The ink is barely dry, but undrafted pitcher Cal Higgins has already landed a deal, signing with the Philadelphia Phillies this Tuesday, July 15, 2026. Less than a day after going undrafted, the former Longhorn found his new home, ready to kick off his professional career. It's a quick turnaround for the Nebraska native, and it shows the Phillies' front office and scouts saw something in him despite some recent bumps in the road.
From Longhorn Struggles to Pro Deal
Higgins' journey to the pros has been a bit of a rollercoaster. His time with Texas had its fair share of ups and downs, particularly in the 2026 campaign. During that season, he posted a 5.56 ERA across 11.1 innings of work. Yeah, that number isn't exactly jumping off the page, and the Kearney High alum struggled to limit hard contact. But here's the kicker: he still racked up 16 strikeouts and added one win to his resume. Those strikeout numbers definitely hint at the raw talent lurking underneath, a talent the Phillies clearly decided was worth investing in. It's a testament to scouting that they looked beyond the surface-level struggles and saw potential.The Numbers That Tell a Deeper Story
You want to know why the Phillies pulled the trigger so fast? You gotta look at Higgins' track record *before* he transferred to Texas. This dude's college career started at Western Kentucky, and that's where the real story emerges. During his sophomore season, Higgins put up a solid 3.18 ERA. Then, as a junior, he absolutely dialed it in, taking his game to another level entirely. He recorded a ridiculous 1.87 ERA in 22 appearances while absolutely carving up hitters, striking out 52 batters! And get this: the talented lefty wasn't just piling up stats in easy situations. He pitched in some serious high-leverage spots, adding six saves to his resume. Those are the kinds of numbers that demand attention, proving he can perform when the pressure is on.A New Chapter, Familiar Faces, and Future Hopes
As Higgins dives into the next chapter of his baseball journey, he won't be flying solo in Philly. He'll be reunited with a familiar face in former Longhorns ace Ruger Riojas, who the Phillies snagged with the 100th overall pick. Having a former teammate making the same transition to the big leagues has to make things easier, right? It's a smart move by the organization to foster that kind of camaraderie. Higgins is also in good company, joining Carson Tinney, Aiden Robbins, Thomas Burns, Luke Harrison, and Cody Howard as Longhorns alumni who were either drafted or signed by an MLB team this year. Now, the real work begins for Higgins: showing the Phillies that he's not just a feel-good story, but a legitimate piece of their future as he starts his climb closer to the majors.This article was created with AI assistance and reviewed by Seattle On Tap editorial staff. Always verify information with official team sources.