Mississippi State has a rich tradition of producing some of the top talent in professional baseball.
The Diamond Dawgs have produced 71 Major League Baseball players and 20 first-round picks during their storied history. MSU currently has 45 players currently playing professionally, 10 of which are in the big leagues.
Among the Bulldogs at the MLB level are former All-Stars Adam Frazier, Brent Rooker, Jordan Westburg and Brandon Woodruff, first-round picks Rooker, Westburg, Hunter Renfroe and Chris Stratton as well as World Series champions in Stratton and Nathaniel Lowe.
State even has two former players coaching in the pros in New York Yankees' first base coach Travis Chapman and Carlisle Koestler, who is a pitching coach for the Texas Rangers in the Dominican Republic.
Each week throughout the season, HailState.com tracks how all the baseball alums are performing in the pros.
DIAMOND DAWGS IN MLB
J.P. FRANCE– HOUSTON ASTROS
Pos.PHeight:6-0Weight:198Bats/Throws:R/RLettered at MSU:2018
Record:n/aERA:n/aG:n/aGS:n/aSV:n/aIP:n/aK:n/aBB:n/a
Notes:France is currently on the 60-day injured list (right shoulder).
ADAM FRAZIER–PITTSBURGH PIRATES
Pos.2BHeight:5-10Weight:190Bats/Throws:L/RLettered at MSU:2011-13
AVG:.202AB:59H:12R:42B:13B:0HR:1RBI:6BB:2SB:1OPS:.509
Notes:Frazier hit a two-run homer at the Reds on April 11.
J.T. GINN–ATHLETICS
Pos.SPHeight:6-2Weight:200Bats/Throws:R/RLettered at MSU:2019-20
Record:1-1ERA:3.60G:2GS:2SV:0IP:10K:13BB:4
Notes:Ginnwas called back up to the big leagues on April 12 and struck out six and surrendered only one run through 5 1/3 innings to earn a win against the Mets later that day.
KENDALL GRAVEMAN– ARIZONA DIAMONDBACKS
Pos.RPHeight:6-2Weight:215Bats/Throws:R/RLettered at MSU:2010-13
Record:n/aERA:n/aG:n/aGS:n/aSV:n/aIP:n/aK:n/aBB:n/a
Notes:Graveman is currently on the 15-day injured list (right shoulder).
NATHANIEL LOWE– WASHINGTON NATIONALS
Pos.1B Height:6-4Weight:220Bats/Throws:L/RLettered at MSU:2016
AVG:.284AB:67H:19R:62B:53B:0HR:3RBI:16BB:8SB:1OPS:.853
Notes:Lowe is riding a five-game hitting streak and is batting .364 with two doubles, seven RBIs and a stolen base over the past seven games.
JAKE MANGUM– TAMPA BAY RAYS
Pos.OFHeight:6-0Weight:190Bats/Throws:S/LLettered at MSU:2016-19
AVG:.328AB:58H:19R:72B:33B:0HR:0RBI:5BB:3SB:7OPS:.740
Notes:Mangum is hitting .381 with a double, one RBI, two stolen bases and scored four runs over the past seven games.
HUNTER RENFROE– KANSAS CITY ROYALS
Pos.OFHeight:6-1Weight:230Bats/Throws:R/RLettered at MSU:2011-13
AVG:.130AB:46H:6R:02B:13B:0HR:0RBI:3BB:6SB:0OPS:.383
Notes:Renfroesingled at the Tigers on April 18.
BRENT ROOKER– ATHLETICS
Pos.OFHeight:6-3Weight:225Bats/Throws:R/RLettered at MSU:2014-17
AVG:.244AB:86H:21R:122B:23B:1HR:5RBI:11BB:6SB:0OPS:.758
Notes:Rookeris hitting .357 with two doubles, a triple, one home run and three RBIs over the past seven games.
CHRIS STRATTON– KANSAS CITY ROYALS
Pos.RPHeight:6-2Weight:205Bats/Throws:R/RLettered at MSU:2010-12
Record:0-0ERA:8.10G:7GS:0SV:0IP:10K:6BB:6
Notes:Strattonpitched a scoreless inning of relief with one strikeout at the Tigers on April 18.
JORDAN WESTBURG– BALTIMORE ORIOLES
Pos.3BHeight:6-1Weight:210Bats/Throws:R/RLettered at MSU:2018-20
AVG:.175AB:63H:11R:92B:03B:0HR:3RBI:4BB:5SB:0OPS:.563
Notes:Westburgwas an All-Star in 2024.
