Both Johnson and Gonzales stand as a testament to what hard work and commitment can yield.

Aggie Baseball Jet Johnson

Two for the Show: Johnson Gets the Call Joining Gonzales in the Majors

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Johnson’s performance at NM State helped propel him to being selected in the fifth round of the 2016 MLB Draft with the 154th overall pick by the Washington Nationals.

Source: NMSU Athletics
Photos: Courtesy

We now have two Aggies to watch for in Major League Baseball. Daniel “Jet” Johnson was called up by the San Francisco Giants on June 4, 2025. One day prior, shortstop Nick Gonzales worked his way out of rehab for an ankle injury sustained early in the season. He is back on the roster for the Pittsburgh Pirates.

Both Johnson and Gonzales stand as a testament to what hard work and commitment can yield. The road to the Major Leagues can often be long, and full of twists and turns. Here are two Aggies who have stayed the course, giving us two more players to keep an eye on as the dog days of summer approach.

Daniel “Jet” Johnson (Played at NM State from 2015-16)–San Francisco Giants

In a recent interview for Jackie Robinson Day, Johnson had this to say about the first African American to play in the majors:

“Jackie Robinson was more than just a ballplayer. He was historic icon both on and off the field. Becoming the 1st African American player to play in Major League Baseball not only turned heads but inspired young kids like myself. He’s the reason you see so many young black kids playing baseball today. Not only did he pave the way, he gave the black community a voice in baseball. We too can play this game at the same competitive level given the opportunity.
 
Jackie Robinson is the reason I have been able to accomplish everything I have so far. Not only did he inspire me and so many others to infiltrate the MLB, he helped me become the man I am today. Jackie changed the game baseball and so many lives in between. Thank you forever Jackie Robinson.”

Johnson played for the Aggies from 2015-16 and appeared in 100 games, including making 97 total starts. During his time with the Aggies, he maintained a .353 average and produced 66 RBIs on 140 hits. His performance at NM State helped propel him to being selected in the fifth round of the 2016 MLB Draft with the 154th overall pick by the Washington Nationals.

In 2019, Johnson played in the MLB Futures games as part of All Star Weekend. Johnson ultimately made his MLB debut on July 25, 2020, when he appeared in a game for the Cleveland Guardians. Three days later, Johnson would record his first major league hit during a bout against the Chicago White Sox. He has now played 36 games in the MLB and just last season, he was called up to the major leagues by the Baltimore Orioles amid a playoff push. More recently, Johnson started 2025 with the Sacramento River Cats, the AAA affiliate of the San Francisco Giants.

On June 4, the Giants selected Johnson’s contract. In other words, Johnson got the call up to “the Show”.

Johnson’s Road to “the Show”

