News Summary
Mississippi State baseball has secured a commitment from Zach Geertsma, a talented shortstop from New Jersey, boosting its 2026 recruiting class. Previously committed to Virginia, Geertsma joins a strong roster that includes several high school players and transfer athletes, enhancing the Bulldogs’ prospects for the upcoming season. With an impressive high school record and key returning players, Mississippi State aims to make a significant impact in college baseball.
Bulldogs Gain Momentum with Commitment from New Jersey Shortstop
Starkville, Mississippi – Mississippi State baseball has made a significant addition to its 2026 recruiting class by securing the commitment of Zach Geertsma, a talented shortstop from New Jersey. Geertsma, who announced his decision via Instagram, was previously committed to the University of Virginia before opting to join the Bulldogs’ program.
Geertsma stands as the fifth high school player to join Mississippi State after decommitting from Virginia. Alongside him are catcher Hunter Strohm, shortstop Noah Danza, right-handed pitcher Daniel Nienaber, and outfielder Michael Hanna. This influx of talent comes at a crucial time for the Bulldogs, given that shortstop is a key position of need for the team.
Championship Prospects Strengthened by Transfers
The Bulldogs’ roster has been further bolstered through the transfer portal, featuring notable names like left-handed pitcher Tomas Valincius and outfielder Aidan Teel. Additional former Cavaliers, including James Nunnallee, Chone James, and William Kirk, have also made the transition to Mississippi State, enhancing the team’s championship prospects.
Exceptional High School Performance
Zach Geertsma’s performance at the high school level has been impressive. In his junior year, he achieved a remarkable .453 batting average, a .443 on-base percentage, and contributed significantly with 43 runs, 33 RBIs, and eight home runs. His high school team achieved an undefeated record last season, highlighting Geertsma’s potential as he transitions to collegiate baseball.
2025 Season Recap and Future Outlook
Mississippi State finished the 2025 season with a solid 36-23 overall record and a 15-15 conference record in the SEC, securing a spot in the NCAA Tournament. The team averaged .304 runs per game, placing them second in the SEC behind Arkansas (.309). The upcoming 2026 season looks promising as Mississippi State faces no major departures from its projected lineup following the MLB Draft, which saw seven Bulldogs selected, including ace Pico Kohn being picked in the 4th round by the New York Yankees.
Returning Talent and Strategic Moves
The return of key players such as infielder Gehrig Frei, who posted a .340 batting average along with 10 doubles and eight home runs after transferring from North Alabama, further strengthens the team’s position. Frei’s decision to stay enhances Mississippi State’s already robust roster, which includes standout hitters Gehrig Frei and Ace Reese.
Coaching and National Aspirations
Under the leadership of head coach Brian O’Connor, Mississippi State aims to build on its recent successes, targeting multiple trips to Omaha for the College World Series in the coming years. With the recent commitments and transfers, the Bulldogs are positioned for a strong showing in the SEC and beyond.
Conclusion
The addition of Zach Geertsma marks another significant step for Mississippi State baseball as it fortifies its future with promising young talent. As the 2026 season approaches, the Bulldogs are poised to make an impact in college baseball, creating excitement among fans and prospects alike.
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Additional Resources
- World Baseball: Gehrig Frei Returning to Mississippi State for 2026 Season
- Sports Illustrated: Mississippi State in the Show Weekly Roundup August 16
- Florida State Seminoles: Fall Ball to Begin in Pensacola vs. Mississippi State
- Clarion Ledger: Mississippi State Baseball Lineup Prediction 2026 Season
- 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.
