Texas’ legacy in college baseball cannot be overstated as the Longhorns have had at least one player drafted in every year of the MLB draft. Additionally, the majors have showcased former Longhorns that have all-time status, such as Roger Clemens. So, how will former players who have donned the burnt orange and white fare this season?

Brandon Belt

One of the most successful former Longhorns in recent memory is first baseman Brandon Belt, who prepares for his 13th season in the MLB with his current team, the Toronto Blue Jays. Drafted in 2009, the Lufkin, Texas, product played two seasons at Texas, leading the Longhorns to a runner-up finish in the 2009 College World Series. That same season, he batted .323 with 43 runs batted in.

Belt recently became the longest-tenured San Francisco Giant in 2022, following the premature retirement of Buster Posey. As a 2016 All-Star and two-time World Series champion, the 34-year-old signed a one-year deal with the Blue Jays worth $9.3 million this offseason. There should be no confusion about Belt’s role in Toronto.

“(The Blue Jays front office) pretty much told me I was going to be the (designated hitter) most of the time, and I’ll be able to play first base as well to give (Vladimir Guerrero Jr.) some time off,” Belt said when interviewed by the Blue Jays organization.

According to FanGraphs, Belt is projected to play in 92 games for Toronto with a 1.4 wins above replacement and 18 home runs. Belt endured season-ending knee surgery last season and looks to rebound for a young, championship-ready Blue Jays squad, proving that he can still compete at a solid level for a playoff team.

Corey Knebel

Relief pitcher Corey Knebel joined the Longhorns in 2011, where he would tie the team record for saves as a freshman closer. Knebel was drafted by the Detroit Tigers in 2013, broke out with the Milwaukee Brewers in 2016, and most recently hurled for the Philadelphia Phillies in 2022. However, Knebel’s brief stint with Philadelphia would cease after a shoulder injury, prompting Knebel’s release after signing a one-year deal. 

The 31-year-old Knebel competed in 46 games, posting a 3.43 earned-run average in 2022. He remains a free agent at the moment, but as his health improves, he will likely be signed once again. Knebel’s dominant past can attract a contender that is looking for a solid backend bullpen presence.

Hoby Milner

Hoby Milner pitched three seasons at Texas, where he posted a 2.64 earned-run average in 34 games in his junior season. The Milwaukee Brewers southpaw reliever was drafted in 2012 by the Phillies, who he’d debut for in 2017. In his 2022 campaign, Milner completed his best season yet. In 67 games, the lefty posted a 3.76 earned-run average in a career-high 64.2 innings pitched. 

FanGraphs has Milner projected to compete in 62 games this upcoming season, posting a 3.75 earned-run average. With the loss of Josh Hader, Milner will have an opportunity for an increased role as a set-up man for Milwaukee’s young closer, Devin Williams.

Kody Clemens

Kody Clemens, son of Roger Clemens, competed for three seasons at Texas. In his junior breakout season, Clemens had a .351 batting average and 24 homers, leading to a unanimous first team All-American honors. Clemens would be drafted by the Detroit Tigers as the first pick of the third round in the 2018 MLB draft.

Clemens made his debut last season for the Tigers, competing in 56 games where he hit .145 and 17 runs batted in. The 26-year old also pitched seven innings of relief, giving up three runs total.

On Jan. 7, Clemens was traded to Philadelphia. Thus far, he’s had a successful spring training. Clemens will begin his season in the minors, but will likely find himself in the majors at some point in the Phillies season.

Bryce Elder 

Atlanta Braves pitcher Bryce Elder pitched for three seasons on the Forty Acres, posting a 2.08 earned-run average in his final year. Elder is set to begin his second season in the majors. The 23-year-old was drafted in the fifth round in 2020 by Atlanta and has already shown promise. The young starting pitcher had two wins, four losses and a 3.17 earned-run average in 10 games last season.