DIAMOND DAWGS IN TRIPLE-A
ERIC CERANTOLA– OMAHA STORM CHASERS(ROYALS)
Pos.PHeight:6-5Weight:225Bats/Throws:R/RLettered at MSU:2019-21
Record:1-0ERA:7.11G:4GS:0SV:0IP:6.1K:7BB:4
Notes:Cerantolapicked up his first win of the season after pitching a scoreless and hitless inning of relief with two strikeouts at St. Paul on April 13.
GAVIN COLLINS– MEMPHIS REDBIRDS(CARDINALS)
Pos.CHeight:5-11Weight:205Bats/Throws:R/RLettered at MSU: 2014-16
AVG:.212AB:33H:7R:52B:13B:0HR:0RBI:7BB:4SB:0OPS:.550
Notes:Collins walked, singled and scored two runs against Jacksonville on April 15.
JUSTIN FOSCUE– ROUND ROCK EXPRESS (RANGERS)
Pos.1BHeight:5-11Weight:205Bats/Throws:R/RLettered at MSU:2018-20
AVG:.333AB:72H:24R:132B:53B:0HR:2RBI:9BB:10SB:1OPS:.896
Notes:Foscuewent 2-for-4 with a double, walk, solo home run and two runs scored at Reno on April 16.
DAKOTA HUDSON– SALT LAKE BEES (ANGELS)
Pos.PHeight:6-5Weight:215Bats/Throws:R/RLettered at MSU:2014-16
Record:1-0ERA:2.25G:3GS:1SV:0IP:8K:3BB:4
Notes:Hudson earned a win after pitching three shutout innings of relief only allowing one hit and striking out a pair at Sacramento on April 16.
DAVID MERSHON– SALT LAKE BEES (ANGELS)
Pos.SSHeight:5-7Weight:175Bats/Throws:S/RLettered at MSU:2023-24
AVG:n/aAB:n/aH:n/aR:n/a2B:n/a3B:n/aHR: n/aRBI:n/aBB:n/aSB:n/aOPS: n/a
Notes:Mershon is currently on the injured list.
KONNOR PILKINGTON– ROCHESTER RED WINGS (NATIONALS)
Pos.SPHeight:6-3Weight:240Bats/Throws:L/LLettered at MSU:2016-18
Record:1-2ERA:4.00G:6GS:1SV:0IP:9K:15BB:6
Notes:Pilkington has pitched 8 2/3 scoreless innings this month giving up just two hits while fanning 14.
ETHAN SMALL– SACRAMENTO RIVER CATS (GIANTS)
Pos.RP Height:6-2 Weight:219Bats/Throws:L/LLettered at MSU:2016, 18-19
Record:n/aERA:n/aG:n/aGS:n/aSV:n/aIP:n/aK:n/aBB:n/a
Notes:Small is currently on the injured list.
DIAMOND DAWGS IN DOUBLE-A
WILL BEDNAR– RICHMOND FLYING SQUIRRELS(GIANTS)
Pos.SPHeight:6-2Weight:230Bats/Throws:R/RLettered at MSU:2020-21
Record:0-0ERA:4.15G:3GS:0SV:0IP:4.1K:10BB:8
Notes:Bednar pitched 1 2/3 shutout innings of relief with a pair of punch outs against Chesapeake on April 15.
HOUSTON HARDING– ROCKET CITY TRASH PANDAS (ANGELS)
Pos:RPHeight:6-1Weight:230Bats/Throws:L/LLettered at MSU:2020-21
Record:0-0ERA:7.71G:4GS:0SV:0IP:9.1K:12BB:8*
Notes:Hardingcombined for 10 strikeoutsand only walked one through 5 1/3 shutout innings of relief at Montgomery on April 15 and 18.
K.C. HUNT– BILOXI SHUCKERS(BREWERS)
Pos.PHeight:6-3Weight:200Bats/Throws:L/RLettered at MSU:2021-22
Record:0-2ERA:7.59G:3GS:3SV:0IP:10.2K:12BB:5
Notes:Hunt has struck out 12 over his last 10 innings on the mound.
KAMREN JAMES– MONTGOMERY BISCUITS(RAYS)
Pos.3BHeight:6-2Weight:205Bats/Throws:R/RLettered at MSU:2020-22
AVG:.167AB:12H:2R:12B:03B:0HR:0RBI:0BB:3SB:0OPS:.500
Notes:James singled against Rocket City on April 16.
PRESTON JOHNSON– CHESAPEAKE BAYSOX(ORIOLES)
Pos.PHeight:6-4Weight:250Bats/Throws:R/RLettered at MSU:2021-22
Record:1-0ERA:4.26G:3GS:0SV:0IP:6/1K:9BB:5
Notes:Johnson earned the win in relief at Richmond on April 17 after firing 1 2/3 scoreless and hitless innings with a pair of strikeouts.
