#StateToTheShow Update: September 18

Photo by: Kaylee Vaugahn/Springfield Cardinals

#StateToTheShow Update: September 18

September 18, 2026 | Baseball

By: Logan Lowery, Assistant Director/Communications

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, Jurrangelo Cijntje and Ace Reese.

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: .271 AB: 214 H: 58 R: 25 2B: 13 3B: 1 HR: 11 RBI: 34 BB: 17 SB: 0 OPS: .827

Notes: Foscue is hitting .333 (12-for-36) with three doubles, two homers and nine RBIs over his last 15 games.

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

AVG: .234 AB: 128 H: 30 R: 19 2B: 8 3B: 1 HR: 1 RBI: 11 BB: 11 SB: 3 OPS: .646

Notes: Frazier lined an RBI single against the Mariners on Sept. 16.

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

Record: 9-8 ERA: 3.71 G: 27 GS: 24 SV: 0 IP: 138.1 K: 121 BB: 57

Notes: Ginn is currently on the 15-day injured list with an inpingement in his right elbow.

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

AVG: .255 AB: 365 H: 93 R: 38 2B: 22 3B: 0 HR: 17 RBI: 59 BB: 37 SB: 0 OPS: .776

Notes: Lowe went 2-for-4 with a pair of singles and an RBI at the Twins on Sept. 13.

JAKE MANGUM – PITTSBURGH PIRATES
Pos. OF Height: 5-11 Weight: 191 Bats/Throws: S/L Lettered at MSU: 2016-19

AVG: .281 AB: 413 H: 116 R: 55 2B: 19 3B: 2 HR: 4 RBI: 30 BB: 24 SB: 23 OPS: .703

Notes: Mangum went 2-for-3 with a single, double, walk and RBI at the Cubs on Sept. 13.

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 regular season with a right shoulder injury.

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: 5-2 ERA: 4.57 G: 37 GS: 1 SV: 1 IP: 63 K: 75 BB: 39*

Notes: Bednar started and pitched 2 2/3 scoreless and hitless innings with three strikeouts against Reno on Sept. 17.

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: 1-5 ERA: 3.24 G: 46 GS: 1 SV: 17 IP: 50.K: 69 BB: 26

Notes: Cerantola tossed a scoreless and hitless inning of relief and struck out the side to earn a save against Reno on Sept. 17.

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

Record: 5-9 ERA: 4.87 G: 28 GS: 28 SV: 0 IP: 133 K: 162 BB: 67*

Notes: Cijntje picked up a win following 5 1/3 shutout innings with three strikeouts and only allowing two hits in a start at Nashville on Sept. 16. He is currently ranks second in MiLB in strikeouts this season.

J.P. FRANCE – FREE AGENT
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: 1-4 ERA: 4.79 G: 39 GS: 1 SV: 1 IP: 47 K: 48 BB: 33

Notes: France was released by the Padres organization on Sept. 7.

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

Record: 4-7 ERA: 5.34 G: 26 GS: 25 SV: 0 IP: 119.2 K: 139 BB: 37*

Notes: Hardin went on the 7-day injured list on Sept. 10.

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: .266 AB: 413 H: 110 R: 74 2B: 23 3B: 3 HR: 13 RBI: 54 BB: 40 SB: 25 OPS: .765

Notes: Ledbetter went 2-for-5 with a single, solo homer and three runs scored at Nashville on Sept. 16.

CHRISTIAN MACLEOD – JACKSONVILLE JUMBO SHRIMP (MARLINS)
Pos. SP Height: 6-4 Weight: 227 Bats/Throws: L/L Lettered at MSU: 2020-21

Record: 2-1 ERA: 5.44 G: 29 GS: 5 SV: 0 IP: 44.2 K: 40 BB: 43*

Notes: MacLeod has held hitters to a .207 batting average across six appearances in September.

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 was released by the Nationals organization on Aug. 5.

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: 4.87 G: 48 GS: 0 SV: 9 IP: 57.1 K: 45 BB: 27*

Notes: Sims worked 1 1/3 shutout innings of relief at Sugar Land on Sept. 6 and is currently on the development list.

