News Summary
Mississippi State University has a rich tradition in baseball, producing 71 MLB players and 20 first-round picks. The 2025 season saw 52 players in professional ranks, demonstrating MSU’s talent development. Notable alumni made significant contributions in the MLB, and seven players were drafted this year. Despite player departures, MSU retains key talent for the next season, poised for competitive success under coach Brian O’Connor. The commitment to nurturing athletes showcases MSU’s strong baseball heritage.
Starkville, Mississippi – Mississippi State University (MSU) continues to affirm its strong legacy in baseball, producing a total of 71 players who have made it to Major League Baseball (MLB) and generating 20 first-round picks throughout its history. The 2025 season witnessed the university having 52 players actively competing in professional baseball, with 13 of those at the Major League level, showcasing the institution’s ability to develop elite talent.
This year, several MSU alumni made a significant impact in the MLB. Players such as Adam Frazier with the Kansas City Royals recorded a batting average of .252, hitting 4 home runs, and driving in 28 runs. J.T. Ginn, playing for the Athletics, registered a 2-4 record with a 4.39 ERA, while Kendall Graveman, currently with the Arizona Diamondbacks, recorded a 1-0 record but had an elevated ERA of 5.94. Nathaniel Lowe, representing the Washington Nationals, ended the season with a .216 batting average, hitting 15 home runs and accumulating 64 RBIs. Other notable names include Jake Mangum with the Tampa Bay Rays and Brent Rooker with the Athletics, who posted averages of .280 and .272, respectively, with Rooker racking up 23 home runs and 66 RBIs.
This year’s MLB Draft saw seven MSU players being selected, illustrating their high demand. Pico Kohn was chosen in the 4th round by the New York Yankees, followed by Evan Siary in the 8th round for the Texas Rangers, and Karson Ligon in the 9th round by the Toronto Blue Jays. Additional draftees included Hunter Hines (10th round, Washington Nationals), Luke Dotson (11th round, Arizona Diamondbacks), Nate Williams (13th round, Chicago Cubs), and Jacob Pruitt (15th round, Philadelphia Phillies). High school signees JoJo Parker and Landon Harmon were also picked, with Parker going 8th overall to the Toronto Blue Jays.
Despite these departures, MSU is positioned to remain competitive in the 2026 season as all expected players have opted to stay with the team following the draft. Gerig Frei and Noah Sullivan were not selected, allowing their return to the roster. Additionally, transfers Aiden Teel and Blake Bevis, who were anticipated to be drafted, have decided to rejoin the MSU program. Furthermore, top pitching prospect Jack Bauer and outfielder Jacob Parker, ranked 109th overall, have also committed to MSU rather than pursuing professional contracts.
The results of the 2025 MLB Draft are viewed as beneficial for MSU’s upcoming season, as they aim to build a title-contending roster under coach Brian O’Connor. With a strong foundation of returning players and new talent on the horizon, MSU baseball is set to continue its strong tradition of success.
Mississippi State’s continued development of talent reflects not only its rich baseball heritage but also its unwavering commitment to nurturing capable athletes in the world of professional sports.
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Mississippi State to Play Florida State in Exhibition Game
Additional Resources
- Hail State: State to the Show Update – August 9
- Wikipedia: Mississippi State Bulldogs Baseball
- Maroon and White Nation: Mississippi State Baseball Draft Update
- Google Search: Mississippi State Baseball
- Clarion Ledger: Mississippi State Baseball Roster and Draft
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Baseball
- Sports Illustrated: Mississippi State Weekly Roundup
- Google News: 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.
