While the first pitch of the 2024 season is still four months away, Mississippi State baseball just wrapped up one of its most competitive sessions of the year.

The Bulldogs split their team each fall for the Maroon vs. Black World Series. It’s a team led by assistant Jake Gautreau going against one led by assistant Kyle Cheesebrough. This year, Gautreau’s maroon team took the title.

However, both teams showed promise toward what could be a much-needed improved showing by the program next year. With the Bulldogs coming off back-to-back seasons with no postseason appearance, pressure is building for coach Chris Lemonis and his staff.

Here’s what we learned about the Bulldogs in the fall.

Why Dakota Jordan stayed at Mississippi State

In June, outfielder and freshman All-American Dakota Jordan entered the transfer portal.

“It was a tough, probably, 72 hours for us,” Lemonis said Monday. “He’s such an identity of this program.”

However, shortly after, he removed his name and elected to remain at Mississippi State.

“I just told (coaches) I love this place,” Jordan said. “That was a little mistake, but I wouldn’t trade this place for anything.”

Jordan comes from Canton, Mississippi, as a product of Jackson Academy. As a freshman, he hit .307 with 10 home runs and 40 runs driven in. He served primarily as the team’s left fielder, but this year he is moving to right.

“It feels good. I feel comfortable," Jordan said. "I told (Lemonis) it’s a better angle of throwing. I feel good. All my steps are quick – better than last year.”

How Stone Simmons has worked back from injury

One of MSU’s biggest offseason additions was the return of pitcher Stone Simmons from injury. Simmons last pitched on March 5, 2022, before being sidelined by a torn UCL. He’s back after recovering from Tommy John surgery.

“The rehab process in general is just really long and kind of grueling,” Simmons said. “Coming back this fall, it’s been a little bit easier than I expected. Not that I’m coming out and just getting everybody out immediately, but it’s just kind of my safe spot to be out on the mound. That’s where I feel comfortable.”

Simmons was sidelined during a rough stretch for MSU pitching. The Bulldogs finished with a 6.05 ERA in 2022 before posting a 7.01 ERA this year. Simmons had to watch the struggles from off the field, which wasn’t easy.

However, he feels his leadership improved during that stretch.

“To stay with the guys through thick and thin is part of being a good leader and a good teammate,” Simmons said. “It gave me the opportunity to learn a lot about just being a great leader, and now I’m prepared. I feel like I can help the guys get through bad adversity and things like that.”

NEW PITCHING BOSS: Inside pitching coach Justin Parker's decision to join Mississippi State baseball, Chris Lemonis

How Mississippi State’s defense is improving

Entering the 2023 season, Lemonis felt he had a strong group defensively. After all, the Bulldogs had an error-less run in the College World Series two years ago en route to a national title before posting a .982 fielding percentage in 2022.

Instead, Mississippi State had a .964 fielding percentage in 2023 – worst in the SEC – with a conference-high 65 errors. Paired with poor pitching, it was a rough recipe for Lemonis.

With clean play from the middle infield, improved defense at third base and the outfield and development at catcher, he hopes the struggles go away in 2024.

“I like our group right now,” Lemonis said. “We’ve really spent a lot of time (on defense).”

Stefan Krajisnik is the Mississippi State beat writer for the Clarion Ledger. Contact him at skrajisnik@gannett.com or follow him on the X platform, formerly known as Twitter, @skrajisnik3.

This article originally appeared on Mississippi Clarion Ledger: Mississippi State baseball: Unpacking coach Chris Lemonis' offseason