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Mississippi State Baseball Team Faces Transfer Setbacks

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A baseball glove and bat on the pitcher’s mound of Mississippi State's baseball field.

News Summary

Mississippi State University’s baseball team is grappling with the departure of three former Virginia players who declined to transfer. Top recruits Eric Becker, Henry Ford, and Carson Tinney have opted to stay at Virginia, Tennessee, and Texas, respectively. Despite these challenges, the Bulldogs maintain a strong transfer portal class and have secured commitments from other players, including Kevin Milewski and Tyler Pitzer. The upcoming season remains uncertain as roster changes continue in and around the transfer portal.

Starkville, Mississippi – Mississippi State University’s baseball team is facing significant challenges following the decision of three former Virginia players to not join the Bulldogs under new head coach Brian O’Connor. The Bulldogs were initially optimistic about the prospects of acquiring top-ranked players, including former shortstop Eric Becker, who has opted to return to Virginia instead. Additionally, former outfielder Henry Ford has committed to play at Tennessee, while catcher Carson Tinney has chosen to join Texas.

The draw of O’Connor, previously a coach at Virginia, initially led to strong interest from several former Virginia players. Three players ranked within the top 40 in the transfer portal had committed to Mississippi State, sparking hopes for a bright future for the program. Aidan Teel, another former Virginia player, also signed with Mississippi State shortly after the initial commitments, but the other decisions have left fans and the program disappointed.

Despite these setbacks, the Bulldogs currently possess the top-rated transfer portal class for the ongoing recruiting cycle and have successfully received commitments from multiple players who have no direct links to O’Connor. This diverse recruiting approach could enhance the team’s depth and competitiveness in the upcoming season.

As it stands, the potential starting lineup for Mississippi State, based on current commitments, includes:

  • C: Kevin Milewski
  • 1B: Blake Bevis
  • 2B: Reed Stallman
  • SS: Ryder Woodson
  • 3B: Ace Reese
  • LF: Gehrig Frei
  • CF: Aidan Teel
  • RF: Vytas Valincius/James Nunnallee
  • DH: Chone James
  • Pitchers:
    • SP1: Tomas Valincius
    • SP2: Ben Davis
    • SP3: Jackson Logar

While the Bulldogs are shaping a promising team via the transfer portal, uncertainties remain regarding the final roster and starting lineup. Ongoing activities such as the upcoming MLB Draft and the potential for additional transfer movements could impact the team’s composition. Should any drafted players decide to return, the projected roster could see notable additions such as 2B Gatlin Sanders and DH Noah Sullivan, further bolstering the team’s prospects.

Among the recent commitments is Kevin Milewski, a sophomore catcher from Seton Hall. The need for a catcher at Mississippi State was particularly pressing given the departure of Joe Powell and the transfer status of Ross Highfill. Another significant addition is Chone James from Virginia, who primarily served as a designated hitter last season. Additionally, Jackson Owen, another catcher who had previously entered the transfer portal, has announced his return to Mississippi State.

Moreover, the Bulldogs have welcomed Tyler Pitzer, a sophomore pitcher from South Carolina, as the 10th player to commit from the transfer portal. Pitzer’s previous season was challenging, marked by a 6.99 ERA, yet he brings valuable experience as a college pitcher to the program.

The transfer portal for collegiate athletics opened on June 2 and will remain active until July 1, allowing for continued movement among teams as universities finalize their rosters for the upcoming season. For Mississippi State, the strategic maneuvering during this period will be crucial in determining the future landscape of their baseball program.

Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic

HERE Resources

Mississippi State Baseball Stars Ace Reese and Noah Sullivan Honored
Mississippi State Football and Baseball Programs Making Waves
Mississippi State Women’s Basketball Reveals Schedule
Mississippi State University Enhances Baseball Roster
Mississippi State Women’s Basketball Roster Transformation Ahead of New Season
Jackson Owen Decides to Stay at Mississippi State Baseball
Mississippi State Baseball Players Invited to National Camp
Starkville Minor League Teams Win South State Championships
New Talent Joins Mississippi State Baseball Team
Mississippi Governor’s School Fosters Connections Among Students

Additional Resources

HERE Starkville
Author: HERE Starkville

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