Mississippi State has produced plenty of professional baseball players over the years and 2026 is no exception.
There are 42 former Diamond Dawgs playing professional baseball this year including eight current big leaguers. Among those in the majors are All-Stars Adam Frazier, Brent Rooker (2x), Jordan Westburg and Brandon Woodruff (2x) and World Series champion Nathaniel Lowe.
MSU has produced 72 Major Leaguers, 13 MLB All-Stars (30 selections), seven World Series champions and had 20 first round draft picks during its storied history including Rooker, Westburg, Justin Foscue, Will Bednar, Landon Sims and Jurrangelo Cijntje.
HailState.com will have a weekly update on how these former Bulldogs are performing in their baseball journey.
DIAMOND DAWGS IN MLB
JUSTIN FOSCUE – TEXAS RANGERS
Pos. 2B Height: 5-11 Weight: 205 Bats/Throws: R/R Lettered at MSU: 2018-20
AVG: .290 AB: 100 H: 29 R: 15 2B: 7 3B: 0 HR: 7 RBI: 19 BB: 10 SB: 0 OPS: .933
Notes: Foscue is hitting .389 (7-for-18) with three doubles, two homers, six RBIs and four walks over his last seven games.
ADAM FRAZIER – LOS ANGELES ANGELS
Pos. 2B Height: 5-10 Weight: 190 Bats/Throws: L/R Lettered at MSU: 2011-13
AVG: .210 AB: 81 H: 17 R: 15 2B: 5 3B: 1 HR: 1 RBI: 6 BB: 9 SB: 0 OPS: .630
Notes: Frazier is currently on the 10-day injured list with inflammation in his right elbow.
J.T. GINN – ATHLETICS
Pos. SP Height: 6-2 Weight: 200 Bats/Throws: R/R Lettered at MSU: 2019-20
Record: 7-5 ERA: 3.10 G: 20 GS: 17 SV: 0 IP: 98.2 K: 86 BB: 43
Notes: Ginn has struck out 75 batters and sports a 3.06 ERA over his last 15 starts.
NATHANIEL LOWE – CINCINNATI REDS
Pos. 1B Height: 6-4 Weight: 220 Bats/Throws: L/R Lettered at MSU: 2016
AVG: .242 AB: 194 H: 47 R: 20 2B: 13 3B: 0 HR: 9 RBI: 25 BB: 26 SB: 0 OPS: .780
Notes: Lowe is batting .298 with 11 doubles, three homers and 14 RBIs during day games this season.
JAKE MANGUM – PITTSBURGH PIRATES
Pos. OF Height: 5-11 Weight: 191 Bats/Throws: S/L Lettered at MSU: 2016-19
AVG: .311 AB: 222 H: 69 R: 32 2B: 10 3B: 0 HR: 2 RBI: 18 BB: 13 SB: 18 OPS: .744
Notes: Mangum is hitting .394 (13-for-33) with two doubles, one homer, four RBIs and four steals so far in July.
BRENT ROOKER – ATHLETICS
Pos. OF Height: 6-3 Weight: 225 Bats/Throws: R/R Lettered at MSU: 2014-17
AVG: .200 AB: 180 H: 36 R: 20 2B: 4 3B: 0 HR: 10 RBI: 29 BB: 19 SB: 2 OPS: .670
Notes: Rooker will undergo season-ending surgery on his left knee.
JORDAN WESTBURG – BALTIMORE ORIOLES
Pos. 3B Height: 6-1 Weight: 210 Bats/Throws: R/R Lettered at MSU: 2018-20
AVG: n/a AB: n/a H: n/a R: n/a 2B: n/a 3B: n/a HR: n/a RBI: n/a BB: n/a SB: n/a OPS: n/a
Notes: Westburg underwent Tommy John surgery in mid-May and will miss the 2026 season.
