With October arrived, postseason baseball is underway. Mississippi State University has a notable presence in the 2026 MLB playoffs, with 51 former Bulldogs playing professionally, including eight in the major leagues, according to HailState.com.
Nathaniel Lowe, a two-time All-Star, was traded late in the season to the Cleveland Guardians and is now competing in the American League Division Series against the Chicago White Sox. Lowe previously played in the postseason with the Tampa Bay Rays, Texas Rangers, and Boston Red Sox, winning a World Series with Texas in 2025 alongside fellow Bulldog Chris Stratton.
Meanwhile, Brandon Woodruff, also a two-time All-Star, helped the Milwaukee Brewers clinch the National League Central title for the fourth straight year. Woodruff has been on the injured list since July 5 due to shoulder inflammation but recently completed a throwing program in hopes of returning for the Brewers’ playoff run. The Brewers face the San Diego Padres in the NLDS Saturday night, although Woodruff will not be active for the series.
Other Bulldogs continuing their careers include Adam Frazier, Brent Rooker, Jordan Westburg, and Jake Mangum. Rooker, who was an All-Star in 2023 and 2025, will miss the rest of the season after undergoing knee surgery. Westburg underwent Tommy John surgery in May and is expected to miss the 2026 season. Mangum has been active with the Pittsburgh Pirates, posting a .276 batting average in 2026.
MSU has produced 72 Major Leaguers, including 13 All-Stars, seven World Series champions, and 21 first-round draft picks. The school’s alumni continue to make an impact across all levels of professional baseball, with updates on their performances available weekly on HailState.com.
