Mississippi State Bulldogs Begin 2025 Baseball Season Ranked 18th

News Summary

As the 2025 baseball season approaches, the Mississippi State Bulldogs are generating buzz with their preseason ranking of No. 18. After a commendable 2024 season that ended in the NCAA Tournament with a 2-2 record, the team looks to build on its success under Head Coach Chris Lemonis. Key returning players and new talents from the transfer portal highlight the squad’s potential for the new season. With an opening series against Manhattan on the horizon, fans are excited to see how the team will perform.

Excitement Builds as Mississippi State Baseball Kicks Off 2025 Season Ranked No. 18

Starkville is buzzing with anticipation as the Mississippi State Bulldogs are ready to excel in the 2025 baseball season with a preseason ranking of No. 18 by a leading sports publication. The Bulldogs had a thrilling 2024 season, racking up an impressive 40 wins alongside 17 conference victories, which allowed them to eagerly step onto the NCAA Tournament stage as a No. 2 seed in the Charlottesville Regional. Fans were hopeful, but the team concluded the tournament with a 2-2 record, with the host team, Virginia, getting the better of them in crucial matchups.

Key Players Return for Another Shot

Now, as Head Coach Chris Lemonis embarks on his seventh year at the helm, he welcomes back a solid core of returning athletes. Baseball enthusiasts will particularly be keeping an eye out for senior Hunter Hines, who enters the season with an eye-popping 54 career home runs, ready to add more to that tally. Another name to watch is Bryce Chance, a talented outfielder whose experience is vital for the team. On the mound, senior starters Pico Kohn and Karson Ligon are expected to lead the pitching staff, bringing their skills and leadership to a squad that bids farewell to eight pitchers who collectively tossed a hefty 73% of the team’s innings last season.

New Faces Make Their Mark

The Bulldogs are bolstering their roster with exciting new players from the transfer portal who could shake things up. The ink is barely dry on contracts for middle infielder Sawyer Reeves coming from The Citadel, third baseman Ace Reese arriving from Houston, and designated hitter Noah Sullivan from USC Upstate. Sullivan had an impressive junior year with a stellar .324 batting average and 17 home runs, and now he’s here to help the Bulldogs swing for the fences. Adding to the pitching lineup is Jacob Pruitt, a right-handed pitcher from Indiana State who brings a sense of depth to the mound.

Striking a Balance: Veteran Talent Meets Promising Newcomers

This mix of seasoned players and fresh talent gives the Bulldogs a stronger stance heading into the season. With several upperclassmen projected to be key contributors, the Bulldogs may hold an edge in the college game. Mississippi State’s pitching staff boasted an impressive record in the previous season — they ranked fourth in the SEC for ERA and third for the fewest walks per nine innings. However, the recent losses to the MLB Draft could pose challenges as they adjust without their heavily relied-upon pitchers.

The Road Ahead

With a season-opening series scheduled against Manhattan from February 14-16, 2025, at the iconic Dudy Noble Field, Coach Lemonis is scrambling to finalize starting pitchers. While Kohn, Ligon, and Pruitt are set as potential candidates, don’t count out freshman Charlie Foster. This talented lefty is primed to make a splash after showing massive potential during fall practices.

Final Preparations Before Season Launch

As the Bulldogs gear up, the focus remains on solidifying defensive positions and assigning player roles. The recent preseason scrimmage offered a first look at both the new and returning talents. Fans are eager to see how Coach Lemonis’s history of postseason success unfolds this season. With Omaha in the crosshairs and a national title within reach, the Bulldogs are determined to leave their mark in the thrilling world of college baseball.

With the season just around the corner, it looks like Mississippi State is prepared to take on the competition headfirst. Their combination of veteran savvy and fresh energy promises an exciting ride for fans and players alike this upcoming season!

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Additional Resources

• HailState: Diamond Dawgs Ranked No. 18
• Baseball America: No. 18 Mississippi State
• Clarion Ledger: Mississippi State Baseball Preview
• On3: Mississippi State Baseball Update
• Wikipedia: College Baseball