A Breakdown Of Mississippi State Bulldog Hitters and Position Players
The Mississippi State Bulldogs have missed the postseason two straight years after winning a national title. The team appears to have all the players to be a lethal lineup and a solid defensive unit.
But for Mississippi State to have postseason aspirations, the position players will have to lead the way while the Bulldogs rebuild their pitching staff.
Here's a look at each player:
David Mershon, MIF
2023 Stats: .281 average, .427 OBP, .305 SLG, 0 HRs, 5 RBIs,
Mershon began to start late in SEC play as Lane Forsythe struggled both in the field and at the plate. The South Carolina native flashed his leather and slap-hitting ability and showed intensity, which boosted the team's energy, most notably in their series win over the eventual national champions LSU, where the switch hitter had six hits on the weekend.
Mershon also stole 12 bases and is the perfect lead-off guy for the Bulldogs. Mershon made some starts at third base last year, but expect Mershon to stay in the middle field, where at in the middle field will depend on the next guy and a talented freshman.
Amani Larry, 2B
2023 Stats: .297 average, .451 OBP, .512 SLG, 7 HRs, 29 RBIs,
Larry is another versatile player for the Bulldogs, as he stole 19 stolen bases, which led the team. Last year was a story of two halves for the Louisana native, who started the season hot.
He went 8-14 on opening weekend but slumped during the middle of SEC play, but the former New Orleans native ended the season well, including a pair of home runs in the final series against Texas A&M, and walked off the opening game of the series. The Bulldogs have a three-man race for the two middle infield positions, and that is a good problem to have.
Hunter Hines, 1B
2023 Stats: .297 average, .375 OBP, .683 SLG, 22 HRs, 61 RBIs,
Hines has put together one of the most impressive careers in MSU baseball history but has not received proper acclaim due to the lack of team success. Hines needs 29 home runs to break Rafael Palmerio's all-time home run record at Mississippi State.
The left-hander has extreme pop in his bat, and he is a part of one of the best 1-2 punches in all of college baseball with the next guy. Last year, the first-team All-SEC player was mainly the designated hitter for the Bulldogs. Expect Hines to stick at first base this season.
Dakota Jordan, OF
2023 Stats: .307 average, .397 OBP, .575 SLG, 10 HRs, 40 RBIs,
Last year, Jordan showed the physical tools to be a top-ten pick potentially. The sophomore slugger struggled to begin the season but became the everyday left fielder for MSU after Bryce Chance went down with an injury.
Jordan was selected to the All-SEC first-year team for his efforts. Jordan will be at the center of the Bulldog lineup all year, and if the Bulldogs want to make it back to postseason play, he will need to have an All-American type season.
Jordan will likely stay in left field for the Bulldogs this season.
Dylan Cupp, MIF
Cupp is a unique, true freshman. During Fall and Spring scrimmages, he showed tremendous defensive ability.
The 6-2 190-pounder has excellent range and a strong arm. If the Georgia native shows consistency at the plate, the Bulldogs will have a true freshman in their starting lineup for the third straight year.
Logan Kohler, 3B
2023 Stats: .330 average, .404 OBP, .574 SLG, 11 HRs, 34 RBIs (Memphis)
Third base was a position where the Bulldogs struggled defensively last year. MSU looked to the portal to improve that position, and Kohler has not disappointed in pre-season scrimmages as he has routinely made plays at the hot corner.
The former Memphis transfer has also shown nice pop in pre-season scrimmages, and expect the Texas native to be a staple in the middle of the Bulldog order.
Bryce Chance, UTL
2023 Stats: .327 average, .440 OBP, .426 SLG, 2 HRs, 22 RBIs
The former MRA Patriot is another Bulldog who started the season hot. Chance went 7-12 on opening weekend and hit the first Bulldog home run of the season.
However, Chance sustained an injury and opened the door for Jordan. Chance is perhaps the best Bulldog defender in the outfield and will likely hold down the right-field spot.
Ross Highfill, C
2023 Stats: .231 average, .312 OBP, .521 SLG, 9 HRs, 28 RBIs
The Bulldogs struggled behind the plate last year, whether it was Luke Hancock or Highfill. However, Highfill showcased athleticism rarely seen in a catcher, so with another off-season under his belt, the Madison, Mississippi native should take a step forward.
Highfill showed great power for the Bulldogs as he hit .545 against Alabama with three home runs, including a mammoth shot to center field. However, the Bulldog backstop often struggled to make contact, but if he raise his average slightly, it will do wonders for the MSU lineup.
Connor Hujsak, OF
2023 Stats: .238 average, .277 OBP, .452 SLG, 2 HRs, 9 RBIs
The former VCU transfer came into Starkville as a shortstop, but the former Atlantic-10 Rookie Team member has transitioned to the outfield. Hujsak made one start in centerfield last season and will likely stick there this season.
Hujsak also had a nice summer in the Florida Collegiate Summer League, belting five homers and batting .319. The New Hampshire native must play well for the Bulldog lineup to reach its peak.
Aaron Downs, 1B
2023 Stats: .261 average, .393 OBP, .261 SLG, 0 HRs, 1 RBI
The Iowa native had limited plate appearances last season but has performed well in pre-season scrimmages. Downs has played some outfield in his career but has settled in at first base.
With Hines playing first base, Downs will likely be an option at designated hitter for the Bulldogs.
Nate Chester, 3B
2023 Stats: .211 average, .348 OBP, .261 SLG, 0 HRs, 2 RBIs
Another Bulldog who saw limited action last year but is talented and could see more playing time this season. Chester has played all over the infield but plays a good third base.
The Missouri native will be an option at designated hitter and is a capable third baseman if Kohler struggles.
Opening Day Lineup Predictions
- David Mershon 2B
- Amani Larry DH
- Dakota Jordan LF
- Hunter Hines 1B
- Bryce Chance RF
- Logan Kohler 3B
- Connor Hujsak CF
- Ross Highfill C
- Dylan Cupp SS