ROWDEY JORDAN– BINGHAMTON RUMBLE PONIES(METS)
Pos.OFHeight:5-10Weight:190Bats/Throws:S/RLettered at MSU:2018-21
AVG:.176AB:17H:3R:32B:03B:0HR:1RBI:4BB:1SB:0OPS:.575*
Notes:Jordan hit a three-run homer in Game 1 against Hartford on April 11.
COLTON LEDBETTER– MONTGOMERY BISCUITS(RAYS)
Pos.OFHeight:6-2Weight:205Bats/Throws:L/RLettered at MSU:2023
AVG:.205AB:39H:8R:62B:13B:0HR:1RBI:3BB:5SB:5OPS:.597
Notes:Ledbetterwalked, singled, scored two runs and stole two bases against Rocket City on April 17.
LANDON SIMS– AMARILLO SOD POODLES (DIAMONDBACKS)
Pos.PHeight:6-2Weight:227Bats/Throws:R/RLettered at MSU:2020-22
Record:0-0ERA:15.19G:4GS:0SV:0IP:5.1K:6BB:4
Notes:Sims has struck out 119batters in 88 2/3career innings as a professional.
HUNTER STOVALL– MONTGOMERY BISCUITS(RAYS)
Pos.2BHeight:5-8Weight:170Bats/Throws:R/RLettered at MSU:2016-18
AVG:.389AB:18H:7R:02B:03B:0HR:1RBI:5BB:5SB: 0OPS:1.078*
Notes:Stovallwas sent to Double-A on April 15 and hit a game-tying two-run homer against Rocket City two days later.
ANDREW WALLING–READING FIGHTINPHILS (PHILLIES)
Pos.PHeight:6-2Weight:220Bats/Throws:L/LLettered at MSU:2022
Record:0-0ERA:0.00G:4GS:0SV:2IP:4.1K:7BB:1
Notes:Walling picked up his second save of the season against Binghamton on April 16, pitching 1 1/3 perfect innings with three strikeouts.
COLBY WHITE– SOMERSET PATRIOTS(YANKEES)
Pos.RPHeight:6-0Weight:190Bats/Throws:R/RLettered at MSU:2019
Record:1-1ERA:15.19G:3GS:0SV:0IP:5.1K:5BB:7
Notes:White earned the win after working 1 2/3 innings of relief against Reading on April 12.
R.J. YEAGER– SPRINGFIELD CARDINALS(CARDINALS)
Pos.SSHeight:6-3Weight:200Bats/Throws:R/RLettered at MSU:2022
AVG:.213AB:47H:10R:132B:23B:0HR:3RBI:8BB:6SB:1OPS:.780
Notes:Yeager went 2-for-5 with a walk, two homers and four RBIs at Amarillo on April 13.
DIAMOND DAWGS IN SINGLE-A BROOKS AUGER
Pos.PHeight:6-5Weight:215Bats/Throws:R/RLettered at MSU:2022-24
Record:2-0ERA:0.57G:3GS:3SV:0IP:15.2K:10BB:8
Notes: Auger started and earned a win over Dayton on April 18 pitching five innings and striking out six.
JURRANGELO CIJNTJE– EVERETT AQUASOX(MARINERS)
Pos.PHeight:5-11Weight:200Bats/Throws:S/SLettered at MSU:2023-24
Record:0-0ERA:5.19G:4GS:2SV:0IP:8.2K:13BB:8
Notes: Cijntjestarted and worked three shutout innings with four strikeouts and only surrendered one hit at Hillsboro on April 12.
TYLER DAVIS– QUAD CITIES RIVER BANDITS (ROYALS)
Pos.PHeight:6-2Weight:210Bats/Throws:L/LLettered at MSU:2023-24
Record:1-0ERA:0.00G:2GS:0SV:0IP:3.2K:4BB:1
Notes:Davis pitched a perfect inning of relief with two strikeouts at Beloit on April 16.
NATE DOHM–ST. LUCIE METS(METS)
Pos.PHeight:6-4Weight:210Bats/Throws: R/RLettered at MSU:2023-24
Record:1-1ERA:3.97G:3GS:3SV:0IP:11.1K:12BB:4
Notes:Dohmearned his first professional win in a start against Tampa on April 16, pitchingfive innings only giving up one hit while striking out six
JACKSON FRISTOE– TAMPA TARPONS(YANKEES)
Pos.PHeight:6-4Weight:210Bats/Throws:R/RLettered at MSU:2021-23
Record:1-0ERA:6.75G:3GS:0SV:0IP:9.1K:9BB:3
Notes:Fristoeearned his first win of the season after pitching four innings of relief with three strikeouts at St. Lucie on April 18.