DateTransaction
June 4, 2025San Francisco Giants selected the contract of OF Daniel Johnson from Sacramento River Cats.
May 2, 2025San Francisco Giants signed free agent OF Daniel Johnson to a minor league contract.
May 2, 2025OF Daniel Johnson assigned to Sacramento River Cats.
April 30, 2025Caliente de Durango released CF Daniel Johnson.
April 17, 2025CF Daniel Johnson assigned to Generales de Durango.
October 31, 2024CF Daniel Johnson elected free agency.
October 30, 2024Baltimore Orioles sent CF Daniel Johnson outright to Norfolk Tides.
October 16, 2024Tigres del Licey activated CF Daniel Johnson.
October 16, 2024CF Daniel Johnson assigned to Tigres del Licey.
October 16, 2024Tigres del Licey activated CF Daniel Johnson.
October 3, 2024Baltimore Orioles recalled CF Daniel Johnson from Norfolk Tides.
September 22, 2024Baltimore Orioles optioned CF Daniel Johnson to Norfolk Tides.
September 21, 2024Baltimore Orioles selected the contract of CF Daniel Johnson from Norfolk Tides.
July 24, 2024Norfolk Tides activated RF Daniel Johnson from the temporarily inactive list.
July 19, 2024Norfolk Tides placed RF Daniel Johnson on the temporarily inactive list.
January 23, 2024RF Daniel Johnson assigned to Norfolk Tides.
January 23, 2024Baltimore Orioles signed free agent RF Daniel Johnson to a minor league contract.
January 23, 2024RF Daniel Johnson roster status changed by Baltimore Orioles.
November 6, 2023RF Daniel Johnson elected free agency.
August 22, 2023El Paso Chihuahuas activated RF Daniel Johnson.
August 22, 2023RF Daniel Johnson assigned to El Paso Chihuahuas from San Antonio Missions.
February 26, 2023RF Daniel Johnson roster status changed by San Diego Padres.
February 26, 2023RF Daniel Johnson assigned to San Diego Padres.
February 21, 2023RF Daniel Johnson and assigned to San Antonio Missions.
February 21, 2023San Diego Padres signed free agent RF Daniel Johnson to a minor league contract.
November 10, 2022RF Daniel Johnson elected free agency.
August 16, 2022RF Daniel Johnson assigned to Rochester Red Wings from Harrisburg Senators.
August 9, 2022RF Daniel Johnson assigned to Harrisburg Senators from FCL Nationals.
August 4, 2022Washington Nationals signed free agent RF Daniel Johnson to a minor league contract.
August 4, 2022RF Daniel Johnson assigned to FCL Nationals.
July 22, 2022Syracuse Mets released RF Daniel Johnson.
July 20, 2022Syracuse Mets activated RF Daniel Johnson from the 7-day injured list.
July 8, 2022Syracuse Mets sent RF Daniel Johnson on a rehab assignment to St. Lucie Mets.
June 24, 2022Syracuse Mets placed RF Daniel Johnson on the 7-day injured list retroactive to June 23, 2022.
May 25, 2022RF Daniel Johnson assigned to Syracuse Mets.
May 25, 2022Cleveland Guardians traded RF Daniel Johnson to New York Mets.
May 20, 2022Columbus Clippers activated RF Daniel Johnson from the 7-day injured list.
April 30, 2022Columbus Clippers placed RF Daniel Johnson on the 7-day injured list. Left quad strain.
March 11, 2022Cleveland Guardians invited non-roster RF Daniel Johnson and to spring training.
November 24, 2021Cleveland Guardians sent RF Daniel Johnson outright to Columbus Clippers.
October 5, 2021Cleveland Indians designated RF Daniel Johnson for assignment.
