Examining Mississippi State baseball's 2023 roster: Who could return? Who could leave?
STARKVILLE — Mississippi State baseball's first season as defending champions was short-lived. The Bulldogs were nearly a month removed from their season finale when the College World Series began June 17.
The 2022 season featured poor pitching depth, inconsistent situational hitting and no postseason after Mississippi State went 26-30 overall and 9-21 in SEC play.
Athletic director John Cohen said he trusts coach Chris Lemonis to return to winning baseball next season, which will require strong roster management.
Here’s what the 2023 squad for Mississippi State could look like.
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Who is gone?
Following a season-ending loss against Tennessee on May 21, Lemonis said he and his staff would immediately get to work on the transfer portal.
That included bringing players in but also opening up roster spots. Mississippi State has had 10 players enter the portal, most of which didn’t see the field this season.
The biggest known loss for Mississippi State is second baseman RJ Yeager, who received numerous All-SEC and All-America accolades after one season. He is out of eligibility after joining as a grad transfer.
Who could be gone?
Mississippi State has plenty of talent likely departing for the MLB Draft, but where those players land and how much money they’re offered could sway things.
Pitcher Landon Sims and catcher Logan Tanner are probably going in the first round, so their returns are unlikely. Brad Cumbest improved his draft stock enough in 2022 to be selected in the first 10 rounds and leave.
Beyond that trio, who leaves for the MLB is unclear. Utility player Kamren James, first baseman and catcher Luke Hancock, outfielder Kellum Clark and pitchers Preston Johnson, Jackson Fristoe, KC Hunt and Parker Stinnett could be taken in the later rounds.
Who is returning?
Many of those fringe MLB prospects could come back to Mississippi State.
The Bulldogs return designated hitter Hunter Hines, who was an All-SEC freshman with 16 home runs. Starting shortstop Lane Forsythe also returns. Those two are the only regular starters with certain returns.
Right-handed pitcher Cade Smith returns for his junior season after serving as the Sunday starter.
Which younger players could make a jump?
Mississippi State has an incoming freshman class capable of immediately starting if they come to campus. Shortstop Jett Williams appears to be a lock for a first-round pick, but pitchers Bradley Loftin and Colby Holcombe along with outfielder Dakota Jordan could fall in the draft and elect to come to school.
Freshman Slate Alford emerged as a starting third baseman later in the season and showed promise. He hit a home run in April against LSU and batted .209. Perfect Game rated him as the top third baseman out of Alabama.
Stefan Krajisnik is the Mississippi State beat writer for the Clarion Ledger. Contact him at skrajisnik@gannett.com or follow him on Twitter @skrajisnik3.
This article originally appeared on Mississippi Clarion Ledger: Mississippi State baseball: Who is returning to 2023 roster? Who isn't?
