Two Mississippi State baseball stars taken on first night of 2024 MLB Draft
![May 23, 2024; Hoover, AL, USA; Mississippi State Bulldogs pitcher Jurrangelo Cijntje (50) pitches against the Vanderbilt Commodores during the SEC Baseball Tournament at Hoover Metropolitan Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Vasha Hunt-USA TODAY Sports May 23, 2024; Hoover, AL, USA; Mississippi State Bulldogs pitcher Jurrangelo Cijntje (50) pitches against the Vanderbilt Commodores during the SEC Baseball Tournament at Hoover Metropolitan Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Vasha Hunt-USA TODAY Sports](https://images2.minutemediacdn.com/image/upload/c_crop,w_2738,h_1540,x_0,y_18/c_fill,w_720,ar_16:9,f_auto,q_auto,g_auto/images/ImagnImages/mmsport/296/01j2t6q43k6ytc973bye.jpg)
The 2024 MLB Draft got underway Sunday night with the first two rounds being completed, and Mississippi State baseball saw a pair of stars be selected.
Jurrangelo Cijntje drafted in first round by Seattle Mariners
It was long anticipated that Mississippi State baseball would have at least one first round pick in the 2024 MLB Draft, with pitcher Jurrangelo Cijntje as a consensus first-rounder in mock drafts. Sure enough, Cijntje didn't have to wait long to hear his name called. He was taken with the 15th overall pick by the Seattle Mariners.
π¦π§ππ§π β‘οΈ @Mariners
β Mississippi State Baseball (@HailStateBB) July 15, 2024
The Seattle Mariners have selected @_LooCijntjeβΎ#StateToTheShow24 | #HailStateπΆ pic.twitter.com/CQ64AGRBnU
Cijntje became the 20th first round pick in Mississippi State baseball history. He is the first "switch pitcher" to ever be taken in the first round. His draft slot value is $4,880,900.
Khal Stephen drafted in second round by Toronto Blue Jays
Jurrangelo Cijntje wasn't the only Bulldog pitcher taken Sunday night. Fellow starter and Friday night ace Khal Stephen went in the second round of the draft to the Toronto Blue Jays with the 59th overall pick.
π¦π§ππ§π β‘οΈ @BlueJays
β Mississippi State Baseball (@HailStateBB) July 15, 2024
The Toronto Blue Jays have selected @KhalStephenβΎ#StateToTheShow24 | #HailStateπΆ pic.twitter.com/JBjF5hCux6
Stephen going on the draft's first night was somewhat of a pleasant surprise, as most projections had him as a third round selection. After the development he showed, he absolutely deserves it. His draft slot value is $1,489,000.
Mississippi State signee Dante Nori drafted in first round by Philadelphia Phillies
As is so often the case, State had to keep a close eye on a high school signee in the draft, and unfortunately, they saw a signee taken early. Outfielder Dante Nori was taken in the first round, 27th overall, by the Philadelphia Phillies. With a draft slot value of $3,228,300, you have to think Nori will be turning pro as opposed to coming to Starkville.
Dakota Jordan surprisingly falls out of first two rounds of draft
The biggest shocker of the night was easily Bulldog outfielder Dakota Jordan falling out of the first two rounds. Most projections slated Jordan as a Top-40 pick, but somehow, his name was not called through 74 selections.
It would be stunning if Jordan isn't one of the first players off the board Monday, but if his slide continues, perhaps there's a scenario in which Jordan returns to MSU. That would be highly unlikely though.
The second day of the 2024 MLB Draft begins at 1:00 PM CT on the MLB Network.