Major League Baseball clubs had until 4 PM CT on Monday to agree to terms with their draftees and any non-drafted free agents. While there was some news around the league, the deadline passed in Starkville like any other day. Things were quiet. They were expected to be.
All told, there were nine players from the Mississippi State roster of 2026 who inked deals with MLB outfits. Four of those were drafted earlier this month, while five others agreed to free agent deals with their respective teams.
Looking back at the draft. Ace Reese was selected in the 1st round by the Mariners and he agreed to a $3.5 million signing bonus. Reliever Ben Davis was taken by the Rockies in the 4th round. Big Ben was the recipient of $447,500 payday. Bryce Chance signed with the Blue Jays and picked up a $2,500 check for doing so. The final of the draftees and signees was Aidan Teel who came to terms with the Twins for $210,000.
Terms of free agent contracts are not widely publicized, but five Diamond Dawgs were able to take the next step in their playing careers and become professional baseball players.
Blake Bevis played largely as a reserve and saw time at 1st base and in left field. He is now a member of the Chicago Cubs. Pitcher Tyler Pitzer hit the portal at season’s end and returned to South Carolina, but he ended his college career by signing with the San Diego Padres. It was a bit of a surprise not to see Reed Stallman selected, but he will play on with the New York Mets. Brendan Sweeney exhausted his college eligibility and inked a deal with the Philadelphia Phillies. Reserve infielder Drew Wyers has joined the Houston Astros.
Most of those players will now head off to either the Arizona Complex League or Florida Complex League for what used to be called the “short season”. Of course, there is plenty to do before anyone is issued official uniforms and practice gear. There are physicals, medical testing, paperwork and the traditional on-boarding activities that one undergoes to begin a playing career.
As Monday came and went, there was no late chatter about any other returning players accepting late overtures to sign free agent contracts. Mississippi State saw four high school signees selected in the 20-round MLB draft this summer. As expected, catcher Will Brick (Blue Jays), shortstop Rocco Maniscalco (Cardinals) and outfielder Martin Shelar (Red Sox) signed with their respective teams. Pitcher Denton Lord was selected in the 17th round by the Padres, but he chose to report to school.
After the dust settled, Coach Brian O’Connor and his staff ended the recruiting cycle with a top ten high school class and a top ten portal class. While the Bulldogs lost some talented players to graduation and the draft, quality reinforcements are on the way.