, LaViolette remains a potent offensive force. The rest of the lineup needs to significantly improve its production. As the season progresses into its final stretch, the team must find ways to win.
This might involve playing small ball, advancing runners, or taking extra bases. While waiting for a big inning might not always be effective, even a potential high draft pick like LaViolette demonstrating a willingness to bunt could signal a strong team commitment.
Currently, it will take a significant effort for Texas A&M to overcome its season-long struggles. Reducing strikeouts would be a major improvement. More importantly, LaViolette must maintain his strong performance.
Until the rest of the team performs as expected, the junior power hitter will need to carry the offense. While a heavy burden, it’s one often faced by star players at all levels.
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