#StateToTheShow Update: August 7
August 07, 2026 | Baseball
Mississippi State has produced plenty of professional baseball players over the years and 2026 is no exception.
There are 51 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 21 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.
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: .256 AB: 133 H: 34 R: 16 2B: 7 3B: 1 HR: 7 RBI: 21 BB: 10 SB: 0 OPS: .796
Notes: Foscue hit a two-run triple against the Giants on Aug. 5.
ADAM FRAZIER – LOS ANGELES ANGELS
Pos. 2B Height: 5-10 Weight: 190 Bats/Throws: L/R Lettered at MSU: 2011-13
MLB
AVG: .200 AB: 85 H: 17 R: 15 2B: 5 3B: 1 HR: 1 RBI: 6 BB: 9 SB: 0 OPS: .602
Notes: Frazier was activated from the injured list on Aug. 4.
J.T. GINN – ATHLETICS
Pos. SP Height: 6-2 Weight: 200 Bats/Throws: R/R Lettered at MSU: 2019-20
Record: 8-6 ERA: 3.51 G: 23 GS: 20 SV: 0 IP: 115.1 K: 105 BB: 51
Notes: Ginn returned from the injured list on Aug. 4 and made a six-inning start at the Reds, striking out five.
NATHANIEL LOWE – CLEVELAND GUARDIANS
Pos. 1B Height: 6-4 Weight: 220 Bats/Throws: L/R Lettered at MSU: 2016
AVG: .269 AB: 260 H: 70 R: 27 2B: 18 3B: 0 HR: 13 RBI: 42 BB: 29 SB: 0 OPS: .831
Notes: Lowe went 2-for-5 with a three-run homer and a walk against the Mets on Aug. 6.
JAKE MANGUM – PITTSBURGH PIRATES
Pos. OF Height: 5-11 Weight: 191 Bats/Throws: S/L Lettered at MSU: 2016-19
AVG: .298 AB: 305 H: 91 R: 40 2B: 12 3B: 1 HR: 3 RBI: 24 BB: 18 SB: 20 OPS: .726
Notes: Mangum doubled and walked at the Brewers on Aug. 6 and was named the 2026 Heart and Hustle Award recipient for the Pirates.
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
WILL BEDNAR – SACRAMENTO RIVER CATS (GIANTS)
Pos. SP Height: 6-2 Weight: 230 Bats/Throws: R/R Lettered at MSU: 2020-21
Record: 5-1 ERA: 3.78 G: 29 GS: 0 SV: 1 IP: 47.2 K: 59 BB: 28*
Notes: Bednar was recalled to Triple-A on Aug. 6.
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: 3.72 G: 32 GS: 1 SV: 11 IP: 36.1.K: 49 BB: 23
Notes: Cerantola has limited batters to a .213 average this season and .211 during his minor league career.
JURRANGELO CIJNTJE – MEMPHIS REDBIRDS (CARDINALS)
Pos. P Height: 5-11 Weight: 200 Bats/Throws: S/S Lettered at MSU: 2023-24
Record: 3-7 ERA: 5.58 G: 21 GS: 21 SV: 0 IP: 98.1 K: 121 BB: 56*
Notes: Cijntje has held hitters to a .198 average against him during road games this year.
J.P. FRANCE – EL PASO CHIHUAHUAS (PADRES)
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: 3.72 G: 29 GS: 1 SV: 0 IP: 36.1 K: 39 BB: 25
Notes: France signed a minor league free agent deal with the Padres organization on Aug. 4.
TYSON HARDIN – NASHVILLE SOUNDS (BREWERS)
Pos. P Height: 6-2 Weight: 185 Bats/Throws: L/R Lettered at MSU: 2023-24
Record: 3-7 ERA: 5.96 G: 21 GS: 21 SV: 0 IP: 96.2 K: 110 BB: 33*
Notes: Hardin has limited leadoff hitters to a .188 batting average this year.
HOUSTON HARDING – FREE AGENT
Pos: RP Height: 6-1 Weight: 230 Bats/Throws: L/L Lettered at MSU: 2020-21
Record: 2-1 ERA: 6.97 G: 25 GS: 2 SV: 0 IP: 51.2 K: 29 BB: 35*
Notes: Harding was released by the Angels organization on Aug. 3.
