#StateToTheShow Update: May 1

Photo by: Wendell Cruz-USA TODAY Sports

May 01, 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 40 former Diamond Dawgs playing professional baseball this year including seven 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 71 Major Leaguers 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.

DIAMOND DAWGS IN MLB

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

AVG: .269 AB: 52 H: 14 R: 12 2B: 4 3B: 1 HR: 1 RBI: 5 BB: 6 SB: 0 OPS: .798

Notes: Frazier went 2-for-4 with a pair of doubles and an RBI at the Royals on April 26.

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

Record: 0-0 ERA: 3.24 G: 7 GS: 4 SV: 0 IP: 25 K: 19 BB: 9

Notes: Ginn started at the Rangers on April 26 and logged 3 1/3 scoreless innings with a pair of strikeouts.

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

AVG: .288 AB: 52 H: 15 R: 8 2B: 4 3B: 0 HR: 5 RBI: 12 BB: 7 SB: 0 OPS: 1.027

Notes: Lowe is hitting .346 (9-for-26) with five home runs, seven RBIs, three walks and eight runs scored over his last seven games.

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

AVG: .271 AB: 70 H: 19 R: 12 2B: 2 3B: 0 HR: 0 RBI: 3 BB: 6 SB: 5 OPS: .629

Notes: Mangum is hitting .310 (13-for-42) with four walks, two RBIs and four steals over his last 15 games.

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

AVG: .111 AB: 54 H: 6 R: 5 2B: 0 3B: 0 HR: 2 RBI: 8 BB: 7 SB: 2 OPS: .428

Notes: Rooker was activated from the 10-day injured list on April 26.

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 is currently on the 60-day injured list with a UCL sprain in his right elbow.

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

Record: 2-1 ERA: 3.60 G: 6 GS: 6 SV: 0 IP: 30 K: 25 BB: 7

Notes: Woodruff started against the Diamondbacks on April 30 and worked 1 1/3 scoreless innings with a pair of strikeouts.

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: 1-0 ERA: 1.54 G: 11 GS: 0 SV: 5 IP: 11.2 K: 17 BB: 6

Notes: Cerantola pitched 2/3 of an inning and recorded a strikeout in a shutout relief appearance at Toledo on April 26.

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

AVG: .302 AB: 106 H: 32 R: 17 2B: 10 3B: 0 HR: 2 RBI: 13 BB: 17 SB: 2 OPS: .858

Notes: Foscue is riding a six-game hitting streak and has three doubles during that span.

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: 1-2 ERA: 4.22 G: 6 GS: 1 SV: 0 IP: 10.2 K: 15 BB: 6

Notes: France made his first start of the season at Reno on April 30, recording five strikeouts and no walks in four innings of work.

HOUSTON HARDING – SALT LAKE BEES (ANGELS)
Pos: RP Height: 6-1 Weight: 230 Bats/Throws: L/L Lettered at MSU: 2020-21

Record: 0-0 ERA: 11.08 G: 6 GS: 1 SV: 0 IP: 13 K: 9 BB: 8*

Notes: Harding is holding leadoff batters to a .125 average this year.

K.C. HUNT – DURHAM BULLS (RAYS)
Pos. P Height: 6-3 Weight: 200 Bats/Throws: L/R Lettered at MSU: 2021-22

Record: 2-2 ERA: 7.16 G: 5 GS: 2 SV: 0 IP: 16.1 K: 13 BB: 12

Notes: Hunt earned a win against Jacksonville on April 28, tossing 2 1/3 scoreless innings with two strikeouts.

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

AVG: .163 AB: 92 H: 15 R: 15 2B: 1 3B: 2 HR: 1 RBI: 8 BB: 7 SB: 3 OPS: .478

Notes: Ledbetter went 2-for-4 with a triple, two RBIs, a walk and two runs scored at Norfolk on April 26.

CHRISTIAN MACLEOD – FREE AGENT
Pos. SP Height: 6-4 Weight: 227 Bats/Throws: L/L Lettered at MSU: 2020-21

Record: 0-1 ERA: 81.00 G: 1 GS: 1 SV: 0 IP: 0.2 K: 2 BB: 3

Notes: MacLeod was released by the Twins organization on April 4.

KONNOR PILKINGTON – TOLEDO MUD HENS (TIGERS)
Pos. P Height: 6-3 Weight: 240 Bats/Throws: L/L Lettered at MSU: 2016-18

Record: 1-1 ERA: 0.71 G: 10 GS: 0 SV: 0 IP: 12.2 K: 11 BB: 10

Notes: Pilkington pitched 2/3 of a scoreless inning of relief at Columbus on April 30.

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: 9.72 G: 9 GS: 0 SV: 0 IP: 8.1 K: 11 BB: 12

Notes: Walling has helf left-handed hitters to a .200 batting average this spring.

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: 2-0 ERA: 1.08 G: 5 GS: 0 SV: 0 IP: 8.1 K: 11 BB: 4*

Notes: Bednar pitched two shutout innings of relief with three strikeouts at Altoona on April 28.

