#StateToTheShow Update: August 14
August 14, 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, 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: .253 AB: 146 H: 37 R: 16 2B: 7 3B: 1 HR: 7 RBI: 21 BB: 12 SB: 0 OPS: .776
Notes: Foscue singled and walked at the Angels on Aug. 10.
ADAM FRAZIER – LOS ANGELES ANGELS
Pos. 2B Height: 5-10 Weight: 190 Bats/Throws: L/R Lettered at MSU: 2011-13
MLB
AVG: .221 AB: 95 H: 21 R: 16 2B: 5 3B: 1 HR: 1 RBI: 8 BB: 9 SB: 1 OPS: .621
Notes: Frazier went 2-for-4 with a pair of singles, one RBI and a stolen base against the Rangers on Aug. 13.
J.T. GINN – ATHLETICS
Pos. SP Height: 6-2 Weight: 200 Bats/Throws: R/R Lettered at MSU: 2019-20
Record: 8-6 ERA: 3.41 G: 24 GS: 21 SV: 0 IP: 121.1 K: 107 BB: 53
Notes: Ginn is holding hitters to a .213 batting average this season.
NATHANIEL LOWE – CLEVELAND GUARDIANS
Pos. 1B Height: 6-4 Weight: 220 Bats/Throws: L/R Lettered at MSU: 2016
AVG: .262 AB: 271 H: 71 R: 27 2B: 18 3B: 0 HR: 13 RBI: 43 BB: 29 SB: 0 OPS: .804
Notes: Lowe is hitting .321 (17-for-53) with five doubles, one homer and 12 RBIs over his last 15 games.
JAKE MANGUM – PITTSBURGH PIRATES
Pos. OF Height: 5-11 Weight: 191 Bats/Throws: S/L Lettered at MSU: 2016-19
AVG: .301 AB: 329 H: 99 R: 47 2B: 15 3B: 1 HR: 3 RBI: 28 BB: 19 SB: 21 OPS: .749
Notes: Mangum is hitting .333 (9-for-27) with four doubles, one triple, one homer, four RBIs and a steal in his last seven games.
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: 4.07 G: 30 GS: 0 SV: 1 IP: 48.2 K: 61 BB: 29*
Notes: Bednar is a perfect 3-0 with one save and is holding hitters to a .198 average in road games this year.
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: 3.49 G: 34 GS: 1 SV: 12 IP: 38.2.K: 54 BB: 23
Notes: Cerantola struck out the side in order during a perfect inning to earn a save at Las Vegas on Aug. 13.
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: 5.33 G: 22 GS: 22 SV: 0 IP: 104.2 K: 132 BB: 57*
Notes: Cijntje struck out a career-high 11 batters across a 6 1/3 inning start at Durham on Aug. 13 surrendering just two hits, one walk and one run.
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: 2-3 ERA: 3.76 G: 32 GS: 1 SV: 1 IP: 38.1 K: 41 BB: 27
Notes: France picked up a save at Reno on Aug. 9 and followed up with a victory in relief against Salt Lake four days later.
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: 5.88 G: 22 GS: 22 SV: 0 IP: 101 K: 115 BB: 33*
Notes: Hardin has limited leadoff hitters to a .176 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: .265 AB: 313 H: 83 R: 55 2B: 14 3B: 3 HR: 8 RBI: 40 BB: 28 SB: 19 OPS: .738
Notes: Ledbetter walked and launched a solo homer at Durham on Aug. 11.
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: 4.91 G: 39 GS: 0 SV: 9 IP: 47.2 K: 38 BB: 23*
Notes: Sims worked 1 2/3 shutout innings of relief with one strikeout against El Paso on Aug. 7.
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: 4.85 G: 17 GS: 0 SV: 1 IP: 29.2 K: 33 BB: 10
Notes: Davis is keeping hitters to a .182 batting average with runners in scoring position in 2026.
CONNOR HUJSAK – MONTGOMERY BISCUITS (RAYS)
Pos. OF Height: 6-2 Weight: 200 Bats/Throws: R/R Lettered at MSU: 2023-24
AVG: .297 AB: 390 H: 116 R: 73 2B: 24 3B: 2 HR: 27 RBI: 80 BB: 16 SB: 23 OPS: .901*
Notes: Hujsak is currently on a five-game hitting streak that includes a 3-for-6 performance at Pensacola on Aug. 9 with two singles, a double and two runs scored.
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: 5.33 G: 22 GS: 5 SV: 1 IP: 54 K: 51 BB: 35*
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: .239 AB: 134 H: 32 R: 25 2B: 7 3B: 1 HR: 7 RBI: 20 BB: 15 SB: 2 OPS: .788
Notes: James doubled in back-to-back games at Pensacola on Aug. 7-8.
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: 4.45 G: 17 GS: 13 SV: 0 IP: 60.2 K: 73 BB: 24
Notes: Johnson tossed four shutout innings in a start at Northwest Arkansas on Aug. 9 and surrendered just one hit.
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: 6.14 G: 20 GS: 3 SV: 0 IP: 29.1 K: 30 BB: 28*
Notes: MacLeod pitched a shutout inning of relief with one strikeout at Biloxi on Aug. 12.
