Mississippi State’s Reese and Valincius Named to Golden Spikes Midseason Watch List

Two Mississippi State baseball players earned spots on the 2026 Golden Spikes Award midyear watch list, which highlights the top amateur players in the country, according to USA Baseball.

Ace Reese, a junior infielder, has started all 29 games at third base this season. He is batting .327 with 12 doubles, eight home runs and 38 RBIs. Reese’s on-base plus slugging percentage is 1.078, leading the team.

Freshman pitcher Tomas Valincius has posted a 6-0 record with a 0.91 ERA through seven starts. The left-hander has struck out 56 batters and walked 11 over 39 2/3 innings, holding opponents to a .173 batting average, according to the school.

The Golden Spikes Award has a storied history, with past winners including Will Clark in 1985. Notable finalists and semifinalists from Mississippi State include Rafael Palmeiro and Jake Mangum. The award ceremony is scheduled for June 29 on MLB Network.

USA Baseball will select 25 semifinalists on May 14, followed by three finalists on June 10. The complete list of 45 players considered for the award can be found on the organization’s website.

Source: Original Article