News Summary
Jack Bauer, a talented left-handed pitcher from Frankfort, Illinois, has decided to commit to Mississippi State University for his college baseball career instead of entering the MLB Draft. His impressive track record includes a record-breaking pitch speed of 103 mph, positioning him as one of the top prospects in his class. Bauer’s commitment to MSU represents a significant opportunity for him to develop further and contribute to the Bulldogs’ baseball program, especially under the guidance of new head coach Brian O’Connor.
Frankfort, Illinois – Jack Bauer Chooses College Over MLB Draft
Jack Bauer, a highly regarded left-handed pitcher from Frankfort, Illinois, has officially declared his commitment to play for Mississippi State University (MSU) in the 2026 baseball season. This decision comes as a significant turn of events following his recent performance, as he has opted out of entering the Major League Baseball (MLB) Draft.
Bauer made the announcement in an interview with local media on July 14, emphasizing his desire to develop further at the college level rather than pursue immediate professional opportunities. He was a late committal to MSU under new head coach Brian O’Connor, who has been actively recruiting talent to strengthen the Bulldogs’ baseball program.
Bauer’s Impressive Track Record
During his high school career, Bauer has garnered attention for his remarkable pitching skills, highlighted by a record-breaking pitch speed of 103 mph in June, marking him as the hardest-throwing left-handed high school pitcher to date. Prior to the MLB Draft, he was considered the 44th best draft prospect by MLB.com but ultimately went undrafted during the draft held on July 13-14.
Just weeks before this notable draft, Bauer switched his commitment from the University of Virginia to Mississippi State on June 16, 2025. This strategic choice has positioned him as a crucial asset within the 2025 national recruiting class, where he is ranked 21st overall by Perfect Game.
Competition Among Recruits
Within his recruiting class, Bauer ranks second only to JoJo Parker, a fellow MSU signee who was drafted No. 8 overall by the Toronto Blue Jays. Other notable MSU recruits who were selected during the MLB Draft include Landon Harmon, picked by the Washington Nationals in the third round, and Jacob Parker, JoJo’s twin brother, who was chosen in the 19th round by the Arizona Diamondbacks. Despite the healthy competition, Bauer remains confident in his path ahead.
In addition, it is noteworthy that three of MSU’s starting pitchers—Pico Kohn, Evan Siary, and Karson Ligon—were also drafted on July 14, showcasing the depth of talent within the program.
Future Prospects and Training
Moving forward, Bauer’s decision to join Mississippi State marks a significant long-term commitment to his development as an athlete. Justin Parker will continue to serve as the pitching coach under O’Connor’s new staff, providing continuity in training and strategy for Bauer as he transitions to college baseball.
Amid the mixed results of the draft, Bauer remains optimistic about honing his skills at the collegiate level before potentially pursuing a professional baseball career in the future. He sees this as an opportunity to make a significant impact on the diamond with the Bulldogs and to further improve his game in preparation for what lies ahead.
A New Chapter for Mississippi State Baseball
As Bauer embarks on this new chapter, Mississippi State fans can look forward to seeing his development as part of a growing sports program. With a mix of fresh talent and experienced coaching, the Bulldogs aim to enhance their competitiveness in collegiate baseball, assisting promising athletes like Bauer as they transition from high school to the rigors of collegiate sports.
This decision aligns with the outlook of many athletes who recognize the value of collegiate baseball as a pivotal stage in their athletic careers, often serving as a stepping stone to greater successes in professional leagues.
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Mississippi State’s Pico Kohn Projected for Fourth Round in MLB Draft
Top Prospect Jack Bauer Commits to Mississippi State Baseball
Mississippi State Baseball Prepares for Upcoming MLB Draft
Mississippi State Baseball Prepares for New Season
New Talent Joins Mississippi State Baseball Team
Additional Resources
- Clarion Ledger: Jack Bauer MLB Draft News
- Sports Illustrated: Mississippi State MLB Draft Overview
- On3: Mississippi State Baseball Draft Coverage
- 247Sports: Major League Draft Recap
- Baseball America: Best Available Prospects
- Wikipedia: Mississippi State Bulldogs
- Google Search: Mississippi State Baseball
- Google Scholar: Jack Bauer MLB Draft
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Baseball
- Google News: Mississippi State Baseball News
Author: STAFF HERE STARKVILLE WRITER
The STARKVILLE STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREstarkville.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Starkville, Oktibbeha County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as the Cotton District Arts Festival, Bulldog Bash, and Mississippi State University homecoming celebrations. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Starkville Area Chamber of Commerce and the Mississippi State University Extension Service, plus leading businesses in education and agriculture that power the local economy such as Mississippi State University and Starkville Manufacturing. As part of the broader HERE network, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Mississippi's dynamic landscape.
