College Spotlight: Texas Christian University (TCU)
TCU is currently 5-2 on the season and just had a battle-tested weekend against Arkansas, Michigan, and Kansas State.
This is a team that doesn’t just recruit top players—they develop players into elite competitors who thrive under pressure. Year after year, TCU turns under-the-radar prospects into stars, postseason contenders, and future MLB players.
Current TCU High School Baseball Commits
TCU’s recruiting remains open for both the 2026 (a couple of spots left) and 2027 classes:
Disclaimer: Premier Athletes cannot 100% guarantee the accuracy of the verbal college commitments listed. Commitments only include those that Premier is aware of.
University Overview
Location: Fort Worth, Texas
Established: 1873
Enrollment: 10,510 students
Academic Excellence:
National Rankings: Consistently ranked among the top national universities
Programs of Note: Renowned for Business, Nursing, and Fine Arts
The 2024 season was a testament to the Horned Frogs' resilience and competitive spirit:
2024 Season Record: 33 wins – 21 losses
Strong Start: The team achieved a school-record 13-0 start, showcasing their early-season prowess.
Notable Victories:
An 11-9 triumph over Arizona State at Globe Life Field on March 2, 2024.
A commanding 5-0 win against the University of Texas in Austin on April 19, 2024.
Challenges: Mid-season injuries impacted key players, leading to a 14-16 conference record and narrowly missing postseason play.
Postseason: Despite a strong start, the team faced challenges and did not advance past the regular season.
Head Coach: Kirk Saarloos
Since taking over as TCU’s head coach in 2021, Kirk Saarloos has continued to elevate the program, blending his MLB experience, elite player development skills, and a winning mindset to keep the Horned Frogs among the nation’s best.
A former Major League pitcher with seven seasons of professional experience, Saarloos first joined TCU’s coaching staff in 2012 as the pitching coach, where he played a critical role in shaping one of the most dominant pitching staffs in college baseball. His expertise helped TCU reach multiple College World Series appearances before his promotion to head coach.
In just his first few seasons leading the program, Saarloos has already made his mark:
2022 Big 12 Regular Season Champion in his first year as head coach.
2023 College World Series Appearance, reinforcing TCU’s reputation as a national contender.
Fastest coach in TCU history to reach 100 career wins during the 2024 season.
Under Saarloos, TCU remains one of the most competitive and well-respected programs in college baseball, with a strong focus on player development, pitching dominance, and a championship mentality. His leadership ensures that every athlete at TCU is prepared for success—whether in college baseball, professional baseball, or life beyond the game.
Lupton Stadium: A Premier College Baseball Venue
Home to TCU Baseball since 2003, Lupton Stadium is one of the top college baseball venues in the country.
Seating Capacity: 4,500+ with additional berm seating.
Elite Facilities: Indoor batting cages, pitching tunnels, and a modern weight room.
Player Development Center: A 9,000-square-foot facility for year-round training.
Fan Experience: High-definition LED scoreboards, premium seating, and an electric game-day atmosphere.
Lupton Stadium isn’t just a ballpark—it’s a top-tier facility that enhances both player development and fan engagement.
Elite Player Development & Facilities
TCU Baseball is committed to developing well-rounded, pro-ready athletes through cutting-edge training, coaching, and world-class facilities.
Performance Lab – Equipped with high-speed motion capture, biomechanics analysis, and sports science technology to refine mechanics and optimize player performance.
Strength & Conditioning – A dedicated training center designed for speed, power, and injury prevention, ensuring players stay strong throughout the season.
Indoor Training Complex – Year-round batting cages, pitching tunnels, and turf infield allow players to refine skills in any weather.
Sports Medicine & Recovery – On-site rehab, treatment, and recovery resources help athletes stay healthy and maximize longevity.
With pro-level coaching, elite competition, and top-tier resources, TCU continues to prepare players for success in college and beyond.
Notable TCU Baseball Alumni in MLB
TCU has a strong track record of producing MLB talent, including:
Jake Arrieta – 2015 NL Cy Young winner, 2016 World Series champion (Cubs).
Matt Carpenter – Three-time MLB All-Star, Silver Slugger winner.
Andrew Cashner – Power pitcher with multiple MLB teams.
Brandon Finnegan – First player to appear in both the College World Series and MLB World Series in the same year (2014).
TCU’s player development continues to prepare athletes for the next level, with a growing list of MLB success stories.
Academic Support: Excellence On and Off the Field
Balancing athletics and academics is a cornerstone of TCU’s philosophy, ensuring players succeed in the classroom and beyond.
Academic Services – Dedicated advisors, tutoring programs, and study halls designed for student-athletes to stay on track academically.
Graduation Success – TCU boasts a high graduation rate among athletes, reinforcing its commitment to long-term success beyond baseball.
Flexible Scheduling – Personalized academic plans and priority course registration help players manage rigorous training and travel schedules.
Career Development – Access to networking opportunities, internships, and alumni mentorships prepare athletes for life after baseball.
TCU’s holistic approach ensures student-athletes excel both on the field and in their future careers.
Why Choose TCU for Your Son?
TCU offers a harmonious blend of competitive athletics and academic excellence. Under Coach Saarloos's leadership, the baseball program emphasizes player development, preparing student-athletes for success both on and off the field. The university's supportive environment ensures that players are well-equipped to excel in their future endeavors.
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About Alex
Meet your college baseball recruiting specialist: Alex Swenson.
As a high school baseball player, I navigated the college recruiting process all on my own. Despite average statistics, I landed a spot on a Division-1 baseball team Jacksonville University, where I became a 3-time team captain. Post-college, I became a D1 coach, scout, and recruiter at Georgetown University and Ole Miss, where we won an SEC championship.
After experiencing the process as both recruit and recruiter, I’ve successfully dissected the best strategies to connect with college coaches and draw offers from them.
Receive professional direction from Alex himself until your son commits to his desired school. A step-by-step action plan will be provided with strategic small-group coaching meetings every 2 weeks to ensure we are making progress. Included is a baseball networking platform that connects him to coaches, optimizes his exposure to scouts, alerts him to college camps and showcases, and MUCH MORE.