#StateToTheShow Update: September 12

Photo by: Arkansas Travelers

#StateToTheShow Update: September 12

September 12, 2025 | Baseball

By: Logan Lowery, Assistant Director/Communications

Mississippi State has a rich tradition of producing some of the top talent in professional baseball.

The Diamond Dawgs have produced 71 Major League Baseball players and 20 first-round picks during their storied history. MSU has had 52 players playing professionally this year, 13 at the big league level.

Among the Bulldogs at the MLB level this season are former All-Stars Adam Frazier, Brent Rooker, Jordan Westburg and Brandon Woodruff, first-round picks Rooker, Westburg, Justin Foscue Hunter Renfroe and Chris Stratton as well as World Series champions in Stratton and Nathaniel Lowe. Rooker was selected to the 2025 All-Star Game and also competed in the Home Run Derby while former first-rounder Jurrangelo Cijntje played in the MLB Futures Game.

State even has two former players coaching in the pros in New York Yankees' first base coach Travis Chapman and Carlisle Koestler, who is a pitching coach for the Texas Rangers in the Dominican Republic. The Diamond Dawgs had seven players drafted from its 2025 squad - Pico Kohn, Evan Siary, Karson Ligon, Hunter Hines, Luke Dotson, Nate Williams and Jacob Pruitt.

Each week throughout the season, HailState.com tracks how all the baseball alums are performing in the pros.

DIAMOND DAWGS IN MLB

J.P. FRANCE – HOUSTON ASTROS
Pos. P Height: 6-0 Weight: 198 Bats/Throws: R/R Lettered at MSU: 2018

Record: n/a ERA: n/a G: n/a GS: n/a SV: n/a IP: n/a K: n/a BB: n/a

Notes: France was recalled to the Majors on Sept. 9.

ADAM FRAZIER – KANSAS CITY ROYALS
Pos. 2B Height: 5-10 Weight: 190 Bats/Throws: L/R Lettered at MSU: 2011-13

AVG: .262 AB: 374 H: 98 R: 39 2B: 19 3B: 0 HR: 6 RBI: 38 BB: 24 SB: 8 OPS: .677

Notes: Frazier singled against the Twins on Sept. 5.

J.T. GINN – ATHLETICS
Pos. SP Height: 6-2 Weight: 200 Bats/Throws: R/R Lettered at MSU: 2019-20

Record: 3-6 ERA: 4.95 G: 20 GS: 13 SV: 0 IP: 76.1 K: 86 BB: 23

Notes: Ginn picked up a win following a five-inning start at the Angels on Sept. 6 in which his fanned five with no walks and only allowed one run.

KENDALL GRAVEMAN – FREE AGENT
Pos. RP Height: 6-2 Weight: 215 Bats/Throws: R/R Lettered at MSU: 2010-13

Record: 1-0 ERA: 7.13 G: 19 GS: 0 SV: 0 IP: 17.2 K: 9 BB: 12

Notes: Graveman was released by the Arizona Diamondbacks on Aug. 13.

NATHANIEL LOWE – BOSTON RED SOX
Pos. 1B Height: 6-4 Weight: 220 Bats/Throws: L/R Lettered at MSU: 2016

AVG: .221 AB: 498 H: 110 R: 59 2B: 20 3B: 3 HR: 18 RBI: 77 BB: 54 SB: 1 OPS: .679

Notes: Lowe walked and had an RBI triple at the Diamondbacks on Sept. 5.

JAKE MANGUM – TAMPA BAY RAYS
Pos. OF Height: 6-0 Weight: 190 Bats/Throws: S/L Lettered at MSU: 2016-19

AVG: .297 AB: 357 H: 106 R: 35 2B: 17 3B: 1 HR: 2 RBI: 35 BB: 17 SB: 24 OPS: .699

Notes: Mangum is batting .434 (23-for-53) with five stolen bases over his last 15 games.

