Once again, a Texas Longhorn has been selected in the MLB draft.

Texas sophomore Jared Thomas was taken by Colorado in the second round Sunday. Thomas was the 42nd overall pick of the draft.

Thomas will have until Aug. 1 to decide if he will sign with the Rockies or return to Texas for another season. According to MLB.com, the assigned value for the 42nd overall pick's signing bonus is $2,224,700 although that number is negotiable.

A Waxahachie product who swings from the left side of the plate, Thomas hit .336 with 76 RBIs and 115 runs over his two years at Texas. This past season, Thomas showcased both his speed and power from the leadoff spot in UT's batting order as he hit 16 homers and was successful on all 18 of his attempted steals. Thomas' .349 batting average in 2024 led Texas and ranked eighth in the Big 12.

A mainstay at first base as a freshman, Thomas spent much of his time at that position and in center field this season. He made a few appearances in left field and also pitched once.

In a scouting report published on MLB.com, it was assessed that Thomas "offers one of the higher floors among college bats and his ceiling continues to rise as he displays more pop. ... To complement his hitting ability, Thomas offers several other promising tools. He's a solid runner and quicker once he gets going, though he's not much of a basestealer. He provides a plus glove at first base and also is a solid defender with arm strength to match in center field."

Although his selection was preceded by the drafting of UT signees Bryce Rainer, Theo Gillen and Levi Sterling, Thomas was the first Longhorn selected in this year's draft. Texas has now had at least one player drafted in every MLB draft. The first MLB draft was held in 1965.

This article originally appeared on Austin American-Statesman: Colorado Rockies draft Texas star Jared Thomas in 2024 MLB draft