News Summary
Outfielder Jacob Parker has chosen to play for Mississippi State University rather than pursuing a professional baseball career after being drafted by the Arizona Diamondbacks. Parker’s decision reflects a trend among young athletes prioritizing collegiate play to develop their skills further. He joins the Bulldogs while his twin brother JoJo moves on to the professional level, having been selected 8th overall. Mississippi State continues to build a strong baseball program, which has seen significant draft interest and challenges as they prepare for the upcoming seasons.
Starkville, Mississippi – Outfielder Jacob Parker has officially announced his decision to forgo a professional career in baseball for the time being, opting instead to play for Mississippi State University baseball in 2026. Parker, who was drafted by the Arizona Diamondbacks in the 19th round of the 2025 MLB Draft, shared his excitement through social media on July 15, stating “Starkville, see you soon!” alongside a photo of himself in a Mississippi State jersey.
Parker’s selection in the MLB Draft came as the 573rd overall pick. Despite being chosen, he has chosen to honor his commitment to Mississippi State, a move that reflects the growing trend among young athletes to prioritize collegiate play over immediate entry into professional sports. The decision signifies Parker’s desire to develop his skills further under the guidance of college coaching and to enhance his visibility on a national level.
Mississippi State’s head coach, Brian O’Connor, is focused on retaining top talent as he begins his new role. The recent draft saw eleven players associated with Mississippi State getting drafted, illustrating the university’s strong baseball program. However, the team faces challenges, including the transfer of two players and the loss of two others whose collegiate eligibility has expired.
Jacob Parker, along with his twin brother JoJo Parker, gained recognition at Purvis High School, where they led their team to the MHSAA Class 4A championship game in 2025. While JoJo Parker was selected by the Toronto Blue Jays as the 8th overall pick in the draft and is anticipated to forgo college baseball, Jacob remains committed to the Bulldogs.
Notably, Jacob Parker’s accolades include a spot on the Clarion Ledger’s all-state first team, recognition as a 2025 Dandy Dozen selection, and the title of co-MHSAA Class 4A Mr. Baseball. His impressive senior season performance included a batting average of .515, 15 home runs, and 52 RBIs. His talent was also recognized nationally when he was a finalist in the 2024 All-Star High School Home Run Derby.
Other Mississippi State signees faced similar drafting situations. Landon Harmon was picked by the Washington Nationals in the third round, while Jack Bauer, who went undrafted, indicated his intention to join the Bulldogs. These developments came in a year that has proven insightful for Mississippi State’s baseball prospects.
The Parker brothers’ commitment to the Bulldogs since 2021 highlights their growth and the rising status of Mississippi State’s baseball program throughout their high school years. JoJo Parker has also been honored as the 2025 Gatorade High School Player of the Year for Mississippi for his exceptional skills and athleticism.
Standing at 6 feet 3 inches tall and weighing 215 pounds, Jacob Parker is lauded for his raw power and potential in the outfield. His dedication to baseball is further complemented by inspiring family dynamics; the Parker family has overcome significant challenges, particularly with their father, Jop Parker, who has been in a wheelchair since a spinal injury at the age of 16. His perseverance and support have influenced both Jacob and JoJo throughout their athletic journeys.
The culmination of the 2025 MLB draft represented a significant moment not only for Jacob Parker but also for Mississippi State baseball, as the university continues to attract top talent and prepare players for successful careers in both collegiate and professional baseball.
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Additional Resources
- Clarion Ledger: Jacob Parker announcement
- MLB.com: JoJo and Jacob Parker
- Sports Illustrated: JoJo Parker Draft
- Wikipedia: Mississippi State Bulldogs Baseball
- WDAM: Jacob Parker selected
- Google Search: 2025 MLB Draft
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.
