MLB: 3 East Texas Players in the Big Leagues
- Donovan Bridgeforth
- Apr 8
- 2 min read
EAST TEXAS (TXAN 24) — East Texas has a rich history of producing exceptional baseball talent, with players 2 players schedule to make their next significant appearance in Major League Baseball (MLB) today.
Here’s a comprehensive look at the 3 active MLB players from our region:
Michael Kopech, Pitcher, Los Angeles Dodgers #45 – Longview, Texas
Born in Longview, and graduated from Mount Pleasant High School, Michael Kopech is a right-handed pitcher renowned for his high-velocity fastball. He was drafted in 2014 by the Boston Red Sox in the first round with the 33rd pick, After making his MLB debut with the Chicago White Sox in 2018, he was traded to the Los Angeles Dodgers in 2024. Kopech played a pivotal role in the Dodgers’ 2024 World Series appearance.
Next appearance: Today, April 8, 2025 versus WSH
Justin Slaten, Pitcher, Boston Red Sox #63 – Longview, Texas
Also hailing from Longview, Justin Slaten. He was drafted in 2019 by the Texas Rangers in Round 3 with the 86th pick. Slaten is a right-handed pitcher who made his MLB debut with the Boston Red Sox on March 30, 2024. An alumnus of Hallsville High School and New Mexico for college, Slaten has shown promise in his early major league appearances.
Next appearance: Today, April 8, 2025 versus TOR
A.J. Minter, Pitcher, New York Mets #33 – Tyler, Texas
A graduate of Brook Hill School in Bullard, A.J. Minter has established himself as a reliable left-handed pitcher. Drafted in 2015 by the Atlanta Braves, he played a crucial role in their bullpen during their 2021 World Series championship run. Alex Jordan Minter now is on the active roster for the New York Mets.
Next appearance: April 9, 2025 vs MIA
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