Ole Miss Baseball Update: Former Rebels Shine in 2026 MLB Season
The 2026 Major League Baseball season is underway, featuring 32 former Ole Miss Rebels across the professional ranks, according to team updates and player performances.
Pitcher Drew Pomeranz, now with the Los Angeles Angels, has appeared in eight games out of the bullpen, recording an 0-1 record with a 4.50 ERA in eight innings, the Angels’ organization said. Pomeranz signed with the Angels after a solid 2025 season with the Chicago Cubs.
Catchers Nick Fortes of the Tampa Bay Rays and Cooper Johnson of the Texas Rangers are making impacts at the plate. Fortes, traded from Miami last season, is batting .304 with a home run and seven RBIs through 15 games, according to the Rays. Johnson has a .206 average with one home run in nine games for the Round Rock Express, the Rangers’ Triple-A affiliate.
Ryan Rolison, claimed off waivers by the Chicago Cubs, made his first appearance for the major league club on April 14, working a clean ninth inning in his debut. Meanwhile, other Ole Miss players like Gunnar Hoglund and James McArthur remain injured, with Hoglund on the injured list since March 23 due to a sprained knee and McArthur since March 25 with elbow inflammation.
Seattle Mariners minor leaguer Houston Roth has pitched three games for the Tacoma Rainiers, not allowing a hit or run while striking out 11 batters over 7.1 innings. Infielder Jacob Gonzalez is hitting .275 with three home runs for the Charlotte Knights, and pitcher Jacob Waguespack has appeared in six games for the Nashville Sounds, striking out nine over 7.2 innings.
Other notable players include Dylan DeLucia, who pitched for Team Italy in the World Baseball Classic before joining the Akron RubberDucks, and outfielder Kemp Alderman, who has played 15 games for the Jacksonville Jumbo Shrimp with a .220 batting average. Injuries have affected several players, including Tim Elko and Xavier Rivas, who are on the injured list.
Overall, Ole Miss continues to produce professional talent, with some players establishing themselves early and others facing setbacks due to injuries, the teams reported.
Source: Original Article
