News Summary
The Mississippi State baseball program boasts a remarkable legacy as a significant contributor to Major League Baseball. With 46 alumni actively competing in professional baseball, including 13 in the MLB, the program has produced 71 Major League players and 20 first-round draft picks. Notable players like Adam Frazier and Brandon Woodruff are excelling this season, while the future looks promising with recent draft picks. Additionally, many alumni have transitioned into coaching roles, further highlighting the program’s enduring impact on the baseball landscape.
Starkville, Mississippi — The Mississippi State baseball program continues to build its legacy as a feeder of top talent to Major League Baseball (MLB). Currently, 46 former players are making their mark in professional baseball, with 13 competing at the highest level. This impressive statistic is part of a storied history that includes 71 former players who reached the Major Leagues, along with 20 first-round draft picks.
Among notable alumni making headlines this season are Adam Frazier of the Kansas City Royals, Brent Rooker of the Athletics, Jordan Westburg of the Baltimore Orioles, and Brandon Woodruff of the Milwaukee Brewers. These players not only showcase the talent bred at Mississippi State but also the program’s ongoing influence in professional baseball.
Current MLB Highlights
Several Mississippi State alumni are experiencing notable seasons in the MLB:
- Adam Frazier: With a batting average of .256, Frazier has accompanied his performance with 3 home runs and 24 RBIs while playing for the Kansas City Royals.
- J.T. Ginn: On the mound for the Athletics, Ginn holds a 2-2 record and a 3.89 ERA while achieving 47 strikeouts.
- Kendall Graveman: Also a member of the Arizona Diamondbacks, Graveman has a 1-0 record with a 6.08 ERA and 5 strikeouts this season.
- Nathaniel Lowe: Lowe boasts a .226 batting average, contributing 15 home runs and 63 RBIs for the Washington Nationals.
- Brent Rooker: Rooker has made a significant impact this season, hitting .274 with 23 home runs and 62 RBIs. He was also selected for the 2025 All-Star Game and participated in the Home Run Derby.
- Jordan Westburg: Westburg maintains a .269 batting average, with 12 home runs and 26 RBIs as a member of the Baltimore Orioles.
- Brandon Woodruff: As a pitcher for the Milwaukee Brewers, Woodruff has an impressive 2-0 record and a 2.01 ERA, along with 29 strikeouts.
Upcoming Talent and Coaches
The future of Mississippi State baseball looks bright, as evidenced by the recent draft of seven players from the 2025 squad, including Pico Kohn, Evan Siary, Karson Ligon, and others. Additionally, former first-round pick Jurrangelo Cijntje took part in the MLB Futures Game, showcasing the next wave of talent emerging from the program.
In addition to players on the field, the program is proud of its alumni who have transitioned into coaching roles. Travis Chapman currently serves as the first base coach for the New York Yankees, while Carlisle Koestler is the pitching coach for the Texas Rangers, both exemplifying the extended influence of Mississippi State’s baseball program.
Performance in Minor Leagues
Mississippi State alumni are not only thriving in the majors but also making headlines in the minor leagues. Notable performances include:
- Gavin Collins: Currently with the Memphis Redbirds, Collins is riding a 10-game hitting streak.
- Tyson Hardin: Pitching for the Biloxi Shuckers, Hardin has a record of 6-5 with a 2.67 ERA, although he is currently on the injured list.
- Khal Stephen: Now with the Akron RubberDucks, Stephen boasts a remarkable 9-1 record with a 2.06 ERA but has also faced injury issues after being traded to the Guardians.
- Brooks Auger: Competing with the Great Lakes Loons in Single-A.
- Dakota Jordan: Currently with the San Jose Giants, Jordan has a .302 batting average this season.
Injuries and Challenges
While many students continue to excel, some players have encountered injuries that may sideline them for the season. Notable players on the injured list include Aaron Nixon of the Tampa Tarpons and Logan Tanner of the Dayton Dragons.
Conclusion
As Mississippi State baseball continues to flourish, its players’ success in both Major and Minor Leagues not only reinforces a proud tradition but also inspires future generations of athletes. For detailed updates on alumni performance, fans can track their journeys through resources like HailState.com.
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Mississippi State Baseball to Face Florida State in Exhibition
Starkville Little League Team Wins Sportsmanship Award
Mississippi State Football Aims for 2025 Season Recovery
Little League World Series Regional Tournaments Heat Up
Mississippi State Basketball Team Prepares for New Season
Additional Resources
- Hail State Baseball Update – August 1
- SI: Mississippi State in the Show Weekly Roundup – August 2
- Hail State: New Dawgs Fitting Right In
- Clarion Ledger: Mississippi State Athletics Finances 2024 Fiscal Year
- Google Search: Mississippi State baseball
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.