October 5, 2021Cleveland Indians recalled RF Daniel Johnson from Columbus Clippers.
September 11, 2021Cleveland Indians optioned RF Daniel Johnson to Columbus Clippers.
August 16, 2021Cleveland Indians recalled RF Daniel Johnson from Columbus Clippers.
August 6, 2021Columbus Clippers activated RF Daniel Johnson.
August 2, 2021Cleveland Indians optioned RF Daniel Johnson to Columbus Clippers.
July 7, 2021Cleveland Indians recalled RF Daniel Johnson from Columbus Clippers.
May 4, 2021RF Daniel Johnson assigned to Columbus Clippers from Indians Alternate Training Site.
May 3, 2021Cleveland Indians optioned RF Daniel Johnson to Indians Alternate Training Site.
May 3, 2021Cleveland Indians recalled RF Daniel Johnson.
May 3, 2021Cleveland Indians recalled RF Daniel Johnson.
May 1, 2021Cleveland Indians recalled RF Daniel Johnson from Indians Alternate Training Site.
March 19, 2021Cleveland Indians optioned RF Daniel Johnson to Columbus Clippers.
October 1, 2020Cleveland Indians activated RF Daniel Johnson.
September 29, 2020Cleveland Indians reassigned RF Daniel Johnson to the minor leagues.
September 28, 2020Cleveland Indians recalled RF Daniel Johnson from Indians Alternate Training Site.
August 6, 2020Cleveland Indians optioned RF Daniel Johnson to Indians Alternate Training Site.
July 29, 2020Cleveland Indians optioned RF Daniel Johnson to Indians Alternate Training Site.
July 29, 2020Cleveland Indians recalled RF Daniel Johnson from Indians Alternate Training Site.
July 24, 2020Cleveland Indians recalled Daniel Johnson from Indians Alternate Training Site.
March 19, 2020Cleveland Indians optioned RF Daniel Johnson to Columbus Clippers.
November 20, 2019Cleveland Indians selected the contract of Daniel Johnson from Columbus Clippers.
October 12, 2019OF Daniel Johnson assigned to Leones del Escogido.
July 11, 2019Columbus Clippers activated RF Daniel Johnson from the temporarily inactive list.
July 6, 2019OF Daniel Johnson assigned to American League Futures.
July 6, 2019Columbus Clippers placed RF Daniel Johnson on the temporarily inactive list.
May 25, 2019RF Daniel Johnson assigned to Columbus Clippers from Akron RubberDucks.
January 11, 2019Cleveland Indians invited non-roster RF Daniel Johnson to spring training.
December 3, 2018RF Daniel Johnson assigned to Akron RubberDucks.
November 30, 2018Cleveland Indians traded C Yan Gomes to Washington Nationals for RHP Jefry Rodriguez, RF Daniel Johnson and Player To Be Named Later.
July 24, 2018Harrisburg Senators activated RF Daniel Johnson from the 7-day disabled list.
July 15, 2018Harrisburg Senators sent OF Daniel Johnson on a rehab assignment to GCL Nationals.
June 6, 2018Harrisburg Senators placed RF Daniel Johnson on the 7-day disabled list.
April 2, 2018RF Daniel Johnson assigned to Harrisburg Senators from Potomac Nationals.
February 26, 2018OF Daniel Johnson assigned to Washington Nationals.
October 9, 2017CF Daniel Johnson assigned to Mesa Solar Sox.
July 24, 2017CF Daniel Johnson assigned to Potomac Nationals from Hagerstown Suns.
April 4, 2017CF Daniel Johnson assigned to Hagerstown Suns from Auburn Doubledays.
June 17, 2016RF Daniel Johnson assigned to Auburn Doubledays.
June 17, 2016Washington Nationals signed OF Daniel Johnson.
Source: MiLB.com