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

Record: 1-2 ERA: 5.82 G: 5 GS: 5 SV: 0 IP: 21.2 K: 24 BB: 14

Notes: Cijntje is holding right-handed hitters to a .184 batting average in 2026.

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

Record: 0-2 ERA: 7.40 G: 5 GS: 5 SV: 0 IP: 20.2 K: 34 BB: 8

Notes: Hardin is limiting hitters to a .158 batting average with eight strikeotus and no walks in the first inning this season.

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

AVG: .067 AB: 15 H: 1 R: 2 2B: 1 3B: 0 HR: 0 RBI: 0 BB: 3 SB: 0 OPS: .355

Notes: James walked and scored a run against Pensacola on April 26.

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

Record: 1-1 ERA: 3.97 G: 9 GS: 0 SV: 4 IP: 11.1 K: 9 BB: 5

Notes: Sims pitched a perfect inning of relief to earn a save at San Antonio on April 26.

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

Record: 1-1 ERA: 5.30 G: 4 GS: 4 SV: 0 IP: 18.2 K: 22 BB: 8

Notes: Smith earned his first Double-A victory following a six-inning start against Portland on April 29, striking out five and only allowing one run.

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

Record: 1-2 ERA: 2.91 G: 5 GS: 5 SV: 0 IP: 21.2 K: 26 BB: 14

Notes: Stephen is holding hitters to a .200 batting average against him this spring.

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: 0-0 ERA: 1.80 G: 2 GS: 2 SV: 0 IP: 5 K: 9 BB: 2

Notes: Auger has held right-handed hitters to a .083 batting average so far this season.

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

Record: 0-0 ERA: 2.25 G: 3 GS: 3 SV: 0 IP: 8 K: 11 BB: 4

Notes: Dohm made a four-inning start and only surrendered one hit, no earned runs or walks and fanned five against Cedar Rapids on April 26.

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

Record: 0-0 ERA: 2.57 G: 5 GS: 0 SV: 1 IP: 7 K: 12 BB: 0

Notes: Dotson is currently on the 7-day injured list.

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

Record: 1-1 ERA: 9.45 G: 7 GS: 0 SV: 0 IP: 6.2 K: 8 BB: 6

Notes: Fristoe pitched a perfect inning of relief with one strikeout at Jersey Shore on April 30.

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

AVG: .173 AB: 52 H: 9 R: 4 2B: 2 3B: 0 HR: 1 RBI: 7 BB: 2 SB: 0 OPS: .473

Notes: Hines went 2-for-5 with a double and a run scored against Ashville on April 28.

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

Record: 0-0 ERA: 6.75 G: 2 GS: 2 SV: 0 IP: 5.1 K: 5 BB: 5

Notes: Holcombe is currently on the 60-day injured list with a left oblique strain.

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

AVG: .211 AB: 76 H: 16 R: 17 2B: 4 3B: 0 HR: 6 RBI: 11 BB: 3 SB: 5 OPS: .738

Notes: Hujsak went 2-for-3 with a solo homer and a stolen base against Jersey Shore on April 25.

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

AVG: .298 AB: 84 H: 25 R: 16 2B: 6 3B: 0 HR: 4 RBI: 21 BB: 13 SB: 5 OPS: .896

Notes: Jordan hit a solo homer and walked twice at Hillsboro on April 25.

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: 1-0 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: 202 4-25

Record: 0-1 ERA: 4.76 G: 2 GS: 1 SV: 0 IP: 5.2 K: 9 BB: 5

Notes: Ligon was placed on the 7-day injured list on April 19.

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

AVG: .103 AB: 29 H: 3 R: 8 2B: 0 3B: 0 HR: 0 RBI: 3 BB: 5 SB: 2 OPS: .325

Notes: Mershon has collected 20 extra base hits during his minor league career.

AARON NIXON – HUDSON VALLEY RENEGADES (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 7-day injured list.

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

Record: 2-0 ERA: 0.82 G: 6 GS: 0 SV: 1 IP: 6 K: 14 BB: 2

Notes: Pruitt earned his first career save after pitching three scoreless and hitless innings of relief with four strikeouts at Palm Beach on April 30.

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

Record: 0-0 ERA: 0.79 G: 8 GS: 0 SV: 1 IP: 11.1 K: 10 BB: 4

Notes: Schuelke earned a save at Wilmington on April 25 after working an inning with one strikeout and did not give up an earned run.

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: 4.24 G: 4 GS: 4 SV: 0 IP: 17 K: 15 BB: 5

Notes: Siary is limiting batters to a .210 average so far this season.

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

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: Tanner is on the 60-day injured list.

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

Record: 1-0 ERA: 8.31 G: 7 GS: 0 SV: 0 IP: 8.2 K: 13 BB: 7

Notes: Williams tossed 1 1/3 innings of shutout relief with three strikeouts and only gave up one hit against Fort Wayne on April 30.

*Combined Minor League Stats

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