Former Jag Longoria promoted to Grand Junction and the Pioneer League

Former UHV right-handed pitcher Mason Longoria continues to climb the ranks of professional baseball.

Last week, the Victoria native and St. Joseph product was promoted to the Grand Junction Jackalopes of the Pioneer League, which serves as an MLB Partner League. He joins fellow right-hander Julian Garcia (Billings Mustangs) as the two Jaguars playing in the league.

Longoria made his debut on Friday, throwing an inning of relief and picking up his first strikeout.

His promotion comes on the heels of a strong season with the Tucson Saguaros in the Pecos League. Longoria made 14 appearances with 35 strikeouts and three wins to help the Saguaros win the Pecos League Championship.

"It's been a long time coming," Longoria said. "After our season ended in Tucson, Grand Junction called me and told me they wanted me over there. This is a dream come true."

Longoria joined the Saguaros following a record-breaking career with the Jaguars.

In three seasons with the Jaguars, Longoria set the career record for wins (24), strikeouts (250) and innings pitched (258.0). This year, he set the single-season wins record for a pitcher with 11, breaking the 10-win record last set by Garcia in 2024. He was a two-time Second Team All-Red River Athletic Conference selection after helping the Jaguars win the RRAC Tournament in 2023 and reaching the NAIA Opening Round twice over the last two seasons.

"It's really fun to see his hard work pay off at the next level," said head coach Jonathan Stavinoha. "I'm looking forward to watching him continue to progress through the pro ranks."

Longoria is one of six Jaguars in professional baseball this summer with Brady Parker being drafted in the 12th round by the Colorado Rockies, and Garcia, Longoria, Hayden Leopold, Hal Perez, and Carson McKenna playing in the independent ranks.