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: 3-3 ERA: 5.21 G: 25 GS: 0 SV: 2 IP: 46.2 K: 49 BB: 16*

Notes: Season complete

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

Record: 2-7 ERA: 7.19 G: 25 GS: 13 SV: 0 IP: 61.1 K: 67 BB: 41*

Notes: Dohm was selected to play in the Arizona Fall League.

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

AVG: .288 AB: 469 H: 135 R: 80 2B: 31 3B: 3 HR: 28 RBI: 93 BB: 19 SB: 28 OPS: .863*

Notes: Hujsak singled against Columbus on Sept. 13.

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: 4.63 G: 27 GS: 5 SV: 1 IP: 70 K: 58 BB: 44*

Notes: Hunt hurled two shutout innings of relief with a pair of strikeouts against Columbus 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: .228 AB: 180 H: 41 R: 29 2B: 8 3B: 2 HR: 7 RBI: 25 BB: 20 SB: 3 OPS: .723

Notes: James went 2-for-3 with a pair of singles, one walk and a run scored against Columbus on Sept. 12.

PRESTON JOHNSON – WICHITA WIND SURGE (TWINS)
Pos. P Height: 6-4 Weight: 250 Bats/Throws: R/R Lettered at MSU: 2021-22

Record: 1-4 ERA: 4.36 G: 24 GS: 18 SV: 0 IP: 88.2 K: 106 BB: 33

Notes: Johnson recorded 81 of his strikeouts and held hitters to a .200 batting average during night games this year.

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

AVG: .283 AB: 400 H: 113 R: 62 2B: 28 3B: 1 HR: 19 RBI: 74 BB: 37 SB: 21 OPS: .843*

Notes: Jordan singled against Chesapeake on Sept. 13.

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

Record: 5-4 ERA: 4.15 G: 40 GS: 0 SV: 4 IP: 60.2 K: 51 BB: 40*

Notes: Schuelke was selected to play in the Arizona Fall League.

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

Record: 7-8 ERA: 5.27 G: 25 GS: 24 SV: 0 IP: 124.2 K: 119 BB: 55

Notes: Smith had kept batters to a .212 average with runners in scoring position 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: Season complete

DREW WYERS – CORPUS CHRISTI HOOKS (ASTROS)
Pos. SS Height: 6-2 Weight: 200 Bats/Throws: R/R Lettered at MSU: 20 26

AVG: .333 AB: 3 H: 1 R: 1 2B: 0 3B: 0 HR: 0 RBI: 1 BB: 0 SB: 0 OPS: .583

Notes: Season complete

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

Regular Season
Record: 1-1 ERA: 3.62 G: 17 GS: 17 SV: 0 IP: 59.2 K: 85 BB: 32

Postseason
Record: 0-1 ERA: 6.75 G: 1 GS: 1 SV: 0 IP: 4 K: 4 BB: 1

Notes: Auger was selected to pitch in the Arizona Fall League.

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: Season complete

BRYCE CHANCE – VANCOUVER CANADIANS (BLUE JAYS)
Pos. OF Height: 5-10 Weight: 180 Bats/Throws: R/R Lettered at MSU: 2023-2 6

Regular Season
AVG: .236 AB: 89 H: 21 R: 14 2B: 4 3B: 0 HR: 0 RBI: 11 BB: 12 SB: 4 OPS: .605

Postseason
AVG: .000 AB: 1 H: 0 R: 0 2B: 0 3B: 0 HR: 0 RBI: 0 BB: 0 SB: 0 OPS: .000

Notes: Season complete

BEN DAVIS – FRESNO GRIZZLIES (ROCKIES)
Pos. P Height: 6-4 Weight: 230 Bats/Throws: R/R Lettered at MSU: 2 025-26

Record: 1-1 ERA: 6.00 G: 6 GS: 0 SV: 0 IP: 6 K: 7 BB: 3

Notes: Season complete

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

Record: 2-1 ERA: 3.00 G: 34 GS: 0 SV: 4 IP: 45 K: 64 BB: 16*

Notes: Season complete

JACKSON FRISTOE – FREE AGENT
Pos. P Height: 6-4 Weight: 210 Bats/Throws: R/R Lettered at MSU: 2021-2 3

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: 202 2-25

Regular Season
AVG: .251 AB: 331 H: 83 R: 55 2B: 19 3B: 2 HR: 19 RBI: 71 BB: 36 SB: 1 OPS: .819*

Postseason
AVG: .125 AB: 8 H: 1 R: 1 2B: 0 3B: 0 HR: 1 RBI: 1 BB: 0 SB: 0 OPS: .625*

Notes: Hines hit a solo homer against Fayetteville on Sept. 10.

