News Summary
As baseball enthusiasts eagerly await the 2025 MLB Draft, Mississippi State’s Jack Bauer is gaining considerable attention for his impressive pitching skills. With a top prospect ranking and support from well-known figures, the excitement builds around him and other talented players in the roster. New coach Brian O’Connor’s fresh strategies aim to bring Mississippi State into the limelight, providing a promising future for both returning athletes and incoming prospects as they face the pivotal draft decisions ahead.
Excitement in Starkville: Mississippi State Baseball Gears Up for the 2025 MLB Draft
Starkville is buzzing with anticipation as the countdown begins for the much-anticipated 2025 MLB Draft, scheduled to take place on July 13-14, 2025. With baseball fans on the edge of their seats, all eyes are on one particular player: Jack Bauer. This left-handed pitching sensation is making headlines, and it’s not just for his exceptional skills on the mound.
Jack Bauer: The Pitching Phenom
Jack Bauer, a high school athlete, is generating a buzz among scouts and fans alike. ESPN’s expert Kiley McDaniel has placed him among the top two prospects in the draft with the highest potential ceilings. Interestingly, Bauer’s name is a playful nod to the iconic TV character from “24,” famously portrayed by Kiefer Sutherland.
The connection has not gone unnoticed, as even Sutherland has expressed his support for Bauer, delighting in the quirky link to his character. But beyond the fun name game, Bauer has impressed everyone with his abilities, clocking pitches at lightning speeds of up to 103 mph.
As if that weren’t enough, Bauer took it a step further by donning the number 24 during his high school career, further cementing his connection to the television character he shares a name with. However, in the latest mock drafts, it appears that he may not find himself in the first couple of rounds this time around.
Draft Predictions and Speculations
Rumors are swirling that the Los Angeles Dodgers could snag Bauer along with another promising player, Quentin Young, with the last two picks of the first round. While the competition is fierce, players selected in the first ten rounds generally have a better likelihood of signing with their respective teams. As teams gear up for the draft, there are many factors at play.
Coaching Changes and New Talents
Under the guidance of new Mississippi State baseball coach Brian O’Connor, the program is embracing a fresh start. O’Connor has begun bringing in new talent, enhancing the roster with potential draft-eligible players. Among them is Pico Kohn, an ace pitcher currently ranked as the No. 122 draft prospect. After missing the previous season due to injury, Kohn still has one year of eligibility left, leaving fans hopeful for his return.
Adding to the excitement is outfielder Aidan Teel, a recent transfer from Virginia, who is currently ranked No. 184 in draft prospects. Meanwhile, joining the ranks of top prospects from Mississippi State’s remarkable recruiting class are JoJo Parker and his twin brother Jacob. JoJo is making waves as the No. 9 prospect overall, while Jacob isn’t far behind at No. 109.
Other Noteworthy Prospects
Mississippi State also boasts other standout players like Landon Harmon, ranked No. 48, and of course, the much-talked-about Jack Bauer who is sitting at No. 44. The recruiting class itself is recognized as the No. 8 nationally by Perfect Game, illustrating the strength and depth the program has going into the draft.
Additionally, players like Gehrig Frei and Noah Sullivan join the mix as draft-eligible athletes after transferring to Mississippi State last season. Sullivan particularly shone in his last season, boasting a staggering .345 batting average with 15 home runs, making him one to watch.
Decisions at the Crossroads
As the draft approaches, clarity is needed for players weighing their options. Factors like potential signing bonuses, revenue sharing, and NIL deals are all part of the equation as they decide between turning professional or returning to play at Mississippi State.
Amidst the draft uncertainty, one thing is crystal clear: Mississippi State baseball fans have much to look forward to as they cheer on their talented roster!
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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.
