Why Mississippi State baseball's offseason is about more than replacing the stars
STARKVILLE — It was getting late into the evening on June 1 when Virginia’s Bobby Whalen stepped to the plate against Mississippi State baseball.
Facing MSU in the first game of the winner’s bracket with the teams tied at 4 in the Charlottesville Regional, the Cavaliers had the ninth hitter in the lineup stepping up. However, Mississippi State wasn’t getting handed an easy out in the ninth inning with the winning run at third base.
Instead, Whalen came to the plate owning a batting average of nearly .400. He came through, sending a hard-hit ball to second base that brought the winning run in.
It reminded Mississippi State coach Chris Lemonis of what his team was missing and must address this offseason.
“We need a little more depth offensively,” he said the following night, after Virginia eliminated MSU. “That was one of the big areas.”
The Bulldogs had only three regular starters hit above .300 this year — shortstop David Mershon and outfielders Dakota Jordan and Connor Hujsak. Along with slugging left-handed first baseman Hunter Hines (.257, 16 home runs), MSU had a strong core to its lineup that it will need to replace this offseason.
However, the Bulldogs couldn’t find consistent offensive production at second base, catcher, third base and designated hitter.
It’s easy to pitch to potential transfers an opportunity to hit third and start every day. Can Lemonis and his staff find enough talent to add depth to the lineup? That’s an important question lingering this offseason.
“You can hit in all parts of the lineup and get a chance to play and move on and play professionally,” Lemonis said.
Holes for Mississippi State baseball to fill
Jordan and Hines are listed as top 200 prospects for the upcoming MLB draft, according to MLB.com. Mershon, Hujsak and outfielder Bryce Chance also might get their names called, which would leave MSU without its top five hitters.
Other starters, such as second baseman Amani Larry, catchers Johnny Long and Joe Powell, and third baseman Logan Kohler have exhausted eligibility or could pursue professional opportunities.
Young players expected to have bigger roles for Bulldogs
Not every void will be filled by transfers.
Ethan Pulliam saw extended playing time as a freshman at second base during Larry’s struggles. Sophomore Ross Highfill didn’t play this season because of injury, but as a freshman he made 36 starts at catcher.
Two-way player Nolan Stevens could be an option at first base after flashing potential as a freshman this year. Shortstop Dylan Cupp also showed promise before injuries limited his playing time as a freshman this season.
KEEP UP: Mississippi State baseball 2024 transfer tracker
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: Offseason more than replacing stars