KONNOR PILKINGTON – WASHINGTON NATIONALS
Pos. SP Height: 6-3 Weight: 240 Bats/Throws: L/L Lettered at MSU: 2016-18

Record: 2-0 ERA: 5.40 G: 24 GS: 0 SV: 0 IP: 21.2 K: 25 BB: 13

Notes: Pilkington is perfect (0-for-11) against the No. 8-9 hitters in the lineup this season and has five strikeouts.

HUNTER RENFROE – FREE AGENT
Pos. OF Height: 6-1 Weight: 230 Bats/Throws: R/R Lettered at MSU: 2011-13

AVG: .182 AB: 99 H: 18 R: 5 2B: 6 3B: 0 HR: 0 RBI: 4 BB: 8 SB: 0 OPS: .483

Notes: Renfroe was released by the Kansas City Royals on May 28.

BRENT ROOKER – ATHLETICS
Pos. OF Height: 6-3 Weight: 225 Bats/Throws: R/R Lettered at MSU: 2014-17

AVG: .267 AB: 577 H: 154 R: 88 2B: 40 3B: 3 HR: 27 RBI: 82 BB: 57 SB: 6 OPS: .824

Notes: Rooker went 3-for-5 with a pair of doubles against the Red Sox on Sept. 10.

CHRIS STRATTON – FREE AGENT
Pos. RP Height: 6-2 Weight: 205 Bats/Throws: R/R Lettered at MSU: 2010-12

Record: 0-0 ERA: 7.71 G: 15 GS: 0 SV: 0 IP: 21 K: 22 BB: 10

Notes: Stratton elected free agency on June 9 after being designated for assignment by the Los Angeles Dodgers.

JORDAN WESTBURG – BALTIMORE ORIOLES
Pos. 3B Height: 6-1 Weight: 210 Bats/Throws: R/R Lettered at MSU: 2018-20

MLB
AVG: .276 AB: 283 H: 78 R: 53 2B: 9 3B: 1 HR: 15 RBI: 34 BB: 15 SB: 1 OPS: .799

Notes: Westburg is currently on the 10-day injured list.

BRANDON WOODRUFF – MILWAUKEE BREWERS
Pos. SP Height: 6-4 Weight: 242 Bats/Throws: L/R Lettered at MSU: 2012-14

Record: 6-2 ERA: 3.32 G: 11 GS: 11 SV: 0 IP: 59.2 K: 74 BB: 14

Notes: Woodruff earned a win after pitching six shutout innings with eight strikeouts, no walks and surrendered only two hits in a start at the Pirates on Sept. 6.

DIAMOND DAWGS IN TRIPLE-A

ERIC CERANTOLA – OMAHA STORM CHASERS (ROYALS)
Pos. P Height: 6-5 Weight: 225 Bats/Throws: R/R Lettered at MSU: 2019-21

Record: 2-2 ERA: 4.40 G: 34 GS: 1 SV: 0 IP: 45 K: 57 BB: 23

Notes: Over his last six appearances, Cerantola has pitched 8 1/3 scoreless innings with 13 strikeouts and only surrendered two hits during that span.

GAVIN COLLINS – MEMPHIS REDBIRDS (CARDINALS)
Pos. C Height: 5-11 Weight: 205 Bats/Throws: R/R Lettered at MSU: 2014-16

AVG: .230 AB: 243 H: 56 R: 31 2B: 10 3B: 2 HR: 2 RBI: 29 BB: 26 SB: 4 OPS: .621

Notes: Collins is riding a seven-game hitting streak.

JUSTIN FOSCUE – ROUND ROCK EXPRESS (RANGERS)
Pos. 1B Height: 5-11 Weight: 205 Bats/Throws: R/R Lettered at MSU: 2018-20

MLB
AVG: .111 AB: 9 H: 1 R: 0 2B: 1 3B: 0 HR: 0 RBI: 2 BB: 0 SB: 0 OPS: .333

MiLB
AVG: .250 AB: 372 H: 93 R: 61 2B: 25 3B: 0 HR: 18 RBI: 67 BB: 44 SB: 6 OPS: .795

Notes: Foscue is hitting .306 with three doubles, three homers and nine RBIs so far in September.