Nick Gonzales (Played at NM State from 2018 to 2020)–Pittsburgh Pirates

Over the course of his three years as an Aggie, Nick Gonzales racked up no fewer than thirty accolades, including “National Player of the Year” by Collegiate Baseball Newspaper. Just one day before Johnson got his call up, Gonzales also saw his star rising back to the ranks of top-level baseball.

Gonzales has been an impact player for the Pittsburgh Pirates, but an early-season injury sent him down to the Minors on rehab assignment. He was called back up on June 3, 2025.

Gonzales’ Road to “the Show”

DateTransaction
June 3, 2025Pittsburgh Pirates activated 2B Nick Gonzales from the 60-day injured list.
May 20, 2025Pittsburgh Pirates placed 2B Nick Gonzales on the 60-day injured list. Non-displaced left ankle fracture.
May 16, 2025Pittsburgh Pirates sent 2B Nick Gonzales on a rehab assignment to Indianapolis Indians.
May 16, 2025Pittsburgh Pirates sent 2B Nick Gonzales on a rehab assignment to Indianapolis Indians.
March 28, 2025Pittsburgh Pirates placed 2B Nick Gonzales on the 10-day injured list. Non-displaced left ankle fracture.
August 26, 2024Pittsburgh Pirates activated SS Nick Gonzales from the 10-day injured list.
August 20, 2024Pittsburgh Pirates sent SS Nick Gonzales on a rehab assignment to Indianapolis Indians.
August 20, 2024Pittsburgh Pirates sent SS Nick Gonzales on a rehab assignment to Indianapolis Indians.
July 28, 2024Pittsburgh Pirates placed SS Nick Gonzales on the 10-day injured list. Left groin discomfort.
May 10, 2024Pittsburgh Pirates recalled SS Nick Gonzales from Indianapolis Indians.
March 22, 2024Pittsburgh Pirates optioned SS Nick Gonzales to Indianapolis Indians.
September 26, 2023Pittsburgh Pirates recalled SS Nick Gonzales from Indianapolis Indians.
August 3, 2023Pittsburgh Pirates optioned SS Nick Gonzales to Indianapolis Indians.
June 23, 2023Pittsburgh Pirates selected the contract of SS Nick Gonzales from Indianapolis Indians.
May 5, 2023Indianapolis Indians activated SS Nick Gonzales from the 7-day injured list.
April 25, 2023Indianapolis Indians placed SS Nick Gonzales on the 7-day injured list.
March 30, 2023SS Nick Gonzales assigned to Indianapolis Indians from Altoona Curve.
February 2, 2023SS Nick Gonzales roster status changed by Pittsburgh Pirates.
February 2, 2023Pittsburgh Pirates invited non-roster SS Nick Gonzales to spring training.
November 5, 2022SS Nick Gonzales assigned to National League Fall Stars.
September 16, 2022Surprise Saguaros activated SS Nick Gonzales.
September 16, 2022Surprise Saguaros activated SS Nick Gonzales.
August 12, 2022SS Nick Gonzales assigned to Altoona Curve from FCL Pirates.
August 8, 2022Altoona Curve sent SS Nick Gonzales on a rehab assignment to FCL Pirates.
August 6, 2022Altoona Curve sent SS Nick Gonzales on a rehab assignment to Bradenton Marauders.
August 5, 2022Altoona Curve sent SS Nick Gonzales on a rehab assignment to FCL Pirates.
August 5, 2022Altoona Curve sent SS Nick Gonzales on a rehab assignment to FCL Pirates.
June 21, 2022Altoona Curve transferred SS Nick Gonzales from the 7-day injured list to the 60-day injured list.
June 1, 2022Altoona Curve placed SS Nick Gonzales on the 7-day injured list. Heel.
April 7, 2022SS Nick Gonzales assigned to Altoona Curve from Greensboro Grasshoppers.
March 11, 2022Pittsburgh Pirates invited non-roster SS Nick Gonzales to spring training.
March 11, 2022SS Nick Gonzales roster status changed by Pittsburgh Pirates.
November 12, 2021AFL West Fall Stars activated SS Nick Gonzales.
October 4, 2021Peoria Javelinas activated SS Nick Gonzales.
June 26, 2021Greensboro Grasshoppers activated SS Nick Gonzales from the 7-day injured list.
May 21, 2021Greensboro Grasshoppers placed SS Nick Gonzales on the 7-day injured list.
February 12, 2021SS Nick Gonzales assigned to Greensboro Grasshoppers.
February 12, 2021SS Nick Gonzales assigned to Greensboro Grasshoppers.
February 12, 2021SS Nick Gonzales assigned to Greensboro Grasshoppers.
February 12, 2021SS Nick Gonzales assigned to Greensboro Grasshoppers.
February 2, 2021SS Nick Gonzales assigned to Pittsburgh Pirates .
February 2, 2021Pittsburgh Pirates invited non-roster SS Nick Gonzales to spring training.
September 30, 2020SS Nick Gonzales assigned to Bradenton Marauders.
September 30, 2020SS Nick Gonzales assigned to Bradenton Marauders from Pirates Alternate Training Site.
July 18, 2020SS Nick Gonzales assigned to Pirates Alternate Training Site from GCL Pirates.
July 18, 2020Pittsburgh Pirates invited non-roster SS Nick Gonzales to spring training.
June 24, 2020SS Nick Gonzales assigned to GCL Pirates.
June 24, 2020Pittsburgh Pirates signed SS Nick Gonzales.
Source: MiLB.com
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Article posted by:

Levi Gwaltney
Levi Gwaltney is the Editor In Chief of Las Cruces Digest. The Editor makes editorial and posting decisions regarding content published on this site. In most cases, the Editor makes little if any contribution to content published, and takes no credit for the content of republished posts. If available, the source or author of posts is provided at the top of the article.
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