Mississippi State Alumni Making Waves in Professional Baseball in 2026

Mississippi State University has produced 71 Major League Baseball players and 20 first-round draft picks over its history. In 2026, 40 alumni are competing professionally, including eight in the majors, according to school officials and player statistics.

Among the MLB players are All-Stars Adam Frazier, Brent Rooker, Jordan Westburg, and Brandon Woodruff, as well as World Series champion Nathaniel Lowe. MSU also boasts recent draft picks like Justin Foscue, Will Bednar, Landon Sims, and Jurrangelo Cijntje.

Frazier, a second baseman for the Los Angeles Angels, is batting .256 with one home run and four RBIs. Rooker, an outfielder with the Oakland Athletics, has been sidelined by an oblique strain since April 10. Lowe, a first baseman with the Cincinnati Reds, hit two home runs and drove in three RBIs on April 24.

Other alumni include Jake Mangum, now with the Pittsburgh Pirates, hitting .294 this season, and Brandon Woodruff of the Milwaukee Brewers, who has a 2-1 record with a 3.77 ERA. Several prospects are also making progress in the minor leagues, such as Jurrangelo Cijntje in Double-A with a 20-strikeout total in 18 innings.

MSU’s baseball program continues to develop professional talent, with weekly updates available on HailState.com, showcasing the ongoing journey of these former Bulldogs in their baseball careers.

Source: Original Article