TYSON HARDIN– WISCONSIN TIMBER RATTLERS(BREWERS)
Pos.PHeight:6-2Weight:185Bats/Throws:L/RLettered at MSU:2023-24
Record:1-0ERA:0.00G:2GS:2SV:0IP:9K:9BB:1
Notes:Hardinstarted and worked four shutout innings with no walks and five strikeouts at Quad Cities on April 13.
COLBY HOLCOMBE–DUNEDIN BLUE JAYS(BLUE JAYS)
Pos:PHeight:6-6Weight:250Bats/Throws:R/RLettered at MSU:2023-24
Record:0-1ERA:3.00G:2GS:2SV:0IP:9K:11BB:4
Notes:Holcombestruck out seven across a five-inning start against Lakeland on April 15.
CONNOR HUJSAK– CHARLESTON RIVERDOGS(RAYS)
Pos.OFHeight:6-2Weight:200Bats/Throws:R/RLettered at MSU:2023-24
AVG:.133AB:45H:6R:62B:13B:0HR:1RBI:3BB:3SB:1OPS:.432
Notes:Hujsakhit a solo homer against Hickory on April 15.
DAKOTA JORDAN– SAN JOSEGIANTS(GIANTS)
Pos.OFHeight:6-0Weight:220Bats/Throws:R/RLettered at MSU:2023-24
AVG:.333AB:42H:14R:102B:23B:2HR:1RBI:10BB:11SB:3OPS:1.030
Notes:Jordanwent 3-for-6 with a double, triple, two RBIs and three runs scored at Rancho Cucomonga on April 17.
CHRISTIAN MACLEOD– FORT MYERS MIGHTY MUSSELS(TWINS)
Pos.SPHeight:6-4Weight:227Bats/Throws:L/LLettered at MSU:2020-21
Record:0-0ERA:0.00G:2GS:2SV:0IP:4K:8BB:2
Notes:MacLeodstarted and pitched two perfect innings with four strikeouts against Bradenton on April 16 as part of a rehab assignment.
AARON NIXON– TAMPA TARPONS (YANKEES)
Pos.RPHeight:6-0Weight:210Bats/Throws:R/RLettered at MSU:2023
Record:n/aERA:n/aG:n/aGS:n/aSV:n/aIP:n/aK:n/aBB:n/a
Notes:Nixon is currently on the injured list and expected to miss the 2025 season.
CAM SCHUELKE–LYNCHBURG HILLCATS (GUARDIANS)
Pos.PHeight:6-0Weight:205Bats/Throws:R/RLettered at MSU:2024
Record:n/aERA:n/aG:n/aGS:n/aSV:n/aIP:n/aK:n/aBB:n/a
Notes:Schuelke is currently on the injured list.
CADE SMITH– HUDSON VALLEY RENEGADES (YANKEES)
Pos.SPHeight:6-1Weight:190Bats/Throws:L/RLettered at MSU:2021-23
Record:n/aERA:n/aG:n/aGS:n/aSV:n/aIP:n/aK:n/aBB:n/a
Notes:Smith is currently on the injured list.
KHAL STEPHEN– DUNEDIN JAYS(BLUE JAYS)
Pos.PHeight:6-4Weight:215Bats/Throws:R/RLettered at MSU:2024
Record:1-0ERA:0.56G:3GS:3SV:0IP:16K:20BB:2
Notes: Stephen earned his first professional win in a start against Lakeland on April 16 working five shutout innings with five strikeouts and no walks.
LOGAN TANNER–DAYTON DRAGONS (REDS)
Pos.CHeight:6-0Weight:215Bats/Throws:R/RLettered at MSU:2020-22
AVG:.077AB:13H:1R:22B:03B:0HR: 0RBI:2BB:6SB:0OPS:.445
Notes:Tanner walked and singled at Great Lakes on April 18.
BRANDON WOODRUFF– WISCONSIN TIMBER RATTLERS (BREWERS) Record:0-1ERA:5.87G:2GS:2SV:0IP:7.2K:8BB:5 Notes:Woodruffhas made two rehab starts - one in Triple-A and one in Single-A - after missing the 2024 season with a shoulder injury.
Pos.SPHeight:6-4Weight:242Bats/Throws:L/RLettered at MSU:2012-14
*Combined Minor League Stats
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