Starkville, Mississippi, August 18, 2025
News Summary
Mississippi State Baseball has enhanced its recruiting efforts with the commitment of Zach Geertsma, a shortstop from New Jersey and former Virginia recruit. Geertsma joins a strong 2026 class that includes notable players moving from Virginia. As head coach Brian O’Connor fortifies the team, Geertsma’s impressive junior year statistics highlight his potential contribution. Additionally, Mississippi State prepares for a fall exhibition game against Florida State, aiming to build on their recent successes following the MLB Draft where seven players were selected.
Starkville, Mississippi — Mississippi State Baseball has bolstered its recruiting efforts with the recent commitment of Zach Geertsma, a shortstop from New Jersey and former Virginia commit. Geertsma announced his decision on Instagram, marking him as the fifth high school player to transition from Virginia to Mississippi State for the 2026 recruiting class.
Geertsma joins a lineup of other talented high school players who previously committed to Virginia, now set to become part of Mississippi State’s championship-caliber roster. Notable recruits alongside Geertsma include Catcher Hunter Strohm, Shortstop Noah Danza, Right-Handed Pitcher Daniel Nienaber, and Outfielder Michael Hanna.
This latest addition comes as head coach Brian O’Connor continues to shape a formidable team. The recruiting class is enhanced further with several significant transfers from Virginia. Key players from the Cavaliers include left-handed pitcher Tomas Valincius and outfielder Aidan Teel, along with former Virginia players James Nunnallee, Chone James, and William Kirk.
O’Connor sets high expectations for the upcoming season, emphasizing the importance of effective player recruitment, such as the addition of Geertsma. In his junior year, Geertsma showcased impressive statistics that include a .453 batting average, 43 runs, 33 RBIs, and eight home runs, all contributing to his team’s undefeated season.
The shortstop position, previously considered a need, has found reinforcement through Geertsma’s commitment and the recent addition of Drew Wyers from the transfer portal. This strategic move reflects Mississippi State’s commitment to building a competitive squad for the future.
As part of their preparations, Mississippi State will face off against Florida State in a fall exhibition game on October 18 at Blue Wahoos Stadium in Pensacola. Tickets for this game will go on sale to the general public on August 12 at 9 a.m. The matchup will be a rematch of the 2025 Tallahassee Regional finals, highlighting the historic rivalry between the two baseball powerhouses.
In the most recent MLB Draft, Mississippi State celebrated a successful outcome with seven players selected, including notable talents like Pico Kohn, who was picked in the 4th round by the New York Yankees, and Hunter Hines, who was taken in the 10th round by the Washington Nationals. Fortunately for Mississippi State, none of the players expected to be part of the 2026 roster were lost in the draft, securing the continuity of the team lineup for the upcoming season.
In addition, several high school signees, including JoJo Parker and Landon Harmon, were also drafted while maintaining their commitment to play for Mississippi State—further ensuring a strong talent pool. This retention of players combined with the addition of promising recruits positions Mississippi State favorably for the upcoming 2026 season under O’Connor’s leadership.
FAQ
Who is Zach Geertsma?
Zach Geertsma is a former Virginia commit who announced his commitment to Mississippi State as a shortstop. He hails from New Jersey and has shown impressive statistics during his junior year.
What impact does Geertsma’s commitment have on Mississippi State’s baseball program?
Geertsma’s commitment adds to the strength of Mississippi State’s 2026 recruiting class and reinforces positions of need, particularly shortstop, contributing to the program’s overall competitiveness for the upcoming season.
When does Mississippi State play against Florida State?
Mississippi State will play against Florida State in a fall exhibition game on October 18 at Blue Wahoos Stadium in Pensacola.
Key Features
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| New Commitment | Zach Geertsma, former Virginia commit, joins Mississippi State’s 2026 class |
| Key Recruits | Includes Hunter Strohm, Noah Danza, Daniel Nienaber, Michael Hanna |
| Major Transfers | Tomas Valincius, Aidan Teel, James Nunnallee, Chone James, and William Kirk |
| Exhibition Game | Against Florida State on October 18 |
| 2025 MLB Draft Picks | Seven players selected, including Pico Kohn and Hunter Hines |
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Additional Resources
- Hail State: MSU to Play Florida State in Pensacola Exhibition
- Sports Illustrated: Mississippi State in the Show Weekly Roundup
- Clarion Ledger: Mississippi State Baseball Lineup Prediction for 2026 Season
- PNJ: Pensacola Blue Wahoos Fall Ball Game with FSU, Mississippi State Sold Out
- Wikipedia: Mississippi State Bulldogs 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.
