BREAKING: Texas A&M Scores Massive Transfer Coup—All-Big Ten Shortstop Chris Hacopian Joins Aggies After Historic Cape Cod Performance
In a shocking and game-changing offseason development, Texas A&M baseball has officially landed one of the most sought-after names in the transfer portal: All-Big Ten shortstop Chris Hacopian. The announcement, confirmed late Saturday, immediately sent waves through the college baseball landscape—and for good reason.
Hacopian, formerly a standout at the University of Maryland, brings not just elite infield defense and consistent offensive production, but also a staggering record-setting stat line from this summer’s prestigious Cape Cod League. Over 43 straight games, Hacopian managed to avoid a single strikeout—an almost unheard-of feat in modern baseball that has scouts and analysts raving. The performance has been labeled by many as “historic,” and has only heightened expectations for his transition to College Station.
Though the Aggies are coming off a strong campaign and have shown a clear commitment to building a championship-level roster, few saw this transfer coming. Hacopian was considered a long shot to leave Maryland, where he had become a core part of their success and earned First Team All-Big Ten honors this past season. His slash line of .322/.406/.521, combined with slick fielding and a strong baseball IQ, made him a cornerstone of the Terrapins’ program.
But after entering the transfer portal earlier this summer, Hacopian took visits to multiple powerhouse programs—including SEC rivals—and ultimately chose Texas A&M for what he called “a perfect mix of culture, competitiveness, and development.” Sources close to the player say his decision came down to the opportunity to compete at the highest level in the Southeastern Conference and the appeal of Aggie head coach Jim Schlossnagle’s vision for the future.
What truly sets Hacopian apart from other top-tier shortstops is his eye-popping performance with the Bourne Braves in the Cape Cod Baseball League. Facing some of the best collegiate pitching in the country—many of whom are projected high MLB draft picks—Hacopian went 43 games without striking out once. It’s a jaw-dropping streak that analysts say hasn’t been seen in decades at this level of summer ball.
The feat earned him the nickname “The Untouchable” among Cape fans and has only boosted his already rising draft stock. Experts now predict Hacopian could be a Day One MLB Draft selection in 2026, especially if he performs well in the SEC spotlight.
For Texas A&M, the acquisition of Hacopian is more than just a major roster upgrade—it’s a signal to the rest of the college baseball world that the Aggies are serious about building a national title contender. With the SEC becoming increasingly competitive year after year, Schlossnagle and his staff have doubled down on high-level recruiting, smart portal pickups, and elite player development.
Hacopian fills a crucial gap at shortstop for the Aggies after the graduation of several key infielders and the departure of underclassmen to the MLB Draft. Not only will he anchor the defense with his sure hands and steady presence, but he’s also expected to hit near the top of the order, where his on-base skills and ability to extend at-bats will be invaluable.
He’s the kind of guy who makes everyone around him better,” Schlossnagle said in a statement. “We’re thrilled to welcome Chris to the Aggie family. His approach to the game, his work ethic, and his love for baseball fit exactly what we want here in College Station.”
Hacopian’s arrival in Aggieland changes the outlook for the 2025 SEC season. With elite bats and experienced arms returning to the Aggies’ roster, the addition of one of the most polished shortstops in the nation could push A&M into serious national championship conversations.
Fans and analysts alike are already buzzing with speculation about how Hacopian will fare against SEC pitching. Some question whether his strikeout-free streak will hold in a league known for power arms, but others are betting that his Cape Cod performance was a reliable preview of what’s to come.