Baylor Baseball Picked Fifth in Big 12 Preseason Poll

IRVING, Texas – Baylor baseball has been picked to finish fifth in the 2022 Big 12 Preseason Poll, as announced Thursday by the conference office.

For just the second time since 2014, the Bears were slated to finish in fifth place or higher, as voted by the league’s head coaches. Coaches were not permitted to vote for their own team.

In each of the last five Big 12 seasons, BU has matched or surpassed its preseason placement, including a conference tournament title in 2018. Baylor has not finished worse than fifth in the league since 2016.

Third-year sophomore Jared McKenzie, a preseason All-American and unanimous All-Big 12 selection, leads the Bears’ contingent that includes 2021 second-team All-Big 12 pitcher Tyler Thomas and honorable mention picks in Jack Pineda and Tre Richardson.

Texas was chosen as the unanimous favorite with eight first-place votes for a total of 64 points, while Oklahoma State followed in second with 52 points and received the remaining first-place vote. Texas Tech came in third with 49 points, with TCU trailing by one point in fourth.

Sitting behind Baylor (33) are Oklahoma (25), Kansas State (23), West Virginia (20) and Kansas (10).

Baylor opens its 2022 season against Maryland on Feb. 18, as part of a three-game series and seven-game homestand at Baylor Ballpark in Waco.

For the latest news on the Baylor baseball team all season long, follow its official Facebook, Twitter and Instagram accounts: @BaylorBaseball.

2022 BIG 12 BASEBALL PRESEASON POLL

1. Texas (8) – 64
2. Oklahoma State (1) – 52
3. Texas Tech – 49
4. TCU – 48
5. Baylor – 33
6. Oklahoma – 25
7. Kansas State – 23
8. West Virginia – 20
9. Kansas – 10