Photo by: Mia Pleasant
Pepperdine Baseball Alum Max Aude Inks UDFA Contract with Athletics
7/15/2026 11:24:00 AM | Baseball
MALIBU, Calif. - It's been a busy offseason for the Pepperdine baseball program, and that continued Tuesday night as 2026 alum Max Aude agreed to terms on an undrafted free agent contract with the Athletics.
Aude split time behind the dish with Shawn Romero this most recent season for Pepperdine. The Woodland Hills, California native made the most of his opportunities in the batter's box, slashing .261/.432/.330 while hitting a whopping .333 (14-for-42) with runners on base. He was also prolific with runners in scoring position, going .360 (9-for-25). Since the start of last weekend's MLB Draft, he is the fourth catcher the Athletics have acquired after selecting three with their 20 picks.
Former Wave Chad Tracy (2004-06) took over as the Boston Red Sox Interim Manager on April 25 and hasn't looked back. Boston has a MLB-best nine-game winning streak as the league is in the midst of the All-Star Break. In what's been an up-and-down year for the Red Sox, Boston sits only 0.5 games out of the final Wild Card spot. Boston also tallied four All-Stars: LHP Ranger Suarez, LHP Aroldis Chapman, outfielder Ceddanne Rafaela, and first baseman Willson Contreras (who also competed in Monday's Home Run Derby). All but Suarez appeared in Tuesday's All-Star Game in Philadelphia. Chapman is tied for fifth in MLB with 19 saves (21 opportunities) and pitched two-thirds of a scoreless inning in the ASG, striking out Home Run Derby Champion Jordan Walker.
Ryan Christenson (1993-95) returned to the Athletics' coaching staff under manager Mark Kotsay and while the A's have hit a recent skid, Christenson's guidance led to catcher Shea Langeliers and first baseman Nick Kurtz both recording their first All-Star appearances. 'Langy' was in the AL starting lineup and was the battery alongside Blue Jays pitcher Dylan Cease.
ABOUT PEPPERDINE BASEBALL
Pepperdine baseball has one of the richest traditions and success stories among mid-major baseball programs in the country. The Waves won the NCAA National Championship in 1992 and have made 28 NCAA Tournament appearances in total. Located in scenic Malibu, California, Eddy D. Field Stadium boasts one of the most remarkable views in college baseball and has seen 35 former Waves reach the MLB while seeing 41 All-American selections.
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To stay up-to-date on the latest Pepperdine baseball news, follow the Waves on social media @PepperdineBASE.
Aude split time behind the dish with Shawn Romero this most recent season for Pepperdine. The Woodland Hills, California native made the most of his opportunities in the batter's box, slashing .261/.432/.330 while hitting a whopping .333 (14-for-42) with runners on base. He was also prolific with runners in scoring position, going .360 (9-for-25). Since the start of last weekend's MLB Draft, he is the fourth catcher the Athletics have acquired after selecting three with their 20 picks.
Aude is just one of many Pepperdine alums making Waves this summer. Pitcher Casey Euper was named to the Cape Cod Baseball League East All-Star Team. The southpaw finished up a strong 2026 campaign in which he posted a 3.11 ERA across 15 appearances (12 starts) and was awarded a WCC All-Conference Honorable Mention. Two other pitchers, Jack Fowler and Arnold Wu, in addition to incoming freshman infielder Tanner Wall, were also named All-Stars in the California Collegiate League. Will Kraemer has also dazzled with the Worcester Bravehearts in the Futures League, hitting .294 across 85 at-bats in 25 games.Putting pen to paper. 🖊️@maxaude2 has signed an undrafted free agent contract with the @Athletics‼️#MakeWaves | #WavesInThePros | @PepperdineWaves pic.twitter.com/vTmEX4Eb02
— Pepperdine Baseball (@PepperdineBASE) July 15, 2026
Former Wave Chad Tracy (2004-06) took over as the Boston Red Sox Interim Manager on April 25 and hasn't looked back. Boston has a MLB-best nine-game winning streak as the league is in the midst of the All-Star Break. In what's been an up-and-down year for the Red Sox, Boston sits only 0.5 games out of the final Wild Card spot. Boston also tallied four All-Stars: LHP Ranger Suarez, LHP Aroldis Chapman, outfielder Ceddanne Rafaela, and first baseman Willson Contreras (who also competed in Monday's Home Run Derby). All but Suarez appeared in Tuesday's All-Star Game in Philadelphia. Chapman is tied for fifth in MLB with 19 saves (21 opportunities) and pitched two-thirds of a scoreless inning in the ASG, striking out Home Run Derby Champion Jordan Walker.
John Peck (2021-23) has glided through the minor leagues in the Detroit Tigers farm system. He was promoted to Triple-A Toledo on June 23 before landing on the 7-day IL on June 25. With exception to 2023, when he had just 49 at-bats after being drafted in July, Peck has done nothing but rake in the minor leagues. He owns a .288 average, .355 on-base percentage, and .792 OPS in 1,024 career at-bats. He recorded his first Triple-A hit on June 24, a 103 mile-per-hour laser to right field, before ripping a 104 MPH frozen rope over the right field wall later in the same game for his first Triple-A homer. The 23-year-old has flashed his versatility defensively, making starts at second base, third base, and shortstop. If Peck isn't added to the Tigers' 40-man roster by the end of November, he will become eligible for December's Rule 5 Draft.A knock for Willy! pic.twitter.com/qx2x15q1EJ
— Red Sox (@RedSox) July 15, 2026
Wyatt Young (2019-21) is at Double-A Binghamton in the New York Mets' system. He is lethal on the basepaths, swiping 15 this year, just three shy of a single-season best. Young has also flashed the leather all over the diamond, making starts at second base, shortstop, third base, and right field. He's even pitched for the Rumble Ponies, tallying eight innings, surrendering four earned runs (three home runs allowed).Congrats to John Peck on his first Triple-A home run, 104mph opposite field shot. pic.twitter.com/LinjLRxjYT
— Tigers ML Report (@tigersMLreport) June 24, 2026
Ryan Christenson (1993-95) returned to the Athletics' coaching staff under manager Mark Kotsay and while the A's have hit a recent skid, Christenson's guidance led to catcher Shea Langeliers and first baseman Nick Kurtz both recording their first All-Star appearances. 'Langy' was in the AL starting lineup and was the battery alongside Blue Jays pitcher Dylan Cease.
2021 alum Billy Cook has been a mainstay on the Pittsburgh Pirates roster for the last five weeks after being shuttled between the 'Burgh and Triple-A Indianapolis a few times at the beginning of the season. While it's been a challenging season at the plate, Cook has been error-free in 135.2 innings defensively, getting work in at first base and all three outfield positions.things we love to see! pic.twitter.com/btBg2026YA
— Athletics (@Athletics) July 15, 2026
ABOUT PEPPERDINE BASEBALL
Pepperdine baseball has one of the richest traditions and success stories among mid-major baseball programs in the country. The Waves won the NCAA National Championship in 1992 and have made 28 NCAA Tournament appearances in total. Located in scenic Malibu, California, Eddy D. Field Stadium boasts one of the most remarkable views in college baseball and has seen 35 former Waves reach the MLB while seeing 41 All-American selections.
FOLLOW
To stay up-to-date on the latest Pepperdine baseball news, follow the Waves on social media @PepperdineBASE.
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