COLTON LEDBETTER – MEMPHIS REDBIRDS (CARDINALS)
Pos. OF Height: 6-2 Weight: 205 Bats/Throws: L/R Lettered at MSU: 2023
AVG: .255 AB: 298 H: 76 R: 51 2B: 14 3B: 3 HR: 7 RBI: 39 BB: 27 SB: 17 OPS: .717
Notes: Ledbetter went 2-for-5 with a pair of singles and two RBIs against Nashville on Aug. 4.
KONNOR PILKINGTON – FREE AGENT
Pos. P Height: 6-3 Weight: 240 Bats/Throws: L/L Lettered at MSU: 2016-18
Record: 2-5 ERA: 4.57 G: 31 GS: 5 SV: 1 IP: 41.1 K: 35 BB: 36
Notes: Pilkington pitched a scoreless and hitless inning as an opener for Rochester against Scranton/Wilkes-Barre on Aug. 4. He was released by the Nationals organization the following day.
LANDON SIMS – RENO ACES (DIAMONDBACKS)
Pos. P Height: 6-2 Weight: 227 Bats/Throws: R/R Lettered at MSU: 2020-22
Record: 2-5 ERA: 5.12 G: 37 GS: 0 SV: 9 IP: 45.2 K: 36 BB: 22*
Notes: Sims has held hitters to a .167 batting average with runners in scoring position in 2026.
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 60-day injured list.
DIAMOND DAWGS IN DOUBLE-A
TYLER DAVIS – PORTLAND SEA DOGS (RED SOX)
Pos. P Height: 6-2 Weight: 210 Bats/Throws: L/L Lettered at MSU: 2023-24
Record: 2-1 ERA: 4.55 G: 16 GS: 0 SV: 1 IP: 27.2 K: 30 BB: 10
Notes: Davis worked 2 1/3 shutout innings of relief with three strikeouts and only one hit allowed at New Hampshire on Aug. 6.
K.C. HUNT – MONTGOMERY BISCUITS (RAYS)
Pos. P Height: 6-3 Weight: 200 Bats/Throws: L/R Lettered at MSU: 2021-22
Record: 3-3 ERA: 5.36 G: 21 GS: 4 SV: 1 IP: 50.1 K: 47 BB: 32*
Notes: Hunt is holding hitters to a .197 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: .236 AB: 123 H: 29 R: 24 2B: 5 3B: 1 HR: 7 RBI: 18 BB: 15 SB: 2 OPS: .792
Notes: James is hitting .302 with three doubles, six homers, 13 RBIs and two steals on the road this year.
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: 4.76 G: 16 GS: 12 SV: 0 IP: 56.2 K: 69 BB: 21
Notes: Johnson tossed four shutout innings of relief surrendering just one baserunner and finished with five strikeouts at Northwest Arkansas on Aug. 4.
DAKOTA JORDAN – RICHMOND FLYING SQUIRRELS (GIANTS)
Pos. OF Height: 6-0 Weight: 220 Bats/Throws: R/R Lettered at MSU: 2023-24
AVG: .289 AB: 356 H: 103 R: 55 2B: 26 3B: 1 HR: 18 RBI: 71 BB: 31 SB: 20 OPS: .866*
Notes: Jordan is currently on the 7-day injured list.
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: 5.13 G: 17 GS: 3 SV: 0 IP: 26.1 K: 29 BB: 25*
Notes: MacLeod is limiting batters to a .170 average at home in 2026.
CADE SMITH – SOMERSET PATRIOTS (YANKEES)
Pos. SP Height: 6-1 Weight: 190 Bats/Throws: L/R Lettered at MSU: 2021-23
Record: 5-7 ERA: 5.07 G: 18 GS: 17 SV: 0 IP: 87 K: 82 BB: 38
Notes: Smith has limited hitters to a .111 batting average with the bases loaded this year.
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 is currently on the 7-day injured list.
