News Summary
The Mississippi State baseball program is gearing up for an exciting season after the recent MLB Draft, which has brought new talent to Starkville. Key signees like Jack Bauer, a top left-handed pitcher, and Jacob Parker, an impressive outfielder, are set to boost the Bulldogs’ roster. With additional transfers and the recent hiring of head coach Brian O’Connor, fans are eager to see how these new recruits will impact the team’s performance this fall.
Exciting Times for Mississippi State Baseball!
In the vibrant town of Starkville, the buzz around Mississippi State’s baseball program just hit a whole new level with the recent MLB Draft results. It looks like the Bulldogs are about to get a significant boost in talent, as several key signees either went undrafted or were selected late in the draft. The excitement is palpable among fans and players alike as they gear up for the upcoming season!
Talent on the Rise
Mississippi State has successfully snagged some promising players who are expected to join their ranks this fall. Among them is Jack Bauer, a phenomenal left-handed pitcher who regularly throws an impressive 100 mph. After joining the Bulldogs as a late commitment, his stock has only risen, especially after achieving a jaw-dropping pitch speed of 103 mph—making him the fastest left-handed high school pitcher on record. Fans can’t wait to see what this talented arm will bring to the mound!
Another notable addition is Jacob Parker, an outfielder hailing from Purvis, Mississippi. Drafted in the 19th round by the Arizona Diamondbacks, his skills during his senior season were exceptional, boasting a staggering .515 batting average and smashing 15 home runs. Baseball enthusiasts are highly anticipating his contributions to the team!
More New Faces Joining the Bulldogs
But wait, there’s more! The Bulldogs have also welcomed Aidan Teel, a transfer from Virginia, as well as Noah Sullivan, Gehrig Frei, and several others into their ranks. Fans are eager to see how these fresh faces will mesh with the returning team!
The Parker Twins and the Draft Dynamic
In a surprising twist, for fans of the Parker family, JoJo Parker, Jacob’s twin brother, was drafted 8th overall by the Toronto Blue Jays. While that’s an incredible achievement, it means that we probably won’t see him take the field in the maroon and white of Mississippi State anytime soon. This reality adds a bit of bittersweet flavor to the news, as fans adore the idea of twin brothers playing together at the college level.
Pitchers on the Move
The draft didn’t stop at the hitters; Mississippi State also faced some movement on the pitching front. Three of their starting pitchers were drafted, namely Pico Kohn (4th round by the New York Yankees), Evan Siary (8th round to the Texas Rangers), and Karson Ligon (9th round by the Toronto Blue Jays). It’s a proud moment for the program to see its homegrown talent recognized at the professional level!
The Countdown Begins!
For those players drafted, the clock is ticking. They have until July 28 at 4 p.m. CT to decide whether to sign professional contracts or join the Bulldogs. While it is quite rare for players drafted in the first 10 rounds to choose the college route, the possibility still exists. As fans await the final decisions, the air is thick with anticipation!
A New Direction with a New Coach
Adding to the excitement for the upcoming season is the arrival of Brian O’Connor as the new head coach of Mississippi State baseball. O’Connor previously made waves coaching at Virginia, and now, he’s ready to steer the Bulldogs into a new era of success. With the combination of fresh talent and a skilled coach, hope is high for a thrilling season!
As we look forward to the fall, Mississippi State baseball fans are filled with enthusiasm. With a mix of new recruits and returning players, this upcoming season is bound to be one for the books! Go Bulldogs!
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
Texas Rangers Select Evan Siary in MLB Draft
Seven Mississippi State Players Selected in MLB Draft
Davion Hickson Selected by Los Angeles Dodgers in MLB Draft
Texas Rangers Select Evan Siary in MLB Draft
Mississippi State Baseball Players Shine in MLB Draft
Mississippi State University Honors Top Students
Mississippi High School Players Shine in MLB Draft
Jack Bauer Chooses College Over MLB Draft
Mississippi State Athletics Achieves Record Fundraising Total
Starkville School District Seeks Quotes for Services
Additional Resources
- Clarion Ledger: Jack Bauer MLB Draft
- On3: Mississippi State Baseball MLB Draft
- Clarion Ledger: Jacob Parker MLB Draft
- Wikipedia: Mississippi State Bulldogs Baseball
- SI: JoJo Parker MLB Draft
- 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.