DAKOTA HUDSON – SALT LAKE BEES (ANGELS)
Pos. P Height: 6-5 Weight: 215 Bats/Throws: R/R Lettered at MSU: 2014-16

Record: 7-7 ERA: 6.98 G: 27 GS: 23 SV: 0 IP: 129 K: 86 BB: 51

Notes: Hudson picked up a win following a 6 2/3-inning start against Tacoma on Sept. 10 with four strikeouts

CHRISTIAN MACLEOD – ST. PAUL SAINTS (TWINS)
Pos. SP Height: 6-4 Weight: 227 Bats/Throws: L/L Lettered at MSU: 2020-21

Record: 2-4 ERA: 3.95 G: 24 GS: 17 SV: 0 IP: 79.2 K: 87 BB: 44*

Notes: MacLeod has held hitters to a .196 batting average with runners in scoring position in 2025.

ETHAN SMALL – SACRAMENTO RIVER CATS (GIANTS)
Pos. RP Height: 6-2 Weight: 219 Bats/Throws: L/L Lettered at MSU: 2016, 18-19

Record: 0-0 ERA: 6.00 G: 3 GS: 0 SV: 0 IP: 3 K: 2 BB: 2

Notes: Small worked a scoreless and hitless inning of relief at Oklahoma City on Sept. 9.

HUNTER STOVALL – DURHAM BULLS (RAYS)
Pos. 2B Height: 5-8 Weight: 170 Bats/Throws: R/R Lettered at MSU: 2016-18

AVG: .220 AB: 277 H: 61 R: 32 2B: 5 3B: 1 HR: 6 RBI: 31 BB: 26 SB: 9 OPS: .597*

Notes: Stovall went 2-for-4 with a double and one RBI at Gwinnett on Sept. 5.

ANDREW WALLING – LEHIGH VALLEY IRONPIGS (PHILLIES)
Pos. P Height: 6-2 Weight: 220 Bats/Throws: L/L Lettered at MSU: 2022

Record: 3-6 ERA: 4.03 G: 40 GS: 0 SV: 6 IP: 44.2 K: 49 BB: 18*

Notes: Walling notched a save at Hartford on Sept. 6 with 1 1/3 scoreless and hitless innings and was promoted to Triple-A three days later.

DIAMOND DAWGS IN DOUBLE-A

WILL BEDNAR – RICHMOND FLYING SQUIRRELS (GIANTS)
Pos. SP Height: 6-2 Weight: 230 Bats/Throws: R/R Lettered at MSU: 2020-21

Record: 2-2 ERA: 5.07 G: 35 GS: 0 SV: 1 IP: 49.2 K: 82 BB: 38

Notes: Bednar pitched two perfect innings of relief and struck out all six batters he faced against Hartford on Sept. 11.

JURRANGELO CIJNTJE – ARKANSAS TRAVELERS (MARINERS)
Pos. P Height: 5-11 Weight: 200 Bats/Throws: S/S Lettered at MSU: 2023-24

Record: 5-7 ERA: 4.14 G: 25 GS: 22 SV: 0 IP: 104.1 K: 117 BB: 49

Notes: Cijntje worked six shutout innings with seven strikeouts in a start at Tulsa on Sept. 9.

TYSON HARDIN – BILOXI SHUCKERS (BREWERS)
Pos. P Height: 6-2 Weight: 185 Bats/Throws: L/R Lettered at MSU: 2023-24

Record: 6-5 ERA: 2.72 G: 20 GS: 20 SV: 0 IP: 92.2 K: 95 BB: 15

Notes: Hardin is 2-0 with a 0.70 ERA with 30 strikeouts and just four walks and has limited hitters to a .211 batting average during day games this season.

