Texas Tech baseball is set to welcome a new piece of talent as shortstop Ty Kaunas arrives from the University of Maryland, marking the latest move in a busy transfer‑portal cycle for the program.
A Strategic Addition
Kaunas comes to Lubbock after a standout sophomore season in which he started all 56 games for the Terrapins, batting .286 with five home runs and 39 runs batted in while leading the team in at‑bats and doubles.
The shortstop earned Big Ten all‑freshman team honors, a distinction that mirrors the accolade received by the Red Raiders’ departing Big 12 all‑freshman shortstop, underscoring the significance of the acquisition.
Beyond the numbers, Kaunas offers versatility; he has experience at both shortstop and third base, and his disciplined approach at the plate is reflected in a team‑high 46 walks and a respectable 62 strikeouts.
His high school career spanned three institutions — Nativity BVM in Pottstown, Pennsylvania, Red Land High School in Lewisberry, Pennsylvania, and Brunswick (Md.) High School — where he capped his senior year with a Class 1A state championship.
The timing of his commitment aligns with the portal window that opened on June 1, a period that has already seen other Texas Tech signees, including Garcia, who previously started 30 games at shortstop and 25 at third base.
Sophomore Coleman Ryan, who made 24 late‑season starts at shortstop for the Red Raiders and batted .195 with five RBIs, will now compete for playing time with Kaunas, adding depth to the infield.
Looking Ahead
Coach and athletic staff have expressed optimism that Kaunas’s experience and work ethic will help the program rebound from a 27‑28 record and contend more strongly in the Big 12 next season. Fans can expect to see him slotting into the lineup as the team opens its season, with the coaching staff already integrating his skill set into practice drills.