BRANDON WOODRUFF – MILWAUKEE BREWERS
Pos. SP Height: 6-4 Weight: 242 Bats/Throws: L/R Lettered at MSU: 2012-14
Record: 2-2 ERA: 2.98 G: 9 GS: 9 SV: 0 IP: 45.1 K: 47 BB: 10
Notes: Woodruff went on the 15-day injured list on July 5 with inflammation in his right shoulder.
DIAMOND DAWGS IN TRIPLE-A
ERIC CERANTOLA – SACRAMENTO RIVER CATS (GIANTS)
Pos. P Height: 6-5 Weight: 225 Bats/Throws: R/R Lettered at MSU: 2019-21
MLB
Record: 0-0 ERA: 10.13 G: 4 GS: 0 SV: 0 IP: 5.1.K: 7 BB: 10
MiLB
Record: 1-3 ERA: 2.59 G: 28 GS: 0 SV: 11 IP: 31.1.K: 44 BB: 16
Notes: Cerantola was claimed off waivers by San Francisco on July 6 and worked a scoreless inning of relief with one strikeout in his debut with its Triple-A affiliate three days later.
J.P. FRANCE – SUGAR LAND SPACE COWBOYS (ASTROS)
Pos. P Height: 6-0 Weight: 198 Bats/Throws: R/R Lettered at MSU: 2018
MLB
Record: 0-0 ERA: 8.10 G: 3 GS: 0 SV: 0 IP: 6.2 K: 4 BB: 5
MiLB
Record: 1-3 ERA: 4.13 G: 24 GS: 1 SV: 0 IP: 32.2 K: 33 BB: 22
Notes: France worked a perfect inning of relief with one strikeout against Albuquerque on July 9.
TYSON HARDIN – NASHVILLE SOUNDS (BREWERS)
Pos. P Height: 6-2 Weight: 185 Bats/Throws: L/R Lettered at MSU: 2023-24
Record: 3-4 ERA: 5.09 G: 17 GS: 17 SV: 0 IP: 81.1 K: 96 BB: 27*
Notes: Hardin is 3-1 with a 3.63 ERA, 53 strikeouts and has held hitters to a .226 batting average since being promoted to Triple-A.
HOUSTON HARDING – SALT LAKE BEES (ANGELS)
Pos: RP Height: 6-1 Weight: 230 Bats/Throws: L/L Lettered at MSU: 2020-21
Record: 2-1 ERA: 7.80 G: 20 GS: 2 SV: 0 IP: 42.2 K: 25 BB: 27*
Notes: Harding pitched two shutout innings of relief with one strikeout against Las Vegas on July 4.
COLTON LEDBETTER – MEMPHIS REDBIRDS (CARDINALS)
Pos. OF Height: 6-2 Weight: 205 Bats/Throws: L/R Lettered at MSU: 2023
AVG: .248 AB: 238 H: 63 R: 42 2B: 9 3B: 3 HR: 7 RBI: 30 BB: 21 SB: 11 OPS: .717
Notes: Ledbetter is hitting .478 (11-for-23) with three doubles, two homers and three RBIs so far in July.
KONNOR PILKINGTON – ROCHESTER RED WINGS (NATIONALS)
Pos. P Height: 6-3 Weight: 240 Bats/Throws: L/L Lettered at MSU: 2016-18
Record: 1-5 ERA: 4.95 G: 25 GS: 3 SV: 1 IP: 36.1 K: 31 BB: 29
Notes: Pilkington has pitched three scoreless innings of relief and only surrendered one hit since rejoining the Nationals organization.
LANDON SIMS – RENO ACES (DIAMONDBACKS)
Pos. P Height: 6-2 Weight: 227 Bats/Throws: R/R Lettered at MSU: 2020-22
Record: 1-4 ERA: 4.71 G: 30 GS: 0 SV: 9 IP: 36.1 K: 32 BB: 18*
Notes: Sims logged a perfect inning of relief at Tacoma on July 4.
