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Mississippi State baseball has record-setting MLB Draft

The 2024 MLB Draft was a record-setting draft for Mississippi State baseball.

ByAndrew Miller|
Mississippi State Bulldogs' players run back onto the field to celebrate after winning the game against the Southern Miss Golden Eagles at Trustmark Park in Pearl, Miss., on Tuesday, Mar. 5, 2024. Mississippi State won 5 to 4.
Mississippi State Bulldogs' players run back onto the field to celebrate after winning the game against the Southern Miss Golden Eagles at Trustmark Park in Pearl, Miss., on Tuesday, Mar. 5, 2024. Mississippi State won 5 to 4. | Lauren Witte/Clarion Ledger / USA TODAY

The 2024 MLB Draft has come to an end, and it was a highly productive one for Mississippi State baseball.

Mississippi State baseball with five more drafted on final day of 2024 MLB Draft

After six selections through the draft's first two days, Mississippi State had five more players hear their names called on Tuesday. Pitcher Tyson Hardin went in the 12th round to the Brewers, outfielder Connor Hujsak went in the 13th round to the Rays, pitcher Tyler Davis went in the 15th round to the Royals, shortstop David Mershon went in the 18th round to the Angels, and pitcher Cam Schuelke went in the 19th round to the Guardians.

Of that group, Mershon will be the name to watch. As he was a late-round pick and still has two years of eligibility remaining, it's very possible he could choose to return to MSU. We'll have to wait and see.

Transfer pitcher commit Travis Smith drafted

While not officially on the roster, the Bulldogs did see one transfer commitment get drafted. Former Kentucky pitcher Travis Smith was taken in the 15th round by the Brewers. Smith was expected to be a big part of State's rotation in 2025, so if he signs, that would be a tough loss.

Mississippi State baseball leads nation in players drafted in 2024

With 11 players drafted, MSU baseball led the nation in total players drafted in 2024. Their 11 draftees was the most MSU has had in a single draft since the MLB Draft was shortened to 20 rounds in 2021. That ties the school record set in the 2016 and 2019 drafts. The Bulldogs also had eight pitchers selected, which is the program's most for a single draft.

Hunter Hines and Pico Khon returning to Starkville

Two key Diamond Dawgs went undrafted, and both have announced their returns to Starkville. Slugging first-baseman Hunter Hines was shockingly not taken, and rather than testing free agency, he'll return to MSU for his final year, which is massive for the lineup. Pitcher Pico Khon will also return, and he'll have a shot at a starting job in State's weekend rotation. Hines and Khon are massive pieces for the 2025 team.

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