Texas lands a potential starting infielder in Arizona State transfer Ethan Mendoza
For the second time in a week, a Sun Devil has become a Longhorn.
Ethan Mendoza announced Saturday that he will transfer to Texas. Mendoza, a Texas native and a graduate of Southlake Carroll, spent his freshman year as the starting second baseman on Arizona State's baseball team.
Coming home🤘🏼 #hookem pic.twitter.com/vYFPkBxTR8
— 𝐸𝓉𝒽𝒶𝓃 𝒲. 𝑀𝑒𝓃𝒹𝑜𝓏𝒶 (@_EthanMendoza) July 6, 2024
Mendoza's commitment comes five days after former Arizona State pitcher Thomas Burns revealed his plans to move to Austin. Like Mendoza, Burns was a freshman during the 2024 season.
New Texas coach Jim Schlossnagle got a good look at both Burns and Mendoza last season. At the Kubota College Baseball Series at Arlington's Globe Life Field in March, Schlossnagle's Texas A&M team played Arizona State twice. Mendoza went 4-for-7 in those games. Burns struck out six Aggies over a four-inning start.
During his only year with the Sun Devils, Mendoza hit .315 over 203 at-bats with 35 runs scored and 24 RBIs. His 17-game hitting streak was snapped in Arizona State's season finale.
At Texas, Mendoza should quickly contend for playing time. Dee Kennedy, who started 40 times at second base for the Longhorns in 2024, transferred to Kansas State this offseason.
This article originally appeared on Austin American-Statesman: Texas adds Arizona State infielder Ethan Mendoza to baseball roster