BLAKE BEVIS – ACL CUBS (CUBS)
Pos. 1B Height: 6-4 Weight: 230 Bats/Throws: R/R Lettered at MSU: 2026
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: Bevis signed with the Cubs as an undrafted free agent.
BRYCE CHANCE – VANCOUVER CANADIANS (BLUE JAYS)
Pos. OF Height: 5-10 Weight: 180 Bats/Throws: R/R Lettered at MSU: 2023-26
AVG: .125 AB: 16 H: 2 R: 0 2B: 1 3B: 0 HR: 0 RBI: 1 BB: 2 SB: 0 OPS: .410
Notes: Chance doubled and walked at Everett on Aug. 4.
BEN DAVIS – ACL ROCKIES (ROCKIES)
Pos. P Height: 6-4 Weight: 230 Bats/Throws: R/R Lettered at MSU: 2025-26
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: Davis was selected in the fourth round (104th overall) of the 2026 MLB Draft.
NATE DOHM – PEORIA CHIEFS (CARDINALS)
Pos. P Height: 6-4 Weight: 210 Bats/Throws: R/R Lettered at MSU: 2023-24
Record: 2-4 ERA: 6.66 G: 18 GS: 12 SV: 0 IP: 48.2 K: 54 BB: 31
Notes: Dohm has posted an opposing batting average of .211 as a relief pitcher this season.
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: 2.70 G: 26 GS: 0 SV: 4 IP: 33.1 K: 48 BB: 10*
Notes: Dotson is limiting hitters to a .210 batting average this season.
JACKSON FRISTOE – FREE AGENT
Pos. P Height: 6-4 Weight: 210 Bats/Throws: R/R Lettered at MSU: 2021-23
Record: 2-3 ERA: 9.60 G: 16 GS: 0 SV: 0 IP: 15 K: 13 BB: 18
Notes: Fristoe was released by the Yankees organization on Aug. 6.
HUNTER HINES – FREDERICKSBURG NATIONALS (NATIONALS)
Pos. 1B Height: 6-3 Weight: 210 Bats/Throws: L/R Lettered at MSU: 2022-25
AVG: .229 AB: 245 H: 56 R: 33 2B: 12 3B: 2 HR: 11 RBI: 46 BB: 24 SB: 1 OPS: .728*
Notes: Hines went 2-for-3 wiht a double, two walks and an RBI against Delmarva on Aug. 4.
COLBY HOLCOMBE – VANCOUVER CANADIANS (BLUE JAYS)
Pos: P Height: 6-6 Weight: 250 Bats/Throws: R/R Lettered at MSU: 2023-24
Record: 2-1 ERA: 10.45 G: 11 GS: 4 SV: 0 IP: 20.2 K: 18 BB: 14*
Notes: Holcombe has limited batters to a .158 average at home in 2026.
CONNOR HUJSAK – BOWLING GREEN HOT RODS (RAYS)
Pos. OF Height: 6-2 Weight: 200 Bats/Throws: R/R Lettered at MSU: 2023-24
AVG: .297 AB: 367 H: 109 R: 69 2B: 22 3B: 2 HR: 27 RBI: 78 BB: 16 SB: 21 OPS: .915*
Notes: Hujsak singled against Hub City on Aug. 4.
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 was activated from the 60-day injured list on Aug. 4.
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 was activated from the 7-day injured list on Aug. 5.
DAVID MERSHON – TRI-CITY DUST DEVILS (ANGELS)
Pos. SS Height: 5-7 Weight: 175 Bats/Throws: S/R Lettered at MSU: 2023-24
AVG: .211 AB: 204 H: 43 R: 34 2B: 4 3B: 1 HR: 2 RBI: 18 BB: 29 SB: 16 OPS: .590*
Notes: Mershon made his professional mound debut against Hillsboro on Aug. 6, working a scoreless and hitless inning of relief.
AARON NIXON – FREE AGENT
Pos. RP Height: 6-0 Weight: 210 Bats/Throws: R/R Lettered at MSU: 2023
Record: 2-0 ERA: 5.94 G: 16 GS: 0 SV: 0 IP: 16.2 K: 16 BB: 11
Notes: Nixon was released by the Yankees orgainzation on Aug. 3.
