News Summary
Davion Hickson, a pitcher from Rice University, was selected by the Los Angeles Dodgers with the No. 165 overall pick in the MLB Draft. His selection marks a significant step in his career as he transitions from college baseball to the professional level. Hickson, recognized for his strong pitching performance in college, has shown great potential with a peak fastball speed of 97 mph and impressive strikeout stats. As he embarks on this new journey, Hickson’s future in the MLB is highly anticipated.
Los Angeles, CA – Davion Hickson, a pitcher previously with Rice University, was selected by the Los Angeles Dodgers with the No. 165 overall pick in the fifth round of the 2025 MLB Draft on July 14. This selection marks a significant milestone in Hickson’s career, highlighting his transition from college baseball to the professional level.
Hickson’s draft pick carries a slot value of $407,300, underscoring the Dodgers’ investment in the right-handed pitcher. In 2025, he was recognized for his performance, earning a spot on the All-American Athletic Conference (AAC) second team as a starting pitcher. Throughout the season, he posted a 3.82 ERA and participated in 11 starts among his 13 total appearances, demonstrating his capabilities as a full-time starter.
Born in Palmetto, Florida, Hickson faced Mississippi State University (MSU) earlier in 2025 when he pitched in the Astros Foundation College Classic on February 28. In that matchup, he allowed four earned runs in 4â…” innings, contributing to MSU’s 14-3 victory over Rice in a seven-inning game.
Before transferring to Rice, Hickson initiated his collegiate career at Florida State University, where he made only one appearance as a freshman in 2023. He subsequently moved to Rice in 2024, where he quickly made his mark with a breakout season characterized by a 3.62 ERA in 27 relief appearances. His development continued through 2025, where despite a challenging season reflected in his 2-7 record, he significantly increased his impact on the mound.
Hickson’s pitching arsenal includes a fastball that peaks at 97 mph, along with a slider and a changeup, which has been particularly effective with a whiff rate of 50%. His skillset culminated in an impressive season where he recorded a total of 90 strikeouts over 73 innings pitched. Notable performances include a complete-game shutout against Charlotte, where he allowed only one hit and struck out 10 batters.
If Hickson decides not to sign with the Dodgers, he is expected to compete for a starting pitcher position at Mississippi State, adding further excitement as fans look forward to the forthcoming baseball season. Notably, Hickson’s selection in the draft is a first for transfers from the portal to MSU, making this a significant event in the baseball program’s recent history.
Earlier this year, MSU also faced challenges as they lost high school signees Landon Harmon and JoJo Parker to the MLB Draft, indicating a competitive and evolving landscape for collegiate baseball. Hickson’s journey reflects the broader trend of players transitioning from college programs to professional baseball, emphasizing the increasingly competitive nature of the sport at all levels.
As Hickson embarks on his professional career with the Dodgers or potentially continues with MSU, his trajectory will be closely monitored by scouts and baseball enthusiasts alike, highlighting the excitement surrounding emerging talent in the MLB.
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Additional Resources
- Clarion Ledger: Davion Hickson Drafted by Dodgers
- Wikipedia: Davion Hickson
- On3: Davion Hickson MLB Draft News
- Google Search: Davion Hickson baseball
- 247 Sports: Hickson MLB Draft Analysis
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Baseball
- SI: Mississippi State Baseball Moves
- Google News: Davion Hickson
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.