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: 5.38 G: 19 GS: 18 SV: 0 IP: 92 K: 85 BB: 42
Notes: Smith has limited hitters to a .200 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: 3.21 G: 13 GS: 13 SV: 0 IP: 47.2 K: 68 BB: 21
Notes: Auger was activated from the 7-day injured list on Aug. 9 and started at Dayton the same day.
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: .258 AB: 31 H: 8 R: 4 2B: 3 3B: 0 HR: 0 RBI: 8 BB: 4 SB: 3 OPS: .698
Notes: Chance went 3-for-4 with a double, three RBIs and a stolen base at Everett on Aug. 8.
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: 6.41 G: 20 GS: 12 SV: 0 IP: 53.1 K: 59 BB: 35
Notes: Dohm is a perfect 2-0 with a 1.77 ERA with an opposing batting average of .216 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: 3.00 G: 28 GS: 0 SV: 4 IP: 36 K: 53 BB: 11*
Notes: Dotson tossed a scoreless and hitless inning of relief with two strikeouts at Tri-City on Aug. 9 and placed on the temporarily inactive list five days later.
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: .240 AB: 267 H: 64 R: 38 2B: 15 3B: 2 HR: 15 RBI: 54 BB: 26 SB: 1 OPS: .788*
Notes: Hines has had an extra-base hit in nine consecutive games and has homered in four of his last five contests.
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: 9.51 G: 13 GS: 4 SV: 0 IP: 23.2 K: 19 BB: 16*
Notes: Holcombe logged a scoreless and hitless inning of relief against Tri-City on Aug. 13.
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:1.08 G: 2 GS: 2 SV: 0 IP: 8.1 K: 8 BB: 5
Notes: Kohn started and worked 2 2/3 innings at Greenville on Aug. 7 without giving up an earned run.
KARSON LIGON – DUNEDIN BLUE JAYS (BLUE JAYS)
Pos. P Height: 6-1 Weight: 210 Bats/Throws: R/R Lettered at MSU: 2024-25
Record: 0-2 ERA: 8.16 G: 6 GS: 5 SV: 0 IP: 14.1 K: 19 BB: 12
Notes: Ligon is holding hitters to a .148 batting average at home in 2026.
DAVID MERSHON – TRI-CITY DUST DEVILS (ANGELS)
Pos. SS Height: 5-7 Weight: 175 Bats/Throws: S/R Lettered at MSU: 2023-24
AVG: .220 AB: 227 H: 50 R: 39 2B: 5 3B: 1 HR: 2 RBI: 18 BB: 30 SB: 18 OPS: .599*
Notes: Mershon went 4-for-7 with four singles and a stolen base against Hillboro from Aug. 7-8.
AARON NIXON – GREENVILLE DRIVE (RED SOX)
Pos. RP Height: 6-0 Weight: 210 Bats/Throws: R/R Lettered at MSU: 2023
Record: 2-1 ERA: 6.23 G: 17 GS: 0 SV: 0 IP: 17.1 K: 18 BB: 11
Notes: Nixon was signed by the Red Sox on Aug. 11 and made his debut for the organization the following day.
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: 4.28 G: 24 GS: 0 SV: 1 IP: 33.2 K: 41 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: 12 H: 6 R: 4 2B: 1 3B: 0 HR: 1 RBI: 5 BB: 2 SB: 0 OPS: 1.333
Notes: Reese went 3-for-5 with a single, double and solo homer against Lake Elsinore on Aug. 11.
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: 4.21 G: 33 GS: 0 SV: 3 IP: 51.1 K: 43 BB: 36
Notes: Schuelke pitched two scoreless and hitless innings of relief with one strikeout against Dayton on Aug. 11.
EVAN SIARY – HICKORY CRAWDADS (RANGERS)
Pos. P Height: 6-1 Weight: 190 Bats/Throws: R/R Lettered at MSU: 2023-25
Record: 5-3 ERA: 3.13 G: 19 GS: 19 SV: 0 IP: 92 K: 85 BB: 22
Notes: Siary earned a win at Kannapolis on Aug. 13 following a 5 2/3-inning start with six strikeouts.
REED STALLMAN – ST. LUCIE METS (METS)
Pos. 1B Height: 6-3 Weight: 220 Bats/Throws: L/L Lettered at MSU: 2025-26
AVG: .182 AB: 22 H: 4 R: 2 2B: 0 3B: 0 HR: 0 RBI: 1 BB: 1 SB: 0 OPS: .399
Notes: Stallman went 2-for-4 with a pair of singles against Daytona on Aug. 9.
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: 2-0 ERA: 4.50 G: 8 GS: 0 SV: 0 IP: 10 K: 19 BB: 7*
Notes: Tanner earned his first professional win after two shutout innings of relief with four strikeouts at St. Lucie on Aug. 8.
AIDAN TEEL – FORT MYERS MIGHTY MUSSELS (TWINS)
Pos. OF Height: 6-0 Weight: 200 Bats/Throws: L/R Lettered at MSU: 2026
AVG: .265 AB: 34 H: 9 R: 3 2B: 4 3B: 0 HR: 0 RBI: 4 BB: 5 SB: 3 OPS: .757
Notes: Teel went 2-for-5 with a pair of doubles and one RBI at Bradenton on Aug. 8.
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: 5.91 G: 24 GS: 0 SV: 0 IP: 35 K: 44 BB: 18
Notes: Williams worked 1 2/3 perfect innings of relief at Great Lakes on Aug. 12 and finished with a pair of strikeouts.
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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