Mississippi State Baseball Produces Seven Major Leaguers for 2026 Opening Day

Mississippi State University has produced 71 major league players throughout its baseball program history. Seven alumni are on MLB rosters for the 2026 season, including four former All-Stars, according to school officials.

Brent Rooker, a two-time All-Star, participated in the 2025 Home Run Derby after slugging 30 home runs and driving in 89 RBIs in 162 games for the Oakland Athletics last season. J.T. Ginn, Rooker’s teammate, is expected to open the season in the Athletics’ bullpen.

Adam Frazier, Nathaniel Lowe, and Jake Mangum are also starting the year in the majors with new teams. Frazier signed a minor league deal with the Los Angeles Angels and made the Angels’ opening roster. Lowe, who inked a minor league deal with the Cincinnati Reds, also made his team’s roster. Mangum, who debuted last season with the Tampa Bay Rays, was traded to the Pittsburgh Pirates during the offseason.

Last season, Mangum, the SEC’s all-time hits leader, hit .296 with 18 doubles, a triple, three home runs, 40 RBIs, and 27 stolen bases as a rookie. Brandon Woodruff, after missing the 2024 season due to shoulder surgery, returned to start 12 games last season, posting a 7-2 record with a 3.20 ERA, 83 strikeouts, and 14 walks in 64 2/3 innings.

Jordan Westburg is expected to miss at least the first month of the season due to a partial UCL tear in his right elbow. Several other Bulldogs with MLB experience, including Justin Foscue, J.P. France, and Konnor Pilkington, will begin the season in Triple-A. Mississippi State also has seven more players drafted last year who are expected to reach the majors in the future.

Fans can follow the baseball program on social media under the handle ‘HailStateBB’ or visit www.HailState.com for updates and news.

Source: Original Article