HOUSTON HARDING – ROCKET CITY TRASH PANDAS (ANGELS)
Pos: RP Height: 6-1 Weight: 230 Bats/Throws: L/L Lettered at MSU: 2020-21

Record: 0-0 ERA: 5.03 G: 8 GS: 0 SV: 0 IP: 19.2 K: 19 BB: 10*

Notes: Harding is on the 60-day injured list.

K.C. HUNT – BILOXI SHUCKERS (BREWERS)

Pos. P Height: 6-3 Weight: 200 Bats/Throws: L/R Lettered at MSU: 2021-22

Record: 7-9 ERA: 4.60 G: 25 GS: 25 SV: 0 IP: 115.1 K: 118 BB: 42

Notes: Hunt held left-handed hitters to just a .215 batting average this season.

KAMREN JAMES – MONTGOMERY BISCUITS (RAYS)
Pos. SS Height: 6-2 Weight: 205 Bats/Throws: R/R Lettered at MSU: 2020-22

AVG: .167 AB: 132 H: 22 R: 13 2B: 1 3B: 0 HR: 1 RBI: 7 BB: 13 SB: 2 OPS: .444*

Notes: James singled at Columbus on Sept. 7.

PRESTON JOHNSON – FREE AGENT
Pos. P Height: 6-4 Weight: 250 Bats/Throws: R/R Lettered at MSU: 2021-22

Record: 4-4 ERA: 5.32 G: 24 GS: 2 SV: 0 IP: 45.2 K: 55 BB: 30*

Notes: Johnson returned to Double-A on Aug. 7 and was released by the Orioles organization the following day.

ROWDEY JORDAN – RETIRED
Pos. 2B Height: 5-10 Weight: 190 Bats/Throws: S/R Lettered at MSU: 2018-21

AVG: .236 AB: 165 H: 39 R: 21 2B: 9 3B: 0 HR: 5 RBI: 20 BB: 11 SB: 3 OPS: .673*

Notes: Jordan voluntarily retired from the Houston Astros organization on June 10.

COLTON LEDBETTER – MONTGOMERY BISCUITS (RAYS)
Pos. OF Height: 6-2 Weight: 205 Bats/Throws: L/R Lettered at MSU: 2023

AVG: .257 AB: 451 H: 116 R: 64 2B: 24 3B: 4 HR: 6 RBI: 46 BB: 51 SB: 36 OPS: .701

Notes: Ledbetter walked, singled, stole a base and scored a run at Columbus on Sept. 5.

DAVID MERSHON – ROCKET CITY TRASH PANDAS (ANGELS)
Pos. SS Height: 5-7 Weight: 175 Bats/Throws: S/R Lettered at MSU: 2023-24

AVG: .187 AB: 294 H: 55 R: 34 2B: 12 3B: 2 HR: 1 RBI: 20 BB: 53 SB: 25 OPS: .565*

Notes: Mershon went 2-for-4 with an RBI double against Chattanooga on Sept. 11.

LANDON SIMS – AMARILLO SOD POODLES (DIAMONDBACKS)
Pos. P Height: 6-2 Weight: 227 Bats/Throws: R/R Lettered at MSU: 2020-22

Record: 4-2 ERA: 3.53 G: 48 GS: 0 SV: 11 IP: 51 K: 56 BB: 31

Notes: In three outings so far this month, Sims has tossed four shutout innings with three strikeouts and surrendered just two hits.

KHAL STEPHEN – AKRON RUBBERDUCKS (GUARDIANS)
Pos. P Height: 6-4 Weight: 215 Bats/Throws: R/R Lettered at MSU: 2024

Record: 9-2 ERA: 2.55 G: 21 GS: 20 SV: 1 IP: 99 K: 107 BB: 19*

Notes: Stephen has limited hitters to a .216 batting average this year.

COLBY WHITE – FREE AGENT
Pos. RP Height: 6-0 Weight: 190 Bats/Throws: R/R Lettered at MSU: 2019

Record: 1-1 ERA: 12.79 G: 4 GS: 0 SV: 0 IP: 6.1 K: 5 BB: 7

Notes: White was released by the Yankees organization on April 25.