ANDREW WALLING – LEHIGH VALLEY IRONPIGS (PHILLIES)
Pos. P Height: 6-2 Weight: 220 Bats/Throws: L/L Lettered at MSU: 2022
Record: 0-1 ERA: 9.58 G: 11 GS: 1 SV: 1 IP: 10.1 K: 16 BB: 15
Notes: Walling is currently on the 7-day injured list.
DIAMOND DAWGS IN DOUBLE-A
WILL BEDNAR – RICHMOND FLYING SQUIRRELS (GIANTS)
Pos. SP Height: 6-2 Weight: 230 Bats/Throws: R/R Lettered at MSU: 2020-21
Record: 4-0 ERA: 4.11 G: 22 GS: 0 SV: 1 IP: 35 K: 45 BB: 24*
Notes: Bednar has held hitters to a .205 batting average against him this year.
JURRANGELO CIJNTJE – SPRINGFIELD CARDINALS (CARDINALS)
Pos. P Height: 5-11 Weight: 200 Bats/Throws: S/S Lettered at MSU: 2023-24
Record: 3-4 ERA: 5.21 G: 16 GS: 16 SV: 0 IP: 74.1 K: 92 BB: 39
Notes: Cijntje struck out nine across a six-inning start against Arkansas on July 4.
K.C. HUNT – MONTGOMERY BISCUITS (RAYS)
Pos. P Height: 6-3 Weight: 200 Bats/Throws: L/R Lettered at MSU: 2021-22
Record: 2-2 ERA: 6.11 G: 16 GS: 3 SV: 1 IP: 35.1 K: 30 BB: 28*
Notes: Hunt was promoted to Double-A on July 7.
KAMREN JAMES – MONTGOMERY BISCUITS (RAYS)
Pos. SS Height: 6-2 Weight: 205 Bats/Throws: R/R Lettered at MSU: 2020-22
AVG: .225 AB: 102 H: 23 R: 17 2B: 4 3B: 1 HR: 5 RBI: 13 BB: 12 SB: 1 OPS: .744
Notes: James is hitting .294 (10-for-24) with two doubles, four homers and nine RBIs on the road in 2026.
PRESTON JOHNSON – WICHITA WIND SURGE (TWINS)
Pos. P Height: 6-4 Weight: 250 Bats/Throws: R/R Lettered at MSU: 2021-22
Record: 0-3 ERA: 4.78 G: 11 GS: 8 SV: 0 IP: 37.2 K: 45 BB: 13
Notes: Johnson has limited hitters to a .217 batting average during two starts this month, striking out seven and only walking one during that span.
CHRISTIAN MACLEOD – PENSACOLA BLUE WAHOOS (MARLINS)
Pos. SP Height: 6-4 Weight: 227 Bats/Throws: L/L Lettered at MSU: 2020-21
Record: 1-1 ERA: 6.63 G: 14 GS: 2 SV: 0 IP: 19 K: 25 BB: 16*
Notes: MacLeod pitched 2 2/3 scoreless innings with six strikeouts and surrendering one hit and no walks in a relief appearance against Montgomery on July 9.
CADE SMITH – SOMERSET PATRIOTS (YANKEES)
Pos. SP Height: 6-1 Weight: 190 Bats/Throws: L/R Lettered at MSU: 2021-23
Record: 5-5 ERA: 4.93 G: 14 GS: 13 SV: 0 IP: 69.1 K: 65 BB: 30
Notes: Smith has limited hitters to a .193 batting average with runners in scoring position this season.
KHAL STEPHEN – AKRON RUBBERDUCKS (GUARDIANS)
Pos. P Height: 6-4 Weight: 215 Bats/Throws: R/R Lettered at MSU: 2024
Record: 3-2 ERA: 3.44 G: 12 GS: 12 SV: 0 IP: 55 K: 49 BB: 23
Notes: Stephen is currently on the 60-day injured list.
