#StateToTheShow Update: July 24
July 24, 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: .273 AB: 121 H: 33 R: 15 2B: 7 3B: 0 HR: 7 RBI: 19 BB: 10 SB: 0 OPS: .840
Notes: Foscue singled in back-to-back games against the White Sox on July 21-22.
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 was placed on the 15-day injured list with a blister on his right middle finger on July 18.
NATHANIEL LOWE – CINCINNATI REDS
Pos. 1B Height: 6-4 Weight: 220 Bats/Throws: L/R Lettered at MSU: 2016
AVG: .244 AB: 213 H: 52 R: 23 2B: 13 3B: 0 HR: 12 RBI: 31 BB: 26 SB: 0 OPS: .800
Notes: Lowe has homered in three of his last five games and drove in six 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: 251 H: 76 R: 35 2B: 10 3B: 1 HR: 2 RBI: 21 BB: 14 SB: 19 OPS: .728
Notes: Mangum is hitting .323 (20-for-62) with two doubles, a triple, one homer, seven RBIs and five 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 has limited hitters to a .122 batting average during day games this season.
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 has held hitters to a .184 average against him during night games this year.
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 a 0.87 ERA and limited opposing batters to a .152 average during day games in 2026.
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: .200 AB: 10 H: 2 R: 0 2B: 0 3B: 0 HR: 0 RBI: 0 BB: 1 SB: 0 OPS: .473
Notes: Frazier singled and walked against Omaha on July 22 as part of a rehab assignment.
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: 7.13 G: 23 GS: 2 SV: 0 IP: 48 K: 28 BB: 33*
Notes: Harding pitched two shutout innings with a pair of strikeouts against Omaha on July 22.
COLTON LEDBETTER – MEMPHIS REDBIRDS (CARDINALS)
Pos. OF Height: 6-2 Weight: 205 Bats/Throws: L/R Lettered at MSU: 2023
AVG: .244 AB: 266 H: 65 R: 45 2B: 12 3B: 3 HR: 7 RBI: 36 BB: 25 SB: 14 OPS: .709
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: 4.93 G: 27 GS: 4 SV: 1 IP: 38.1 K: 31 BB: 32
Notes: Pilkington has pitched a scoreless and hitless inning as the opener at Buffalo on July 22.
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: 5.58 G: 33 GS: 0 SV: 9 IP: 40.1 K: 35 BB: 22*
Notes: Sims has held hitters to a .163 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 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: 3.86 G: 25 GS: 0 SV: 1 IP: 39.2 K: 53 BB: 26*
Notes: Bednar pitched 1 2/3 shutout innings of relief with three strikeouts and only one hit allowed against Hartford on July 22.
TYLER DAVIS – PORTLAND SEA DOGS (RED SOX)
Pos. P Height: 6-2 Weight: 210 Bats/Throws: L/L Lettered at MSU: 2023-24
Record: 1-1 ERA: 5.40 G: 12 GS: 0 SV: 1 IP: 18.1 K: 21 BB: 6
Notes: Davis was promoted to Double-A on July 21 and pitched two shutout innings of relief the following day with three strikeouts and only one hit allowed at Binghamton.
K.C. HUNT – MONTGOMERY BISCUITS (RAYS)
Pos. P Height: 6-3 Weight: 200 Bats/Throws: L/R Lettered at MSU: 2021-22
Record: 3-2 ERA: 5.71 G: 18 GS: 3 SV: 1 IP: 41 K: 38 BB: 29*
Notes: Hunt earned a win with three shutout innings of relief with no walks and five strikeouts against Birmingham on July 23.
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 is hitting .308 with three doubles, five homers and 11 RBIs on the road this season.
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 has limited opposing hitters to a .193 batting average this month.
DAKOTA JORDAN – RICHMOND FLYING SQUIRRELS (GIANTS)
Pos. OF Height: 6-0 Weight: 220 Bats/Throws: R/R Lettered at MSU: 2023-24
AVG: .290 AB: 345 H: 100 R: 54 2B: 24 3B: 1 HR: 18 RBI: 69 BB: 30 SB: 18 OPS: .868*
Notes: Jordan went 2-for-4 with a double, one RBI and a stolen base against Hartford on July 22.
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: 4.90 G: 16 GS: 15 SV: 0 IP: 79 K: 75 BB: 33
Notes: Smith has limited hitters to a .167 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.
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: 6.80 G: 16 GS: 11 SV: 0 IP: 43.2 K: 48 BB: 29
Notes: Dohm picked up a win after pitching 2 1/3 shutout innings of relief with two strikeouts and surrendered just one hit against West Michigan on July 21.
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: 2.43 G: 24 GS: 0 SV: 4 IP: 29.2 K: 43 BB: 7*
Notes: Dotson has made four consecutive shutout appearances spanning 4 2/3 innings with six strikeouts and only two hits allowed.
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: .219 AB: 215 H: 47 R: 30 2B: 8 3B: 2 HR: 11 RBI: 39 BB: 19 SB: 1 OPS: .713*
Notes: Hines is hitting .375 (3-for-8) with two doubles, a homer and 11 RBIs with the bases loaded this year.
COLBY HOLCOMBE – DUNEDIN BLUE JAYS (BLUE JAYS)
Pos: P Height: 6-6 Weight: 250 Bats/Throws: R/R Lettered at MSU: 2023-24
Record: 2-0 ERA: 8.62 G: 8 GS: 4 SV: 0 IP: 15.2 K: 13 BB: 11
Notes: Holcombe was sent to Dunedin for a rehab assignment on July 22.
CONNOR HUJSAK – BOWLING GREEN HOT RODS (RAYS)
Pos. OF Height: 6-2 Weight: 200 Bats/Throws: R/R Lettered at MSU: 2023-24
AVG: .313 AB: 319 H: 100 R: 61 2B: 20 3B: 2 HR: 23 RBI: 73 BB: 14 SB: 21 OPS: .946*
Notes: Hujsak is hitting .338 (22-for-65) with two doubles, one triple, five homers, 13 RBIs and seven 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: .193 AB: 171 H: 33 R: 28 2B: 2 3B: 0 HR: 1 RBI: 11 BB: 26 SB: 14 OPS: .536*
Notes: Mershon went 2-for-3 with a pair of singles, two RBIs and a stolen base at Spokane on July 22.
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 has limited the No. 1-3 hitters in the lineup to just 2-for-24 (.083) against him with six strikeouts.
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: 3.35 G: 28 GS: 0 SV: 2 IP: 43 K: 39 BB: 29
Notes: Schuelke has made three-straight scoreless appearances spanning 7 1/3 innings and has struck out eight during that span.
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 is 1-0 with a flawless ERA with 15 strikeouts and one walk through two starts and 10 innings of work in July.
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: 2.08 G: 4 GS: 0 SV: 0 IP: 4.1 K: 9 BB: 4
Notes: Tanner has only given up one hit in his first four pitching appearances as part of 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: 2-0 ERA: 5.54 G: 19 GS: 0 SV: 0 IP: 26 K: 34 BB: 13
Notes: Williams earned a win following a shutout inning of relief with two strikeouts against Wisconsin on July 21.
*Combined Minor League Stats
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