News Summary
Mississippi State pitcher Pico Kohn is projected to be selected in the fourth round of the upcoming MLB Draft. The number of players drafted from Mississippi State is expected to decrease compared to last season. Key players like Aidan Teel and notable recruits like JoJo Parker are also highlighted as impacting next season’s roster, amidst financial considerations surrounding player decisions to stay or go.
Starkville, Mississippi – Mississippi State’s Friday night starting pitcher, Pico Kohn, is projected to be selected in the fourth round of the 2025 MLB Draft. As the draft approaches, it is anticipated that the overall number of players drafted from Mississippi State will decrease compared to the previous season when a school record-tying 11 players were chosen.
The selection process for the MLB Draft, scheduled for July 13-14, has implications for the current roster, which features several players expected to attract professional interest alongside key incoming recruits. Players who are not favored to be drafted within the top 10 rounds may decide to continue their college careers rather than pursue a professional trajectory.
According to scouting reports, Kohn is considered a prominent draft prospect, holding the No. 122 overall ranking by MLB.com. After completing four years in college baseball, Kohn has one year of eligibility remaining due to a missed season in 2023. As teams weigh their options ahead of the draft, it becomes clear that players selected in the first 10 rounds are likely to depart from the college program, thus impacting Mississippi State’s roster for the next season.
Alongside Kohn, Aidan Teel, an outfielder who transferred from Virginia, stands out as a notable prospect, ranked No. 184 among draft hopefuls. Teel’s performance earned him a Third Team All-ACC selection in 2025, having recorded a batting average of .317, alongside seven home runs and 40 RBIs. His two remaining years of eligibility make him a strategic contributor to the team.
Strong Recruiting Class
The Mississippi State recruiting class is currently ranked No. 8 on a national scale, featuring high-caliber players who are potential early draft picks. Among the most anticipated is JoJo Parker, a shortstop holding the No. 9 draft prospect ranking. Not far behind, his twin brother, Jacob Parker, is positioned as the No. 109 prospect. Additionally, Jack Bauer, a left-handed pitcher from Illinois showcasing speeds over 100 mph, is ranked No. 44, while another pitcher, Landon Harmon, is close behind at No. 48.
Transfer Impacts
Mississippi State has also gained significant talent through the transfer portal. Noteworthy players include Gehrig Frei and Noah Sullivan, both eligible for the draft after demonstrating strong seasons, enhancing the team’s competitiveness. Meanwhile, Bryce Chance, the starting centerfielder, has confirmed his return for another season and is not eligible for the draft.
The team looks forward to integrating fifteen additional players who have committed to Mississippi State from the transfer portal, including Davion Hickson, Blake Bevis, Drew Wyers, and Vytas Valincius. These newcomers will play crucial roles as the team prepares for potential roster changes depending on draft outcomes.
Financial Considerations
As players weigh their professional opportunities, they must consider potential signing bonuses against the benefits of staying at Mississippi State, which include revenue-sharing initiatives and NIL agreements. These financial incentives can influence decisions and shape the team’s composition heading into the 2026 season.
Conclusion
The upcoming MLB Draft promises to have significant implications for Mississippi State baseball. With a combination of seasoned players and promising recruits, the program is poised for potential transformation, reflecting the dynamic nature of college athletics and the pathways available to young talent in their pursuit of a professional career.
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Additional Resources
- Clarion Ledger: Mississippi State Baseball MLB Draft 2025 Rankings
- WTVA: East Union Player Among Several Prospects Expected to Go High in MLB Draft
- Sports Illustrated: Mississippi State Waiting for MLB Draft
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Major League Baseball
- Yardbarker: What Mississippi State Players Are Likely to Be Picked in 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.