BROOKS AUGER – GREAT LAKES LOONS (DODGERS)
Pos. P Height: 6-5 Weight: 215 Bats/Throws: R/R Lettered at MSU: 2022-24
Record: 1-1 ERA: 2.57 G: 11 GS: 11 SV: 0 IP: 42 K: 58 BB: 18
Notes: Auger has held hitters to a .206 batting average against him this year.
TYLER DAVIS – GREENVILLE DRIVE (RED SOX)
Pos. P Height: 6-2 Weight: 210 Bats/Throws: L/L Lettered at MSU: 2023-24
Record: 1-1 ERA: 5.11 G: 8 GS: 0 SV: 0 IP: 12.1 K: 15 BB: 3
Notes: Davis has worked five straight scoreless appearances out of the bullpen.
NATE DOHM – PEORIA CHIEFS (CARDINALS)
Pos. P Height: 6-4 Weight: 210 Bats/Throws: R/R Lettered at MSU: 2023-24
Record: 1-4 ERA: 7.36 G: 14 GS: 11 SV: 0 IP: 40.1 K: 44 BB: 25
Notes: Dohm is 1-0 with a flawless ERA, eight strikeouts and hitters batting only .211 against him in 10 1/3 relief innings.
LUKE DOTSON – HILLSBORO HOPS (DIAMONDBACKS)
Pos. P Height: 6-4 Weight: 210 Bats/Throws: L/L Lettered at MSU: 2024-25
Record: 2-1 ERA: 2.67 G: 22 GS: 0 SV: 4 IP: 27 K: 39 BB: 6*
Notes: Dotson has pitched back-to-back perfect innings of relief over his last two outings.
JACKSON FRISTOE – HUDSON VALLEY RENEGADES (YANKEES)
Pos. P Height: 6-4 Weight: 210 Bats/Throws: R/R Lettered at MSU: 2021-23
Record: 2-2 ERA: 6.59 G: 14 GS: 0 SV: 0 IP: 13.2 K: 13 BB: 13
Notes: Fristoe is currently on the 7-day injured list.
HUNTER HINES – FREDERICKSBURG NATIONALS (NATIONALS)
Pos. 1B Height: 6-3 Weight: 210 Bats/Throws: L/R Lettered at MSU: 2022-25
AVG: .226 AB: 195 H: 44 R: 29 2B: 8 3B: 1 HR: 10 RBI: 37 BB: 19 SB: 1 OPS: .729*
Notes: Hines hit a three-run homer at Myrtle Beach on July 9.
COLBY HOLCOMBE – FCL BLUE JAYS (BLUE JAYS)
Pos: P Height: 6-6 Weight: 250 Bats/Throws: R/R Lettered at MSU: 2023-24
Record: 0-0 ERA: 9.39 G: 4 GS: 4 SV: 0 IP: 7.2 K: 6 BB: 8
Notes: Holcombe notched two shutout innings with one strikeout and only one base runner allowed in a rehab start against the FCL Yankees on July 7.
CONNOR HUJSAK – BOWLING GREEN HOT RODS (RAYS)
Pos. OF Height: 6-2 Weight: 200 Bats/Throws: R/R Lettered at MSU: 2023-24
AVG: .316 AB: 285 H: 90 R: 56 2B: 19 3B: 1 HR: 22 RBI: 68 BB: 13 SB: 16 OPS: .963*
Notes: Hujsak is hitting .387 (12-for-31) with a double, four homers, eight RBIs and two steals so far in July.
DAKOTA JORDAN – EUGENE EMERALDS (GIANTS)
Pos. OF Height: 6-0 Weight: 220 Bats/Throws: R/R Lettered at MSU: 2023-24
AVG: .282 AB: 316 H: 89 R: 47 2B: 21 3B: 1 HR: 15 RBI: 62 BB: 28 SB: 15 OPS: .837
Notes: Jordan was named the Northwest League High-A Player of the Week after posting a 1.462 OPS with four homers, 11 RBIs and eight runs scored in 26 plate appearances.
