#StateToTheShow Update: July 20
July 20, 2026 | Baseball
Mississippi State has produced plenty of professional baseball players over the years and 2026 is no exception.
There are 42 former Diamond Dawgs playing professional baseball this year including eight current big leaguers. Among those in the majors are All-Stars Adam Frazier, Brent Rooker (2x), Jordan Westburg and Brandon Woodruff (2x) and World Series champion Nathaniel Lowe.
MSU has produced 72 Major Leaguers, 13 MLB All-Stars (30 selections), seven World Series champions and had 20 first round draft picks during its storied history including Rooker, Westburg, Justin Foscue, Will Bednar, Landon Sims and Jurrangelo Cijntje.
HailState.com will have a weekly update on how these former Bulldogs are performing in their baseball journey.
NOTE: Not all former Bulldogs have started their seasons and will be added to the updates when they do.
DIAMOND DAWGS IN MLB
JUSTIN FOSCUE – TEXAS RANGERS
Pos. 2B Height: 5-11 Weight: 205 Bats/Throws: R/R Lettered at MSU: 2018-20
AVG: .279 AB: 111 H: 31 R: 15 2B: 7 3B: 0 HR: 7 RBI: 19 BB: 10 SB: 0 OPS: .879
Notes: Foscue is hitting .314 (11-for-35) with three doubles, three homers, nine RBIs and four walks over his last 15 games.
J.T. GINN – ATHLETICS
Pos. SP Height: 6-2 Weight: 200 Bats/Throws: R/R Lettered at MSU: 2019-20
Record: 8-6 ERA: 3.46 G: 22 GS: 19 SV: 0 IP: 109.1 K: 100 BB: 49
Notes: Ginn earned a win following 6 1/3 shutout innings with seven strikeouts and only one hit allowed in a start against the Nationals on July 18.
NATHANIEL LOWE – CINCINNATI REDS
Pos. 1B Height: 6-4 Weight: 220 Bats/Throws: L/R Lettered at MSU: 2016
AVG: .249 AB: 205 H: 51 R: 22 2B: 13 3B: 0 HR: 11 RBI: 30 BB: 26 SB: 0 OPS: .806
Notes: Lowe has homered in two of his last three games and driven in five runs during that span.
JAKE MANGUM – PITTSBURGH PIRATES
Pos. OF Height: 5-11 Weight: 191 Bats/Throws: S/L Lettered at MSU: 2016-19
AVG: .303 AB: 244 H: 74 R: 35 2B: 10 3B: 1 HR: 2 RBI: 20 BB: 14 SB: 18 OPS: .732
Notes: Mangum is hitting .327 (18-for-55) with two doubles, a triple, one homer, six RBIs and four steals so far in July.
BRENT ROOKER – ATHLETICS
Pos. OF Height: 6-3 Weight: 225 Bats/Throws: R/R Lettered at MSU: 2014-17
AVG: .200 AB: 180 H: 36 R: 20 2B: 4 3B: 0 HR: 10 RBI: 29 BB: 19 SB: 2 OPS: .670
Notes: Rooker will miss the rest of the 2026 season following surgery on his left knee.
JORDAN WESTBURG – BALTIMORE ORIOLES
Pos. 3B Height: 6-1 Weight: 210 Bats/Throws: R/R Lettered at MSU: 2018-20
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: Westburg underwent Tommy John surgery in mid-May and will miss the 2026 season.
BRANDON WOODRUFF – MILWAUKEE BREWERS
Pos. SP Height: 6-4 Weight: 242 Bats/Throws: L/R Lettered at MSU: 2012-14
Record: 2-2 ERA: 2.98 G: 9 GS: 9 SV: 0 IP: 45.1 K: 47 BB: 10
Notes: Woodruff will miss the remainder of the season after having surgery on his right shoulder.
DIAMOND DAWGS IN TRIPLE-A
ERIC CERANTOLA – SACRAMENTO RIVER CATS (GIANTS)
Pos. P Height: 6-5 Weight: 225 Bats/Throws: R/R Lettered at MSU: 2019-21
MLB
Record: 0-0 ERA: 10.13 G: 4 GS: 0 SV: 0 IP: 5.1.K: 7 BB: 10
MiLB
Record: 1-4 ERA: 3.98 G: 29 GS: 1 SV: 11 IP: 31.2.K: 44 BB: 21
Notes: Cerantola made his first start of the season against Salt Lake on July 12.
JURRANGELO CIJNTJE – MEMPHIS REDBIRDS (CARDINALS)
Pos. P Height: 5-11 Weight: 200 Bats/Throws: S/S Lettered at MSU: 2023-24
Record: 3-5 ERA: 5.46 G: 18 GS: 18 SV: 0 IP: 84 K: 103 BB: 44*
Notes: Cijntje was promoted to Triple-A on July 15 and made his first start at that level four days later.
