The Mississippi State baseball program took a nice step forward in 2024. After a treacherous two-year stretch, State performed closer to the level expected in Starkville, returning the postseason and winning 40 games.
A successful 2024 campaign would not have happened if not for strong seasons from several Bulldogs, and now, a few of those stars are getting recognized for their impressive play.
Pitcher Jurrangelo Cijntje named 2nd Team All-American
Ambidextrous superstar Jurrangelo Cijntje earned a pair of All-American honors. The Diamond Dawgs' Saturday starter was named 2nd Team All-American by both Perfect Game and the National Collegiate Baseball Writers Association (NCBWA).
Cijnitje was outstanding for Mississippi State in 2024. The sophomore posted an 8-2 record with a 3.67 ERA and a batting average allowed of .211. In 90.2 innings of work, he struck out 113 batters and had a WHIP of just 1.10.
Jurrangelo Cijntje took a massive step forward this season, and as a result, he's projected to be a first round pick in the 2024 MLB Draft.
Pitcher Khal Stephen named 3rd Team All-American
Mississippi State had one of the best "1-2 punches" on the mound you could find in college baseball in 2024 between Cijntje and their Friday night ace Khal Stephen. Stephen, who was previously named 1st Team All-SEC, was named a 3rd Team All-American by the NCBWA.
Khal Stephen was single biggest addition State made to the roster entering the season. The Purdue transfer turned into a dominant starter in Starkville, giving a major boost to the pitching staff. Stephen finished with an 8-3 record, recording a 3.28 ERA and .213 average allowed.
In 96.0 innings pitched, he struck out 107 while walking just 21 batters the entire season. If not for having elite starting pitching this year, State may not have made the postseason.
Outfielder Dakota Jordan named 2nd Team All-American
MSU's lineup saw plenty of struggles in 2024, but Dakota Jordan gave them the pop they needed. Jordan, who took home the Ferris Trophy this season, was named 2nd Team All-American by the NCBWA.
The powerful outfield led State with a .354 average, hitting 20 home runs and driving in 72 RBI. He posted an OPS of 1.130. Jordan saw some struggles late in the season with a 1-26 stretch.
But his walk-off home run in extra innings against St. John's in the Charlottesville Regional sparked a run of dominance in which he'd go 10-15 with nine RBI. It was a great close to the season for the potential first round pick.