{"id":641165,"date":"2026-03-24T19:06:16","date_gmt":"2026-03-24T19:06:16","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.rawchili.com\/mlb\/641165\/"},"modified":"2026-03-24T19:06:16","modified_gmt":"2026-03-24T19:06:16","slug":"gavin-grahovac-returns-strong-making-impact-for-texas-am","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.rawchili.com\/mlb\/641165\/","title":{"rendered":"Gavin Grahovac returns strong, making impact for Texas A&M"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

When Gavin Grahovac set a Texas A&M freshman record with 23 home runs in 2024, he quickly became one of college baseball\u2019s most exciting hitters. The Aggies made it to the College World Series finals<\/a> that year, and Grahovac\u2019s power and bat speed drew the attention of MLB scouts.<\/p>\n

Last spring, after just six games, Grahovac tore his labrum on a headfirst slide. The injury threatened not only his season but also his place in the 2026 MLB draft.<\/p>\n

A year later, Grahovac is proving the setback is behind him. He has returned to the lineup with confidence, producing consistently and showing the power and bat speed that once made him a marquee prospect. Through 23 games, he is hitting .365 with nine doubles, one triple, two home runs, 26 RBIs, 13 walks and just 12 strikeouts.<\/p>\n

\u201cIt\u2019s been exciting. It\u2019s a blessing to be back on the field,\u201d Grahovac said. \u201cThere was a lot of work behind the scenes to get back to where I was, as healthy as possible, and the best player I could be.\u201d<\/p>\n

The 6-foot-2, 225-pound right-hander combines natural strength with a quick, explosive swing, giving him the ability to drive balls from foul pole to foul pole. Scouts have long seen him as a potential 30-homer talent in the majors. But Grahovac has also been known for an aggressive approach that produced high strikeout rates and swings outside the zone.<\/p>\n

This season, however, he has shown marked improvement.\u00a0<\/p>\n

\u201cI\u2019ve become a more all-around hitter,\u201d he said. \u201cI\u2019m trying to lower the swing and miss and make more production when I make contact. For me, it\u2019s being productive for the team at all times.\u201d<\/p>\n

Recovering after surgery was as much mental as physical. Grahovac spent hours studying video, watching pitchers and hitters, and running at-bats in his head. <\/p>\n

\u201cWhen all you can do is watch, that\u2019s really all you\u2019re looking at,\u201d he said. \u201cEven though I wasn\u2019t playing, I wanted to be ready for when it did happen, to be that middle guy for everyone and support the team.\u201d<\/p>\n

Athletically, Grahovac has average speed and solid arm strength at third base. Some scouts also see him as a potential fit in a corner outfield spot or at first base. Regardless of position, he has been central to Texas A&M\u2019s culture and leadership.\u00a0<\/p>\n

After a 15-1 start in nonconference play, the Aggies entered SEC competition with momentum but faced challenges, going 2-4 after series against Oklahoma and Georgia.<\/p>\n

\u201cThese guys love this game. They love playing for A&M and for each other,\u201d he said. \u201cIt\u2019s all going to be how we respond every single day when we show up to the field.\u201d<\/p>\n

The injury year also gave Grahovac a perspective beyond baseball.\u00a0<\/p>\n

\u201cI realized for the first time in my life what it really meant to have an identity outside of baseball,\u201d he said. \u201cThat\u2019s been very beneficial this year.\u201d<\/p>\n

Family guidance has been equally important. His cousin, Garrett Mitchell, who went 20th overall in the 2020 draft and now plays for the Milwaukee Brewers, has been a constant mentor. <\/p>\n

\u201cHe\u2019s been phenomenal,\u201d Grahovac said. \u201cHe\u2019s set the path for me, and we push each other every day.\u201d<\/p>\n

For Grahovac, motivation remains simple: family and legacy.\u00a0<\/p>\n

\u201cI play for the name on the front and back of my jersey, because of all the people who helped me get here,\u201d he said. \u201cThe work I put in is the way I honor that.\u201d<\/p>\n

If he continues to refine his approach and stay healthy, Grahovac has the power, swing and leadership to be an early first-round pick in July.\u00a0<\/p>\n

Scouts are intrigued by his combination of raw power and improved plate discipline, and a strong finish to the SEC season could solidify his standing among the top hitters in the draft class.<\/p>\n

As he looks ahead to the grind of SEC play and the MLB draft, Grahovac remains grounded.\u00a0<\/p>\n

\u201cI don\u2019t worry about the distractions five months from now,\u201d he said. \u201cRight now, I focus on being present, going game by game and helping this team get back to Omaha.\u201d<\/p>\n

Video of Gavin Grahovac. <\/p>\n

Dan Zielinski III<\/a> has covered the MLB draft for 11 years. He has interviewed 613 of the top draft prospects<\/a> in that period, including four No. 1 overall picks. Multiple publications, including Baseball America, USA Today, MLB.com, The Arizona Republic and The Dallas Morning News, have quoted his work, while he has appeared on radio stations<\/a> as an \u201cMLB draft expert.\u201d Follow him on Twitter @DanZielinski3<\/a>.<\/p>\n