J.P. FRANCE – SUGAR LAND SPACE COWBOYS (ASTROS)
Pos. P Height: 6-0 Weight: 198 Bats/Throws: R/R Lettered at MSU: 2018
MLB
Record: 0-0 ERA: 8.10 G: 3 GS: 0 SV: 0 IP: 6.2 K: 4 BB: 5
MiLB
Record: 1-3 ERA: 3.97 G: 26 GS: 1 SV: 0 IP: 34 K: 35 BB: 23
Notes: France has pitched 2 1/3 scoreless innings of relief and surrendered just one hit over his last three outings.
ADAM FRAZIER – SALT LAKE BEES (ANGELS)
Pos. 2B Height: 5-10 Weight: 190 Bats/Throws: L/R Lettered at MSU: 2011-13
MLB
AVG: .210 AB: 81 H: 17 R: 15 2B: 5 3B: 1 HR: 1 RBI: 6 BB: 9 SB: 0 OPS: .630
MiLB
AVG: .000 AB: 3 H: 0 R: 0 2B: 0 3B: 0 HR: 0 RBI: 0 BB: 0 SB: 0 OPS: .000
Notes: Frazier was sent to Triple-A on a rehab assignment on July 19.
TYSON HARDIN – NASHVILLE SOUNDS (BREWERS)
Pos. P Height: 6-2 Weight: 185 Bats/Throws: L/R Lettered at MSU: 2023-24
Record: 3-4 ERA: 4.84 G: 18 GS: 18 SV: 0 IP: 87.1 K: 98 BB: 28*
Notes: Hardin is 3-1 with a 3.41 ERA, 55 strikeouts and has held hitters to a .220 batting average since being promoted to Triple-A.
HOUSTON HARDING – SALT LAKE BEES (ANGELS)
Pos: RP Height: 6-1 Weight: 230 Bats/Throws: L/L Lettered at MSU: 2020-21
Record: 2-1 ERA: 7.43 G: 22 GS: 2 SV: 0 IP: 46 K: 26 BB: 30*
Notes: Harding pitched 1 1/3 shutout innings of relief with one strikeout and one hit allowed against Reno on July 18.
COLTON LEDBETTER – MEMPHIS REDBIRDS (CARDINALS)
Pos. OF Height: 6-2 Weight: 205 Bats/Throws: L/R Lettered at MSU: 2023
AVG: .239 AB: 255 H: 61 R: 43 2B: 9 3B: 3 HR: 7 RBI: 32 BB: 24 SB: 13 OPS: .693
Notes: Ledbetter is hitting .325 (13-for-40) with three doubles, two homers and five RBIs and two steals so far in July.
KONNOR PILKINGTON – ROCHESTER RED WINGS (NATIONALS)
Pos. P Height: 6-3 Weight: 240 Bats/Throws: L/L Lettered at MSU: 2016-18
Record: 1-5 ERA: 5.06 G: 26 GS: 3 SV: 1 IP: 37.1 K: 31 BB: 30
Notes: Pilkington has pitched four innings and only surrendered two hits since rejoining the Nationals organization on July 2.
LANDON SIMS – RENO ACES (DIAMONDBACKS)
Pos. P Height: 6-2 Weight: 227 Bats/Throws: R/R Lettered at MSU: 2020-22
Record: 2-4 ERA: 4.54 G: 32 GS: 0 SV: 9 IP: 39.2 K: 35 BB: 19*
Notes: Sims logged two shutout and hitless innings with a pair of strikeouts to earn a win against Round Rock on July 11.
ANDREW WALLING – LEHIGH VALLEY IRONPIGS (PHILLIES)
Pos. P Height: 6-2 Weight: 220 Bats/Throws: L/L Lettered at MSU: 2022
Record: 0-1 ERA: 9.58 G: 11 GS: 1 SV: 1 IP: 10.1 K: 16 BB: 15
Notes: Walling is currently on the 7-day injured list.
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: 4-0 ERA: 4.03 G: 24 GS: 0 SV: 1 IP: 38 K: 50 BB: 25*
Notes: Bednar pitched two scoreless and hitless innings of relief with three strikeouts at Altoona on July 10.
K.C. HUNT – MONTGOMERY BISCUITS (RAYS)
Pos. P Height: 6-3 Weight: 200 Bats/Throws: L/R Lettered at MSU: 2021-22
Record: 2-2 ERA: 6.16 G: 17 GS: 3 SV: 1 IP: 38 K: 33 BB: 29*
Notes: Hunt has held hitters to a .164 batting average during day games this season.
KAMREN JAMES – MONTGOMERY BISCUITS (RAYS)
Pos. SS Height: 6-2 Weight: 205 Bats/Throws: R/R Lettered at MSU: 2020-22
AVG: .234 AB: 107 H: 25 R: 18 2B: 5 3B: 1 HR: 6 RBI: 15 BB: 12 SB: 1 OPS: .784
Notes: James went 2-for-5 with a double, home run and two RBIs at Pensacola on July 10.
