News Summary
Mississippi State baseball has signed freshman catcher Andrew Raymond from George Mason University. Raymond had a standout season at George Mason, earning a spot on the All-Atlantic 10 Rookie Team. He joins the Bulldogs as they rebuild their roster, providing competition for the starting catcher position. Along with Kevin Milewski, both players aim to strengthen the team under new head coach Brian O’Connor’s leadership.
Mississippi State Welcomes Fresh Talent: Catcher Andrew Raymond Joins the Bulldogs
Excitement is building in Starkville as Mississippi State baseball has officially signed a promising freshman catcher, Andrew Raymond, from George Mason University. This news came buzzing in on July 10, as Raymond made the announcement through his social media platforms, X (formerly Twitter) and Instagram. It’s clear he’s ready to don the Bulldogs’ colors!
A Strong Start at George Mason
Andrew Raymond had quite an impressive first season with George Mason. He showcased his skills by starting in 50 games, where he managed to hit a commendable .287 batting average, knocking 5 home runs and driving in 33 RBIs. As a result, his performance did not go unnoticed as he earned a spot on the All-Atlantic 10 Rookie Team. Such an accolade certainly points to his remarkable talent and potential.
Record-Setting Performance
But wait, there’s more! During his debut season, Raymond participated in a game where he and his teammates made history by scoring an astonishing 23 runs in a single inning against Holy Cross, setting a new NCAA record. That’s the kind of highlight reel every player dreams of!
More Than Just a Catcher
While primarily joining as a catcher, it’s noteworthy that Raymond was also listed as a right-handed pitcher, although he didn’t take the mound during the 2025 season. This versatility is a great asset, providing the Bulldogs with options heading into the upcoming season.
Strengthening the Roster
Andrew is not flying solo into Starkville. He joins Kevin Milewski from Seton Hall, marking the second catcher commitment to the Mississippi State baseball team via the transfer portal. With the departure of starting catcher Joe Powell and Ross Highfill’s transfer to Purdue, both Raymond and Milewski will likely be vying for the starting position in the 2026 season. Exciting times are ahead!
Shifting Dynamics
Meanwhile, another catcher, Jackson Owen, who was previously in the transfer portal, has decided to stay with the Bulldogs after only appearing in six games last season. On a related note, Chone James, who transferred from Virginia, is currently on the roster as a catcher but didn’t see any game action last season at that position. The team is clearly working to create a competitive environment among catchers.
Building for the Future
Raymond’s signing is part of a larger strategy by Mississippi State’s new head coach, Brian O’Connor. Since taking the reins on June 1, O’Connor has secured 16 commitments from the transfer portal, emphasizing the need to build depth, especially in crucial positions like catcher. This move reflects a shift in the team’s strategy, aiming to enhance their competitive edge.
Mississippi State’s Baseball Program in Transition
The Mississippi State baseball program is clearly in a phase of transformation under fresh leadership, with amplified expectations for future success. The addition of talented players like Andrew Raymond and Kevin Milewski signifies an effort to revitalize the team and bolster their roster.
With the MLB draft looming, where Raymond is ineligible to participate, all eyes will be on the new catchers and how they perform in the upcoming season. As Mississippi State continues to reshape its baseball team, fans can look forward to an exciting period ahead!
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Additional Resources
- Clarion Ledger: Andrew Raymond Joins Mississippi State
- On3: Andrew Raymond Transfer News
- MSN: Kevin Milewski Transfer Announcement
- SI: Players Mississippi State Should Target
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Mississippi State Baseball
- Google Search: Mississippi State Baseball