PICO KOHN – HUDSON VALLEY RENEGADES (YANKEES)
Pos. P Height: 6-4 Weight: 200 Bats/Throws: L/L Lettered at MSU: 2022, 2024-25
Record: 1-0 ERA:1.59 G: 1 GS: 1 SV: 0 IP: 5.2 K: 8 BB: 2
Notes: Kohn is currently on the 60-day injured list.
KARSON LIGON – DUNEDIN BLUE JAYS (BLUE JAYS)
Pos. P Height: 6-1 Weight: 210 Bats/Throws: R/R Lettered at MSU: 2024-25
Record: 0-1 ERA: 4.50 G: 4 GS: 3 SV: 0 IP: 12 K: 17 BB: 8
Notes: Ligon is currently on the 7-day injured list.
DAVID MERSHON – TRI-CITY DUST DEVILS (ANGELS)
Pos. SS Height: 5-7 Weight: 175 Bats/Throws: S/R Lettered at MSU: 2023-24
AVG: .181 AB: 155 H: 28 R: 25 2B: 2 3B: 0 HR: 1 RBI: 9 BB: 24 SB: 13 OPS: .516*
Notes: Mershon is hitting .294 (5-for-17) with a double, three walks and three steals so far this month.
AARON NIXON – HUDSON VALLEY RENEGADES (YANKEES)
Pos. RP Height: 6-0 Weight: 210 Bats/Throws: R/R Lettered at MSU: 2023
Record: 0-0 ERA: 7.62 G: 13 GS: 0 SV: 0 IP: 13 K: 13 BB: 10
Notes: Nixon pitched shutout inning of relief against Rome on July 9.
JACOB PRUITT – CLEARWATER THRESHERS (PHILLIES)
Pos. P Height: 6-1 Weight: 185 Bats/Throws: R/R Lettered at MSU: 2025
Record: 3-1 ERA: 3.14 G: 19 GS: 0 SV: 1 IP: 28.2 K: 36 BB: 18
Notes: Pruitt has pitched 2 2/3 innings of scoreless and hitless relief with three strikeouts over his last two appearances.
CAM SCHUELKE – LAKE COUNTY CAPTAINS (GUARDIANS)
Pos. P Height: 6-0 Weight: 205 Bats/Throws: R/R Lettered at MSU: 2024
Record: 2-3 ERA: 4.04 G: 25 GS: 0 SV: 2 IP: 35.2 K: 31 BB: 25
Notes: Schuelke worked 1 2/3 shutout innings of relief with a strikeout at West Michigan on July 5.
EVAN SIARY – HICKORY CRAWDADS (RANGERS)
Pos. P Height: 6-1 Weight: 190 Bats/Throws: R/R Lettered at MSU: 2023-25
Record: 2-2 ERA: 3.70 G: 14 GS: 14 SV: 0 IP: 65.2 K: 51 BB: 15
Notes: Siary tossed four scoreless innings with five strikeouts and surrendered just two hits in a start at Myrtle Beach on July 5.
LOGAN TANNER – ACL REDS (REDS)
Pos. P Height: 6-0 Weight: 215 Bats/Throws: R/R Lettered at MSU: 2020-22
Record: 0-0 ERA: 0.00 G: 1 GS: 0 SV: 0 IP: 1 K: 3 BB: 0
Notes: Tanner struck out the side in order in only 11 pitches in his mound debut at the ACL Rangers on July 6 as part of a rehab assignment.
NATE WILLIAMS – SOUTH BEND CUBS (CUBS)
Pos. P Height: 6-4 Weight: 250 Bats/Throws: R/R Lettered at MSU: 2025
Record: 1-0 ERA: 5.70 G: 17 GS: 0 SV: 0 IP: 23.2 K: 30 BB: 11
Notes: Williams worked a shutout inning of relief with a pair of punchouts at Beloit on July 5.
*Combined Minor League Stats
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