PRESTON JOHNSON – WICHITA WIND SURGE (TWINS)
Pos. P Height: 6-4 Weight: 250 Bats/Throws: R/R Lettered at MSU: 2021-22
Record: 0-3 ERA: 4.63 G: 13 GS: 10 SV: 0 IP: 44.2 K: 56 BB: 17
Notes: Johnson was named the Texas League Pitcher of the Week after tossing four scoreless and hitless innings with five strikeouts in a start against Northwest Arkansas on July 11.
DAKOTA JORDAN – RICHMOND FLYING SQUIRRELS (GIANTS)
Pos. OF Height: 6-0 Weight: 220 Bats/Throws: R/R Lettered at MSU: 2023-24
AVG: .291 AB: 333 H: 97 R: 53 2B: 23 3B: 1 HR: 18 RBI: 67 BB: 30 SB: 16 OPS: .879*
Notes: Jordan went 4-for-5 with a double, three homers and four RBIs against Spokane on July 10 and was promoted to Double-A a week later.
CHRISTIAN MACLEOD – PENSACOLA BLUE WAHOOS (MARLINS)
Pos. SP Height: 6-4 Weight: 227 Bats/Throws: L/L Lettered at MSU: 2020-21
Record: 1-1 ERA: 6.41 G: 15 GS: 2 SV: 0 IP: 19.2 K: 26 BB: 19*
Notes: MacLeod has not allowed an earned run in his last five appearances out of the bullpen.
CADE SMITH – SOMERSET PATRIOTS (YANKEES)
Pos. SP Height: 6-1 Weight: 190 Bats/Throws: L/R Lettered at MSU: 2021-23
Record: 5-6 ERA: 4.99 G: 15 GS: 14 SV: 0 IP: 74 K: 72 BB: 32
Notes: Smith has limited hitters to a .194 batting average with runners in scoring position this season.
KHAL STEPHEN – AKRON RUBBERDUCKS (GUARDIANS)
Pos. P Height: 6-4 Weight: 215 Bats/Throws: R/R Lettered at MSU: 2024
Record: 3-2 ERA: 3.44 G: 12 GS: 12 SV: 0 IP: 55 K: 49 BB: 23
Notes: Stephen is currently on the 60-day injured list.
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: 1-1 ERA: 3.11 G: 12 GS: 12 SV: 0 IP: 46.1 K: 66 BB: 18
Notes: Auger went on the 7-day injured list on July 17.
TYLER DAVIS – GREENVILLE DRIVE (RED SOX)
Pos. P Height: 6-2 Weight: 210 Bats/Throws: L/L Lettered at MSU: 2023-24
Record: 1-1 ERA: 6.06 G: 11 GS: 0 SV: 1 IP: 16.1 K: 18 BB: 5
Notes: Davis earned his first career save at Greensboro on July 10.
NATE DOHM – PEORIA CHIEFS (CARDINALS)
Pos. P Height: 6-4 Weight: 210 Bats/Throws: R/R Lettered at MSU: 2023-24
Record: 1-4 ERA: 7.19 G: 15 GS: 11 SV: 0 IP: 41.1 K: 46 BB: 25
Notes: Dohm pitched a perfect inning of relief with two strikeouts at South Bend on July 17.
LUKE DOTSON – HILLSBORO HOPS (DIAMONDBACKS)
Pos. P Height: 6-4 Weight: 210 Bats/Throws: L/L Lettered at MSU: 2024-25
Record: 2-1 ERA: 2.57 G: 23 GS: 0 SV: 4 IP: 28 K: 41 BB: 6*
Notes: Dotson has pitched three consecutive shutout innings with four strikeouts and only surrendered one base runner during that span.
JACKSON FRISTOE – HUDSON VALLEY RENEGADES (YANKEES)
Pos. P Height: 6-4 Weight: 210 Bats/Throws: R/R Lettered at MSU: 2021-23
Record: 2-2 ERA: 6.59 G: 14 GS: 0 SV: 0 IP: 13.2 K: 13 BB: 13
Notes: Fristoe is currently on the 7-day injured list.
HUNTER HINES – FREDERICKSBURG NATIONALS (NATIONALS)
Pos. 1B Height: 6-3 Weight: 210 Bats/Throws: L/R Lettered at MSU: 2022-25
AVG: .225 AB: 209 H: 47 R: 30 2B: 8 3B: 2 HR: 11 RBI: 39 BB: 19 SB: 1 OPS: .732*
Notes: Hines hit a solo homer at Myrtle Beach on July 11 and added a triple and an RBI the next day.