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: 9.00 G: 17 GS: 4 SV: 0 IP: 29 K: 24 BB: 21*

Notes: Season complete

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

Record: 1-2 ERA:1.99 G: 6 GS: 5 SV: 0 IP: 22.2 K: 31 BB: 12

Notes: Season complete

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

Record: 0-3 ERA: 9.15 G: 9 GS: 7 SV: 0 IP: 19.2 K: 24 BB: 17

Notes: Season complete

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

AVG: .219 AB: 256 H: 56 R: 44 2B: 5 3B: 2 HR: 2 RBI: 23 BB: 33 SB: 23 OPS: .595*

Notes: Season complete

AARON NIXON – GREENVILLE DRIVE (RED SOX)
Pos. RP Height: 6-0 Weight: 210 Bats/Throws: R/R Lettered at MSU: 2023

Record: 2-4 ERA: 8.28 G: 23 GS: 0 SV: 2 IP: 25 K: 28 BB: 15

Notes: Season complete

TYLER PITZER – LAKE ELSINORE STORM (PADRES)
Pos. P Height: 6-3 Weight: 205 Bats/Throws: R/R Lettered at MSU: 2 0 26

Regular Season
Record: 0-0 ERA: 11.57 G: 2 GS: 0 SV: 1 IP: 2.1 K: 3 BB: 3

Postseason
Record: 0-0 ERA: 27.00 G: 1 GS: 0 SV: 0 IP: 0.1 K: 1 BB: 0

Notes: Season complete

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

Record: 3-2 ERA: 4.95 G: 29 GS: 2 SV: 1 IP: 43.2 K: 50 BB: 32

Notes: Season complete

ACE REESE – INLAND EMPIRE 66ERS (MARINERS)
Pos. 3B Height: 6-4 Weight: 220 Bats/Throws: L/R Lettered at MSU: 2025-26

AVG: .440 AB: 75 H: 33 R: 21 2B: 8 3B: 0 HR: 3 RBI: 19 BB: 19 SB: 2 OPS: 1.197

Notes: Season complete

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

Regular Season
Record: 7-3 ERA: 3.30 G: 22 GS: 22 SV: 0 IP: 109 K: 98 BB: 24

Postseason
Record: 1-0 ERA: 0.00 G: 1 GS: 1 SV: 0 IP: 6 K: 7 BB: 0

Notes: Siary received the Rangers Minor League "True Ranger" award this season.

REED STALLMAN – ST. LUCIE METS (METS)
Pos. 1B Height: 6-3 Weight: 220 Bats/Throws: L/L Lettered at MSU: 202 5-26

AVG: .250 AB: 56 H: 14 R: 5 2B: 4 3B: 0 HR: 0 RBI: 1 BB: 7 SB: 0 OPS: .665

Notes: Season complete

BRENDAN SWEENEY – CLEARWATER THRESHERS (PHILLIES)
Pos. P Height: 6-7 Weight: 210 Bats/Throws: R/R Lettered at MSU: 2 0 26

Record: 0-0 ERA: 4.50 G: 3 GS: 0 SV: 0 IP: 4 K: 5 BB: 2

Notes: Season complete

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

Regular Season
Record: 2-0 ERA: 4.35 G: 13 GS: 0 SV: 0 IP: 20.2 K: 30 BB: 9*

Postseason
Record: 0-0 ERA: 0.00 G: 2 GS: 0 SV: 0 IP: 3.2 K: 7 BB: 0

Notes: Season complete

AIDAN TEEL – FORT MYERS MIGHTY MUSSELS (TWINS)
Pos. OF Height: 6-0 Weight: 200 Bats/Throws: L/R Lettered at MSU: 202 6

AVG: .238 AB: 63 H: 15 R: 6 2B: 5 3B: 1 HR: 0 RBI: 9 BB: 12 SB: 5 OPS: .713

Notes: Season complete

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

Record: 5-0 ERA: 6.17 G: 29 GS: 0 SV: 0 IP: 42.1 K: 54 BB: 22

Notes: Season complete

*Combined Minor League Stats

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