June 10, 2025

Mississippi State Baseball Team’s Transformation Under New Coach

SPACE AVAILABLE FOR SPONSORS!

Want to target the right audience? Sponsor our site and choose your specific industry to connect with a relevant audience.

What Sponsors Receive:

Prominent brand mentions across targeted, industry-focused articles

High-visibility placements that speak directly to an engaged local audience

Guaranteed coverage that maximizes exposure and reinforces your brand presence

Interested in seeing what sponsored content looks like on our platform?

Browse Examples of Sponsored News and Articles:

May’s Roofing & Contracting
Forwal Construction
NSC Clips
Real Internet Sales
Suited
Florida4Golf

Click the button below to sponsor our articles:

News Summary

The Mississippi State baseball team is shaping its roster for the upcoming season with significant changes under new head coach Brian O’Connor. Key returnees like SEC Newcomer of the Year Ace Reese, and promising new recruits signal a transformative phase. As the Bulldogs navigate the transfer portal and secure four commitments from former Virginia players, they aim to enhance the team’s competitiveness for a successful season. Despite losing several players, the core of the team looks to stabilize under O’Connor’s leadership, focusing on rebuilding for a stronger lineup.

Starkville, Mississippi – The Mississippi State baseball team is undergoing significant changes as the Bulldogs prepare for the 2026 season under new head coach Brian O’Connor. Recently, the program has experienced a notable influx of player movements, including key returnees and new commitments as they aim to construct a competitive roster.

Among the returning players is Ace Reese, who was named the SEC Newcomer of the Year, bringing notable talent back to the team. Pitcher Ben Davis has also confirmed his return; he played a crucial role in a NCAA Regional win against Northeastern last season with a 3.77 ERA and 61 strikeouts over 57.1 innings. Additionally, outfielder Bryce Chance will be rejoining the team after a standout season in which he started 56 games, maintaining a batting average of .332, alongside 14 doubles, four home runs, and 97 RBIs.

As the Bulldogs work to build a strong starting lineup, they are actively recruiting players from the transfer portal. O’Connor has emphasized the importance of incorporating quality talent to enhance the team’s competitiveness. Currently, the potential starting lineup is in formation, though there are concerns regarding the shortstop position, prompting the coaching staff to seek an addition through the transfer portal.

One of the promising players from the transfer portal is Eric Becker, a sophomore with impressive stats last season, boasting a .368 batting average, .453 on-base percentage, and .617 slugging percentage, along with nine home runs and 52 RBIs. Other significant names in the portal include sophomore Henry Ford, who is ranked fourth, and two-way player Chris Arroyo.

Recently, the Bulldogs secured commitments from four players previously of Virginia, including Tomas Valincius, a freshman left-handed pitcher who was recognized on the All-ACC Freshman Team with a record of 6-1 and a 4.59 ERA. Freshman utility player Chone James joins the team with a .373 batting average, while outfielder James Nunnallee held a .296 batting average last season. Notably, senior outfielder Vytas Valincius, transferring from Illinois, recorded a .348 batting average and hit seven home runs last season. All four commitments arrived following O’Connor’s hiring on June 1 and just as the transfer portal opened on June 2.

In total, 11 players from Mississippi State have entered the transfer portal since the coaching change. However, young pitchers Ryan McPherson and Dane Burns have opted to remain with the program, highlighting some stability amid the transitions. Following the changes, O’Connor conducted 30-minute exit interviews with players who had remaining eligibility, indicating a proactive approach toward team adjustments.

Among those departing is catcher Ross Highfill, who had a disappointing season with a .218 batting average and has decided to enter the transfer portal. The Bulldogs are currently striving to enhance their roster’s depth and overall competitiveness for the upcoming season, demonstrating a strong focus on player development and recruitment under O’Connor’s leadership.

As Mississippi State baseball gears up for the 2026 season, the combination of returning talent and new recruits could set the stage for an exciting year on the diamond. The ongoing activities in the transfer portal may be pivotal in shaping the future direction of the program as they aim for improved prospects under the new coaching regime.