#StateToTheShow Update: September 21

Photo by: Biloxi Shuckers

#StateToTheShow Update: September 21

September 21, 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: 0-0 ERA: 0.00 G: 1 GS: 0 SV: 0 IP: 1 K: 0 BB: 1

Notes: France worked a shutout and no-hit inning of relief at the Braves on Sept. 14.

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

AVG: .264 AB: 398 H: 105 R: 42 2B: 19 3B: 0 HR: 7 RBI: 41 BB: 24 SB: 8 OPS: .679

Notes: Frazier went 2-for-4 with a two-run homer against the Mariners on Sept. 17.

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

Record: 4-6 ERA: 4.57 G: 22 GS: 15 SV: 0 IP: 86.2 K: 95 BB: 28

Notes: Ginn picked up a win following a six-inning start at the Red Sox on Sept. 18, giving up two runs on five hits with three strikeouts and a walk.

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: .224 AB: 518 H: 116 R: 62 2B: 20 3B: 3 HR: 18 RBI: 81 BB: 59 SB: 1 OPS: .682

Notes: Lowe is hitting .375 (6-for-16) with five walks and four RBIs over his last seven games.

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

AVG: .298 AB: 382 H: 114 R: 36 2B: 18 3B: 1 HR: 2 RBI: 37 BB: 18 SB: 26 OPS: .699

Notes: Mangum is batting .349 (37-for-106) with 10 stolen bases over his last 30 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: 4.39 G: 29 GS: 0 SV: 0 IP: 26.2 K: 30 BB: 16

Notes: Pilkington has made five consecutive shutout and no-hit appearances since Sept. 14 and struck out five in as many innings during that span.

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: .264 AB: 607 H: 160 R: 91 2B: 40 3B: 3 HR: 30 RBI: 87 BB: 61 SB: 6 OPS: .823

Notes: Rooker blasted three home runs over his last seven games and has hit 30+ homers in each of the last three seasons.

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: .261 AB: 303 H: 79 R: 56 2B: 9 3B: 1 HR: 15 RBI: 34 BB: 17 SB: 1 OPS: .759

Notes: Westburg is the Orioles' nominee for the Roberto Clemente Award.

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

Record: 7-2 ERA: 3.20 G: 12 GS: 12 SV: 0 IP: 64.2 K: 83 BB: 14

Notes: Woodruff earned a win after a five-inning start against the Angels on Sept. 17 in which he struck out nine and only surrendered two base runners.

DIAMOND DAWGS IN TRIPLE-A

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

Record: 2-2 ERA: 5.44 G: 37 GS: 0 SV: 1 IP: 51.1 K: 84 BB: 38*

Notes: Bednar was promoted to Triple-A on Sept. 16 and debuted there two days later.

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: 4.13 G: 37 GS: 1 SV: 1 IP: 48 K: 61 BB: 24

Notes: Over his last nine appearances, Cerantola has pitched 10 1/3 scoreless innings with one save, 17 strikeouts and only surrendered three 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: .221 AB: 263 H: 58 R: 32 2B: 10 3B: 2 HR: 2 RBI: 29 BB: 28 SB: 4 OPS: .596

Notes: Collins walked, singled and scored a run against St. Paul on Sept. 18.

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: .256 AB: 402 H: 103 R: 66 2B: 27 3B: 0 HR: 19 RBI: 68 BB: 46 SB: 7 OPS: .803

Notes: Foscue is hitting .318 with five doubles, four homers and 10 RBIs so far in September and his 19 home runs this season are a new career-high.

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

Record: 8-7 ERA: 6.68 G: 28 GS: 24 SV: 0 IP: 136 K: 89 BB: 51

Notes: Hudson picked up a win following a seven-inning start at Las Vegas on Sept. 17 that he struck out three with no walks and surrendered only one run. He has now won back-to-back starts.

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

Record: 4-5 ERA: 4.34 G: 27 GS: 17 SV: 0 IP: 87 K: 94 BB: 47*

Notes: MacLeod worked 3 2/3 shutout innings of relief with seven strikeouts and only two hits allowed in a win against Columbus on Sept. 12.

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: 8.44 G: 6 GS: 0 SV: 0 IP: 5.1 K: 4 BB: 4

Notes: Small has pitched back-to-back perfect innings of relief against Round Rock on Sept. 16 and 19, recording a pair of punchouts.

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

AVG: .227 AB: 299 H: 68 R: 36 2B: 7 3B: 1 HR: 7 RBI: 31 BB: 27 SB: 10 OPS: .621*

Notes: Stovall is hitting .310 (19-for-42) with three doubles, one homer, three RBIs and two steals during September.

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

Record: 4-6 ERA: 3.97 G: 43 GS: 0 SV: 6 IP: 47.2 K: 54 BB: 22*

Notes: Walling picked up a win following a scoreless and no-hit inning of work with a pair of strikeouts against Syracuse on Sept. 20.

DIAMOND DAWGS IN DOUBLE-A

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: 3.99 G: 26 GS: 23 SV: 0 IP: 108.1 K: 120 BB: 51*

Notes: Cijntje is 1-0 with a 0.56 ERA with 17 strikeouts in 16 innings across three September starts.

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: Season complete

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: Season complete

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: 4.45 G: 26 GS: 26 SV: 0 IP: 121.1 K: 122 BB: 43

Notes: Hunt pitched six innings and surrendered only one hit and struck out four in a start at Birmingham on Sept. 12.

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

AVG: .167 AB: 138 H: 23 R: 14 2B: 1 3B: 0 HR: 1 RBI: 7 BB: 14 SB: 2 OPS: .444*

Notes: James singled against Knoxville on Sept. 14.

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: .265 AB: 465 H: 123 R: 67 2B: 24 3B: 4 HR: 7 RBI: 49 BB: 51 SB: 37 OPS: .715

Notes: Ledbetter went 6-for-10 with a home run, three RBIs and a stolen base in consecutive games against Knoxville on Sept. 13-14.

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

AVG: .182 AB: 302 H: 55 R: 34 2B: 12 3B: 2 HR: 1 RBI: 21 BB: 57 SB: 27 OPS: .559*

Notes: Mershon walked twice, stole a base and drove in a run against Chattanooga on Sept. 14.

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: 3.63 G: 49 GS: 0 SV: 12 IP: 52 K: 57 BB: 31

Notes: Sims collected a save against Midland on Sept. 13.

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

Record: 9-2 ERA: 2.53 G: 22 GS: 21 SV: 1 IP: 103 K: 110 BB: 20*

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: Season complete

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: Season complete

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: Season complete

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: Season complete

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 missed the 2025 season due to injury.

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

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

Postseason
Record: 0-0 ERA: 3.86 G: 3 GS: 0 SV: 2 IP: 4.2 K: 5 BB: 3

Notes: Schuelke earned a two-inning save at Columbia to close out the Carolina League Championship game.

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: Season complete

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 was selected to pitch in the Arizona Fall League for the Mesa Solar Sox.

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: Season complete

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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