News Summary
Seven players from Mississippi State baseball were selected in the recent MLB Draft, with JoJo Parker highlighted as the top pick at 8th overall by the Toronto Blue Jays. The draft showcased strong pitching talent, as six of the seven players chosen were pitchers. New head coach Brian O’Connor now faces roster changes as players decide on contract signings. Other notable picks include Hunter Hines and Davion Hickson, contributing to the program’s legacy of success. The decisions made by these athletes will significantly impact the upcoming season.
Starkville, MS – The 2025 MLB Draft concluded with Mississippi State baseball seeing seven of its players taken by various Major League teams, including top pick JoJo Parker, who was selected 8th overall by the Toronto Blue Jays. This year’s draft, which began on July 13 and continued through July 14, resulted in significant opportunities for Mississippi State athletes, although the number drafted fell short of the program’s historic record of eleven players picked in 2024.
JoJo Parker, heralded as Mississippi’s Gatorade Player of the Year, commanded attention as one of the top selections in the draft, receiving a signing bonus valued at $6,813,600. His exceptional performance throughout the season established him as a key prospect in this year’s draft class.
Overall, this year’s draft was marked by a strong showing in the pitching department, as six of the seven players selected were pitchers, underscoring the talent and depth of the Mississippi State pitching staff. New head coach Brian O’Connor is now faced with navigating roster changes that will depend on whether drafted players choose to sign contracts with their prospective clubs.
Details on the Drafted Players
Pico Kohn stood out as the ace starter for Mississippi State and was selected by the New York Yankees in the 4th round, at 134th overall. Kohn’s performance during the season included a 4.73 ERA and a record of 5-4 across 15 starts. He demonstrated commendable endurance on the mound, throwing over 100 pitches in three games, with a season-high of 121 pitches against Auburn. The slot value for Kohn’s pick was set at $550,300.
In the 9th round, the Toronto Blue Jays selected Karson Ligon with the 262nd pick and a slot value of $206,900. Ligon contributed as a Sunday starter and ended the season with a 5.40 ERA.
Hunter Hines, notable for breaking the Mississippi State record for career home runs, was drafted by the Washington Nationals in the 10th round, at 291st overall, with a slot value of $193,800. His powerful hitting over the course of his college career made him an appealing prospect for professional teams.
Luke Dotson, chosen in the 11th round by the Arizona Diamondbacks as the 333rd pick, entered the transfer portal after the season. Meanwhile, Nate Williams, an essential reliever for Mississippi State, was picked by the Chicago Cubs in the 13th round, at 391st overall.
Jacob Pruitt was drafted by the Philadelphia Phillies in the 15th round, while Landon Harmon, a signee from East Union, was selected by the Washington Nationals in the 3rd round, 80th overall. Harmon received a slot value of $1,010,600 for his signing.
JoJo Parker’s twin brother, Jacob Parker, was also drafted, selected by the Arizona Diamondbacks in the 19th round, at 573rd overall. Additionally, Davion Hickson, who joined Mississippi State after transferring from Rice, was picked by the Los Angeles Dodgers in the 5th round, with a slot value of $407,300.
Looking Ahead
The drafted players now have until July 28 at 4 p.m. CT to sign contracts with their respective teams. The decisions made by these athletes will have significant implications for the upcoming Mississippi State baseball season as new head coach Brian O’Connor evaluates and adjusts his roster in light of the draft results.
Mississippi State baseball continues to be a breeding ground for talent in the MLB, reflecting the strength of its athletic programs and the dedication of its players. As the dust settles from this year’s draft, the impact of these selections will soon become clear, shaping the future of both the drafted players and the Mississippi State baseball program.
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Additional Resources
- Clarion Ledger: Mississippi State Baseball MLB Draft 2025 Tracker
- On3: Mississippi State Baseball MLB Draft 2025
- Hail State: Seven Bulldogs Selected in MLB Draft
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Major League Baseball
- 247 Sports: Mississippi State Major League Baseball Draft Recap 2025
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.
