Shortstop Ali Camarillo selected in the 12th round by the Oakland A’s

SOFT!

On Tuesday, Texas A&M shortstop Ali Camarillo was selected in the 12th round, 346th overall, by the Oakland Athletics in the 2024 MLB Draft.

Of the six A&M products taken so far in this year’s draft, Camarillo is the third Aggie outfielder to go undrafted, following outfielder Braden Montgomery and Jackson Appel.

Like Hunter Haas in 2023, one year in Aggieland was enough for Camarillo to skyrocket up the draft lists.

“Strawberry Fanta,” a transfer from Cal State Northridge, hit .288 with seven home runs and 36 RBIs in the bottom third of the A&M lineup.

Besides modest success at the plate, Camarillo lived up to expectations as a smooth defensive shortstop, posting a .961 fielding average in his 68 starts at the position while making highlight reels look routine. His absence from the All-SEC Defensive Team remains one of the year’s biggest letdowns.

Originally from Chula Vista, CA, he joined an exclusive club to play in both Williamsport and Omaha. As a member of the 2016 Chula Vista Little League World Series club, Camarillo played a major role in helping the Aggies reach the 2024 Men’s College World Series.

Before his single season at A&M, he was a 2023 All-Big West First-Team pick as a sophomore at CSUN. That season, he batted .371 with a 1.032 OPS.

Should Camarillo decide not to sign, he could return for a senior campaign with Maroon & White.

Ryan Brauninger’s scout of Ali Camarillo

“Smooth player on the dirt, where his ability to make routine and spectacular plays both stand out. Understands timing and reads hops well. Arm is not elite, but passes the test. Shows excellent feel for the baseball in transition and is comfortable throwing from either arm slot. Has made some significant changes to his bat path and overall approach over the past 12 months to improve his overall profile in the batter’s box. Exit velos are OK, but could make another leap into professional baseball as he continues to add mass/strength to his slender frame.”