R.J. YEAGER – FREE AGENT
Pos. SS Height: 6-3 Weight: 200 Bats/Throws: R/R Lettered at MSU: 2022

AVG: .210 AB: 271 H: 57 R: 42 2B: 11 3B: 0 HR: 6 RBI: 32 BB: 23 SB: 4 OPS: .599

Notes: Yeager was released by the Cardinals organization on Aug. 12.

DIAMOND DAWGS IN SINGLE-A

BROOKS AUGER – GREAT LAKES LOONS (DODGERS)

Pos. P Height: 6-5 Weight: 215 Bats/Throws: R/R Lettered at MSU: 2022-24

Record: 3-8 ERA: 5.12 G: 22 GS: 17 SV: 2 IP: 91.1 K: 61 BB: 41

Notes: Auger fanned eight in just 4 1/3 innings in a start at Lake County on Sept. 6.

TYLER DAVIS – QUAD CITIES RIVER BANDITS (ROYALS)
Pos. P Height: 6-2 Weight: 210 Bats/Throws: L/L Lettered at MSU: 2023-24

Record: 4-2 ERA: 3.54 G: 28 GS: 1 SV: 0 IP: 48.1 K: 48 BB: 24*

Notes: Season complete

NATE DOHM – PEORIA CHIEFS (CARDINALS)
Pos. P Height: 6-4 Weight: 210 Bats/Throws: R/R Lettered at MSU: 2023-24

Record: 3-7 ERA: 3.24 G: 23 GS: 22 SV: 0 IP: 75 K: 90 BB: 32*

Notes: Season complete

LUKE DOTSON – ACL D-BACKS (DIAMONDBACKS)
Pos. P Height: 6-4 Weight: 210 Bats/Throws: L/L Lettered at MSU: 202 4-25

Record: n/a ERA: n/a G: n/a GS: n/a SV: n/a IP: n/a K: n/a BB: n/a

Notes: Dotson signed with the Diamondbacks on July 21 after being drafted in the 11th round.

JACKSON FRISTOE – TAMPA TARPONS (YANKEES)
Pos. P Height: 6-4 Weight: 210 Bats/Throws: R/R Lettered at MSU: 2021-2 3

Record: 7-2 ERA: 4.30 G: 32 GS: 0 SV: 2 IP: 58.2 K: 46 BB: 32

Notes: Fristoe pitched a perfect inning of relief with a pair of strikeouts at Clearwater on Sept. 6.

HUNTER HINES – FCL NATIONALS (NATIONALS)
Pos. 1B Height: 6-3 Weight: 210 Bats/Throws: L/R Lettered at MSU: 202 2-25

AVG: n/a AB: n/a H: n/a R: n/a 2B: n/a 3B: n/a HR: n/a RBI: n/a BB: n/a SB: n/a OPS: n/a

Notes: Hines signed with the Nationals on July 15 after being drafted in the 10th round.

COLBY HOLCOMBE – VANCOUVER CANADIANS (BLUE JAYS)
Pos: P Height: 6-6 Weight: 250 Bats/Throws: R/R Lettered at MSU: 2023-24

Record: 3-11 ERA: 5.40 G: 25 GS: 15 SV: 0 IP: 75 K: 70 BB: 45

Notes: Season complete

CONNOR HUJSAK – CHARLESTON RIVERDOGS (RAYS)
Pos. OF Height: 6-2 Weight: 200 Bats/Throws: R/R Lettered at MSU: 2023-24

AVG: .234 AB: 381 H: 89 R: 57 2B: 20 3B: 6 HR: 8 RBI: 53 BB: 33 SB: 28 OPS: .677

Notes: Hujsak went 4-for-9 with a double, two homers and three RBIs in back-to-back games at Hickory on Sept. 6-7.

