Mississippi State University has a long history of developing professional baseball talent, and 2026 continues that tradition. According to Logan Lowery, assistant director of communications at MSU, 40 former Bulldogs are active in professional baseball this season, including eight Major League Baseball players.
Among those in the majors are All-Stars Adam Frazier, Brent Rooker, Jordan Westburg, and Brandon Woodruff, as well as World Series champion Nathaniel Lowe. MSU has produced 20 first-round draft picks, including Rooker, Westburg, Justin Foscue, Will Bednar, Landon Sims, and Jurrangelo Cijntje. The university’s website, HailState.com, provides weekly updates on these alumni’s performances.
In MLB, J.P. France of the Houston Astros made his season debut on April 10, pitching 2 2/3 relief innings against the Mariners. Frazier, with the Los Angeles Angels, went 3-for-4 with a double and two RBIs on April 5. Brent Rooker of the Oakland Athletics hit two home runs—including a walk-off in the 10th inning—on April 5 before being placed on the injured list with an oblique strain.
Other notable alumni include Nathaniel Lowe of the Cincinnati Reds, who delivered a go-ahead RBI single in extra innings on April 7, and Jordan Westburg of the Baltimore Orioles, who is currently on the 60-day injured list with an elbow injury. Brandon Woodruff of the Milwaukee Brewers has posted a 5.91 ERA over two starts this season, totaling 10 2/3 innings.
At the minor league level, MSU alumni continue to excel. Will Bednar of the Sacramento River Cats has a perfect 2-0 record with a 0.00 ERA in two starts. Eric Cerantola of the Omaha Storm Chasers has a 1-0 record with a 0.00 ERA in six appearances. Other alumni are gaining experience across Double-A and Single-A levels, including Jurrangelo Cijntje, Tyson Hardin, and Konnor Pilkington, among others.
