In 2012, Tyler Naquin became the highest-drafted position player in Texas A&M history when he was selected 15th overall by Cleveland. That distinction still rings true 12 years later, but Braden Montgomery might soon have a chance to change that.

The Mississippi native, one of the top 2024 Draft prospects, is not only having a career year but he is also at the forefront of an Aggies club ranked No. 1 in the nation.

On the latest Pipeline Podcast, Montgomery joined Jim Callis, Jonathan Mayo and Jason Ratliff to reflect upon transferring to Texas A&M from Stanford and what has transpired on and off the field since.

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“Things are going great,” Montgomery said. “The guys on the team are unbelievable to be around and it just makes it that much easier to play with them.

“They like to enjoy themselves and they like to keep it loose. I think that's a big reason why we've been able to do what we do and to stick to our process.”

Behind Montgomery and a pitching staff that ranks second in the country in team ERA, the Aggies completed a three-game sweep of Vanderbilt last weekend and have a 32-4 record on the season.

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The switch-hitting outfielder tallied seven RBIs in the series, four of them during a two-homer performance on Friday. Add another jack on Tuesday, and Montgomery has amassed 20 homers – tied for second-most in the country – and an NCAA-leading 59 RBIs. He also sports a 28-to-33 K/BB ratio in the loaded SEC.

“Obviously, in any conference, you can find superstars or guys that are standouts and really good, but it's hard to find holes in the lineups we play against each weekend just because these teams have so much depth,” Montgomery said.

“That's kind of been the difference I've seen between that and in the years prior that I've played. But I think it's huge for getting ready to enter pro ball. Just having not only to get past a starter, but to get past all the really good arms in the 'pen.”

Texas A&M has provided a good example of the importance of pitching depth. The ballclub features such a stout pitching staff that Montgomery, who was used as a two-way player at previous stops, has only made two one-inning appearances on the mound all season.

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“If our pitching staff needs or would like for me to help us out in that sense, then I'm all for it,” Montgomery said. “But, obviously, we've been going really well right now. And so, whatever is working and whatever is keeping us winning. I'm all for it.”

While Montgomery hasn’t been trading pitch grips and studying scouting reports side-by-side with the Aggies pitchers, the staff has helped him in a different way – at the dish.

“Something I was really excited to come to A&M and experience was, we've got a lot of lefties,” Montgomery said. “So in all of our inner squads, I was able to take a lot of right-handed at-bats.

“It was really helpful to see all those pitchers in preparation for the season. And at that time, I was in a really good spot right-handed, so I'm excited to see more of that.”

Whether it’s from the right or left side, Montgomery has been a revelation for Texas A&M this season, and he’ll look to continue his success down the stretch.

On the MLB Pipeline Podcast, Jim Callis and Jonathan Mayo are your tour guides through all the unfolding stories and breaking news of baseball's top prospects. Each week, you'll find out about the stars of tomorrow from the guys who know today. Download, subscribe and help others find the show by leaving a rating and review on iTunes or your favorite platform.