DAKOTA JORDAN – SAN JOSE GIANTS (GIANTS)
Pos. OF Height: 6-0 Weight: 220 Bats/Throws: R/R Lettered at MSU: 2023-24

AVG: .311 AB: 370 H: 115 R: 71 2B: 15 3B: 6 HR: 14 RBI: 82 BB: 37 SB: 27 OPS: .874

Notes: Jordan is currently on the injured list.

PICO KOHN – FCL YANKEES (YANKEES)
Pos. P Height: 6-4 Weight: 200 Bats/Throws: L/L Lettered at MSU: 202 2 , 2024-25

Record: n/a ERA: n/a G: n/a GS: n/a SV: n/a IP: n/a K: n/a BB: n/a

Notes: Kohn signed with the Yankees on July 16 after being drafted in the fourth round.

KARSON LIGON – FCL BLUE JAYS
Pos. P Height: 6-1 Weight: 210 Bats/Throws: R/R Lettered at MSU: 202 4-25

Record: n/a ERA: n/a G: n/a GS: n/a SV: n/a IP: n/a K: n/a BB: n/a

Notes: Ligon signed with the Blue Jays on July 19 after being drafted in the ninth round.

AARON NIXON – TAMPA TARPONS (YANKEES)

Pos. RP Height: 6-0 Weight: 210 Bats/Throws: R/R Lettered at MSU: 2023

Record: n/a ERA: n/a G: n/a GS: n/a SV: n/a IP: n/a K: n/a BB: n/a

Notes: Nixon is currently on the injured list and expected to miss the 2025 season.

JACOB PRUITT – FCL PHILLIES (PHILLIES)
Pos. P Height: 6-1 Weight: 185 Bats/Throws: R/R Lettered at MSU: 20 25

Record: n/a ERA: n/a G: n/a GS: n/a SV: n/a IP: n/a K: n/a BB: n/a

Notes: Pruitt signed with the Phillies on July 22 after being drafted in the 15th round.

CAM SCHUELKE – LYNCHBURG HILLCATS (GUARDIANS)
Pos. P Height: 6-0 Weight: 205 Bats/Throws: R/R Lettered at MSU: 2024

Record: 4-1 ERA: 3.90 G: 19 GS: 0 SV: 3 IP: 27.2 K: 33 BB: 12*

Notes: Schuelke worked two innings and struck out three to record a save at Delmarva on Sept. 6.

EVAN SIARY – HICKORY CRAWDADS (RANGERS)
Pos. P Height: 6-1 Weight: 190 Bats/Throws: R/R Lettered at MSU: 202 3-25

Record: 0-0 ERA: 7.50 G: 4 GS: 3 SV: 0 IP: 6 K: 6 BB: 2

Notes: Siary has kept the top two hitters in the lineup to a combined 0-for-7 with two strikeouts since turning pro.

CADE SMITH – HUDSON VALLEY RENEGADES (YANKEES)
Pos. SP Height: 6-1 Weight: 190 Bats/Throws: L/R Lettered at MSU: 20 2 1-23

Record: 2-1 ERA: 2.50 G: 11 GS: 11 SV: 0 IP: 39.2 K: 42 BB: 18*

Notes: Smith earned a win after six shutout innings and eight strikeouts in a start against Greensboro on Sept. 6.

LOGAN TANNER – DAYTON DRAGONS (REDS)
Pos. C Height: 6-0 Weight: 215 Bats/Throws: R/R Lettered at MSU: 2020-22

AVG: .121 AB: 33 H: 4 R: 5 2B: 0 3B: 0 HR: 0 RBI: 3 BB: 9 SB: 0 OPS: .431

Notes: Tanner is currently on the injured list and is expected to miss the rest of the season.

NATE WILLIAMS – ACL CUBS (CUBS)
Pos. P Height: 6-4 Weight: 250 Bats/Throws: R/R Lettered at MSU: 20 25

Record: n/a ERA: n/a G: n/a GS: n/a SV: n/a IP: n/a K: n/a BB: n/a

Notes: Williams signed with the Cubs on July 25 after being drafted in the 13th round.

*Combined Minor League Stats

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