News Summary
Mississippi State University remains a powerhouse in Major League Baseball, boasting 71 MLB players and 20 first-round draft picks. Currently, 45 alumni are competing professionally, highlighting the university’s significant influence in the sport. Notable performances include Adam Frazier and Brent Rooker, as well as exceptional contributions from other alumni in both major and minor leagues. With ongoing tracking of player achievements, Mississippi State’s baseball legacy shows no signs of waning as future prospects continue to emerge.
Starkville, MS – Mississippi State Baseball Maintains Strong Presence in Major League Baseball
Mississippi State University continues to have a significant impact on Major League Baseball (MLB), having produced 71 MLB players and 20 first-round draft picks over the years. Currently, the Diamond Dawgs have 45 alumni playing professionally, including 13 at the Major League level, showcasing their ongoing legacy in the sport.
Standout Performers in the MLB
Among the notable former players excelling in the MLB this season are:
- Adam Frazier of the Kansas City Royals has recorded a batting average of .258, with 62 hits, 3 home runs, and 23 RBIs.
- Brent Rooker playing for the Athletics boasts a batting average of .273 alongside 109 hits, 21 home runs, and 56 RBIs. He has also achieved a personal milestone by hitting his 100th career home run this season.
- Jordan Westburg of the Baltimore Orioles is hitting .257 with 10 home runs and 21 RBIs, and is enjoying a hot streak with a .333 batting average in July.
- Brandon Woodruff from the Milwaukee Brewers holds a record of 2-0 with an impressive ERA of 1.65 and 23 strikeouts in 16.1 innings pitched, including a dominant six shutout innings against the Mariners.
A highlight of the season includes Rooker’s selection for the 2025 All-Star Game and participation in the Home Run Derby. Another promising player, Jurrangelo Cijntje, recently showcased his talents at the MLB Futures Game.
Coaches and Alumni Tracking
The influence of Mississippi State baseball extends beyond players on the field, with former athletes like Travis Chapman coaching for the New York Yankees and Carlisle Koestler for the Texas Rangers. The performance of alumni is regularly tracked and reported on HailState.com, ensuring fans stay updated on their achievements.
Player Statistics and Achievements
Highlights from current Mississippi State alumni include:
- J.T. Ginn of the Athletics features a record of 1-2 with a 4.50 ERA and 43 strikeouts in 38 innings.
- Kendall Graveman from the Arizona Diamondbacks holds a record of 1-0 with a 7.15 ERA.
- Nathaniel Lowe from the Washington Nationals has a batting average of .228 with 15 home runs and 62 RBIs.
- Jake Mangum of the Tampa Bay Rays is performing well with a batting average of .297 and 28 RBIs.
- Konnor Pilkington from the Washington Nationals has yet to yield a run this season with a 0.00 ERA and 4 strikeouts in 3 innings.
Additionally, Hunter Renfroe finds himself as a free agent after being released by the Royals.
Minor League Insights
The accomplishments do not end in the MLB. In Triple-A, standout performances have been noted, including Dakota Hudson, who secured a win following a scoreless five-inning start. In Double-A, Will Bednar currently has a 6.91 ERA, while Tyson Hardin leads with a 2.67 ERA.
Future Prospects and Potential
As the baseball season progresses, Mississippi State continues to monitor the metrics and achievements of both their major and minor league players. Prospects for upcoming talent and potential transfers indicate a bright future for the Mississippi State baseball program, ensuring that their impact in the sport remains strong for years to come.
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Additional Resources
- Hail State: State to the Show Update – July 23
- Sports Illustrated: Mississippi State Baseball in Contention for Florida LHP
- Clarion Ledger: Mississippi State Baseball Roster 2025 MLB Draft
- Google Search: Mississippi State Baseball
- Encyclopedia Britannica: 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.

