Three Cowboys Tabbed Preseason All-Americans

STILLWATER – Oklahoma State Cowboy baseball have three players who were tabbed Preseason All-Americans on Monday morning by Baseball America and D1 Baseball.

Transfer pitcher Juaron Watts-Brown was named a Second Team selection by both publications, while returning utility player Nolan McLean was tabbed a Second Team selection by D1 Baseball and Third Team by Baseball America and infielder Roc Riggo picked up Third Team nods by both publications.

This comes after both Watts-Brown and McLean were tabbed Preseason All-Americans by both Collegiate Baseball and Perfect Game, as well as Watts-Brown being named the Preseason Big 12 Pitcher and Newcomer of the Year and unanimous Preseason First Team selection by the coaches, with McLean earning a unanimous selection and Roc Riggio and Marcus Brown making the team as well.

Watts-Brown transferred to Oklahoma State from Long Beach State following a freshman campaign which earned him All-America honors. He went 4-4 with a 3.68 ERA in 15 appearances, 12 of which were starts for the Dirtbags. He finished the season with 111 strikeouts in 73 1/3 innings, as well setting a couple of school records in the process. He posted the program’s first complete game no-hitter, as well as setting the record for strikeouts per nine innings, 13.62.

As for McLean, he returns to Stillwater after being selected by the Baltimore Orioles with the first pick of the third round of the 2022 MLB Draft. The two sides couldn’t come to an agreement, which greatly benefits the Pokes as McLean is coming off an All-American sophomore season. He raked .285 on the season with a team-high 19 home runs. He also recorded 47 RBIs and 16 doubles.

On the mound, McLean finished the season with a 2-1 record with five saves in 25 1/3 innings, including 39 strikeouts.

As for Riggio, he’s also coming off a Freshman All-American season in which he started 53 games. He posted a .295 average form the plate with 11 home runs, 47 RBIs and 14 doubles.