Former Socorro High School graduate Daniel Lopez has decided to continue playing college baseball rather than pursue a professional career.
Lopez, who graduated from Socorro in 2024, said Thursday night that he will attend the University of Kansas, a member of the Big 12 Conference.
Lopez was selected by the Baltimore Orioles in the 12th round of the Major League Draft on July 14.
“I believe in myself and one day I hope to be a first round pick,” Lopez said. “The University of Kansas is a program on the rise and I feel comfortable being a part of that program. Kansas started recruiting me in March and we built a good relationship.”
Kansas qualified for the 2025 NCAA Tournament.
The 6-foot-2, 195-pound right-hander pitched the 2025 season at Odessa College, going 6-2 with a save and 4.89 earned run average.
“I felt like I really grew as a pitcher in all aspects at Odessa College,” Lopez said. “I’m going to keep working hard and I want to help Kansas become even better.”
As a senior at Socorro, he hit .479 with 10 doubles, four triples, two home runs and 28 RBIs. On the mound, he went 3-2 with two saves, and he also participated in the Texas High School Baseball Coaches Association All-Star game.
“Daniel has come a long way and he’s getting better all the time,” Socorro High School baseball coach Joe Alvarez. “Daniel has worked hard to get to this point in his career.”
Felix F. Chavez can be reached at fchavez@elpasotimes.com; @Fchavezeptimes on X