COLBY HOLCOMBE – FCL BLUE JAYS (BLUE JAYS)
Pos: P Height: 6-6 Weight: 250 Bats/Throws: R/R Lettered at MSU: 2023-24
Record: 2-0 ERA: 8.56 G: 7 GS: 4 SV: 0 IP: 13.2 K: 12 BB: 10
Notes: Holcombe pitched two scoreless and hitless innings with a pair of strikeouts against the FCL Tigers on July 11 as part of a rehab assignment.
CONNOR HUJSAK – BOWLING GREEN HOT RODS (RAYS)
Pos. OF Height: 6-2 Weight: 200 Bats/Throws: R/R Lettered at MSU: 2023-24
AVG: .316 AB: 310 H: 98 R: 60 2B: 20 3B: 2 HR: 23 RBI: 73 BB: 14 SB: 17 OPS: .959*
Notes: Hujsak is hitting .357 (20-for-56) with two doubles, five homers, 13 RBIs and three steals so far in July.
PICO KOHN – HUDSON VALLEY RENEGADES (YANKEES)
Pos. P Height: 6-4 Weight: 200 Bats/Throws: L/L Lettered at MSU: 2022, 2024-25
Record: 1-0 ERA:1.59 G: 1 GS: 1 SV: 0 IP: 5.2 K: 8 BB: 2
Notes: Kohn is currently on the 60-day injured list.
KARSON LIGON – DUNEDIN BLUE JAYS (BLUE JAYS)
Pos. P Height: 6-1 Weight: 210 Bats/Throws: R/R Lettered at MSU: 2024-25
Record: 0-1 ERA: 4.50 G: 4 GS: 3 SV: 0 IP: 12 K: 17 BB: 8
Notes: Ligon is currently on the 7-day injured list.
DAVID MERSHON – TRI-CITY DUST DEVILS (ANGELS)
Pos. SS Height: 5-7 Weight: 175 Bats/Throws: S/R Lettered at MSU: 2023-24
AVG: .182 AB: 165 H: 30 R: 27 2B: 2 3B: 0 HR: 1 RBI: 9 BB: 25 SB: 13 OPS: .513*
Notes: Mershon went 2-for-4 with a pair of singles and a run scored against Hillsboro on July 12.
AARON NIXON – HUDSON VALLEY RENEGADES (YANKEES)
Pos. RP Height: 6-0 Weight: 210 Bats/Throws: R/R Lettered at MSU: 2023
Record: 1-0 ERA: 7.07 G: 14 GS: 0 SV: 0 IP: 14 K: 13 BB: 10
Notes: Nixon picked up his first win of the season following a perfect inning of relief at Brooklyn on July 19.
JACOB PRUITT – CLEARWATER THRESHERS (PHILLIES)
Pos. P Height: 6-1 Weight: 185 Bats/Throws: R/R Lettered at MSU: 2025
Record: 3-1 ERA: 3.34 G: 20 GS: 0 SV: 1 IP: 29.2 K: 37 BB: 19
Notes: Pruitt has not allowed a hit in 3 2/3 innings of work this month.
CAM SCHUELKE – LAKE COUNTY CAPTAINS (GUARDIANS)
Pos. P Height: 6-0 Weight: 205 Bats/Throws: R/R Lettered at MSU: 2024
Record: 3-3 ERA: 3.51 G: 27 GS: 0 SV: 2 IP: 41 K: 36 BB: 28
Notes: Schuelke earned a win after 2 2/3 shutout innings of relief with three strikeouts and one hit allowed against Dayton on July 18.
EVAN SIARY – HICKORY CRAWDADS (RANGERS)
Pos. P Height: 6-1 Weight: 190 Bats/Throws: R/R Lettered at MSU: 2023-25
Record: 3-2 ERA: 3.39 G: 15 GS: 15 SV: 0 IP: 71.2 K: 61 BB: 15
Notes: Siary was named the Carolina League Pitcher of the Week after tossing six shutout innings with 10 strikeouts and zero walks in a start at Augusta on July 12.
LOGAN TANNER – ACL REDS (REDS)
Pos. P Height: 6-0 Weight: 215 Bats/Throws: R/R Lettered at MSU: 2020-22
Record: 0-0 ERA: 0.00 G: 3 GS: 0 SV: 0 IP: 3 K: 6 BB: 3
Notes: Tanner has not surrendered a hit or run through his first three mound outings and has struck out six in a rehab assignment.
NATE WILLIAMS – SOUTH BEND CUBS (CUBS)
Pos. P Height: 6-4 Weight: 250 Bats/Throws: R/R Lettered at MSU: 2025
Record: 1-0 ERA: 5.76 G: 18 GS: 0 SV: 0 IP: 25 K: 32 BB: 13
Notes: Williams has limited left handers to a .209 batting average against him this year.
*Combined Minor League Stats
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