TYLER PITZER – ACL PADRES (PADRES)
Pos. P Height: 6-3 Weight: 205 Bats/Throws: R/R Lettered at MSU: 2026
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: Pitzer signed with the Padres as an undrafted free agent.
JACOB PRUITT – CLEARWATER THRESHERS (PHILLIES)
Pos. P Height: 6-1 Weight: 185 Bats/Throws: R/R Lettered at MSU: 2025
Record: 3-1 ERA: 3.98 G: 22 GS: 0 SV: 1 IP: 31.2 K: 38 BB: 22
Notes: Pruitt has held hitters to a .188 average during day games in 2026.
ACE REESE – INLAND EMPIRE 66ERS (MARINERS)
Pos. 3B Height: 6-4 Weight: 220 Bats/Throws: L/R Lettered at MSU: 2025-26
AVG: .500 AB: 2 H: 1 R: 0 2B: 0 3B: 0 HR: 0 RBI: 0 BB: 0 SB: 0 OPS: 1.000
Notes: Reese was promoted to Inland Empire on Aug. 6 and singled in his first professional at bat later that day.
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: 3.61 G: 31 GS: 0 SV: 3 IP: 47.1 K: 42 BB: 30
Notes: Schuelke has held hitters to a .169 batting average during day games this season.
EVAN SIARY – HICKORY CRAWDADS (RANGERS)
Pos. P Height: 6-1 Weight: 190 Bats/Throws: R/R Lettered at MSU: 2023-25
Record: 4-3 ERA: 3.13 G: 18 GS: 18 SV: 0 IP: 86.1 K: 79 BB: 20
Notes: Siary was named the Carolina League Player of the Month for July recording a 0.92 ERA with 27 strikeouts and a 0.66 WHIP in 19 2/3 innings.
REED STALLMAN – ST. LUCIE METS (METS)
Pos. 1B Height: 6-3 Weight: 220 Bats/Throws: L/L Lettered at MSU: 2025-26
AVG: .286 AB: 7 H: 2 R: 1 2B: 0 3B: 0 HR: 0 RBI: 1 BB: 1 SB: 0 OPS: .661
Notes: Stallman was promoted to St. Lucie and singled in his first two games as a pro against Daytona on Aug. 5-6.
BRENDAN SWEENEY – FCL PHILLIES (PHILLIES)
Pos. P Height: 6-7 Weight: 210 Bats/Throws: R/R Lettered at MSU: 2026
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: Sweeney signed with the Phillies as an undrafted free agent.
LOGAN TANNER – DAYTONA TORTUGAS (REDS)
Pos. P Height: 6-0 Weight: 215 Bats/Throws: R/R Lettered at MSU: 2020-22
Record: 0-0 ERA: 1.42 G: 5 GS: 0 SV: 0 IP: 6.1 K: 11 BB: 6*
Notes: Tanner has only allowed two hits since switching to pitcher.
AIDAN TEEL – FORT MYERS MIGHTY MUSSELS (TWINS)
Pos. OF Height: 6-0 Weight: 200 Bats/Throws: L/R Lettered at MSU: 2026
AVG: .389 AB: 18 H: 7 R: 3 2B: 2 3B: 0 HR: 0 RBI: 3 BB: 2 SB: 2 OPS: .976
Notes: Teel went 2-for-4 with an RBI double at Bradenton on Aug. 5 and has now hit safely in four of his five games as a pro.
NATE WILLIAMS – SOUTH BEND CUBS (CUBS)
Pos. P Height: 6-4 Weight: 250 Bats/Throws: R/R Lettered at MSU: 2025
Record: 4-0 ERA: 5.40 G: 22 GS: 0 SV: 0 IP: 30 K: 39 BB: 18
Notes: Williams has won two of his last three relief outings.
DREW WYERS – FCL ASTROS (ASTROS)
Pos. SS Height: 6-2 Weight: 200 Bats/Throws: R/R Lettered at MSU: 2026
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: Wyers signed with the Astros as an undrafted free agent.
*Combined Minor League Stats
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