From the moment Coach Brian O’Connor accepted the head coaching position at Mississippi State, nearly every effort has been about roster management. O’Connor flew to Starkville on Sunday night June 1st. The Diamond Dawgs got home from Tallahassee on June 2nd. The new State skipper had the chance to address the team shortly after they returned home to Starkville.
On Tuesday, O’Connor began his introductory meetings with players that had eligibility remaining. Pitcher Ryan McPherson had the honor of going first. In fact, the first six players who had the chance to sit down with O’Connor were pitchers. Ace Reese’s afternoon meeting was the first for position players. By the time Wednesday night was over, the official meet and greets were in the books.
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Some of those meetings ended with plans to transfer. A few of those decisions were encouraged. It is the nature of things in college athletics, especially after a coaching change.
By the time Thursday’s formal announcement ceremony began, O’Connor and his staff already had official visitors on campus. Many of that first group has already signed with State and have finalized their plans for the fall semester. As it stands today, there are fifteen incoming transfers for Bulldog baseball. We may see one or two more before it is all said and done.
Now that the 2025 Major League Draft is in the rearview mirror, there is a lot less focus on what if. The reality of where things sit has landed. Seven 2025 Diamond Dawgs were drafted. All are expected to sign pro deals. Two high school signees were chosen as well. One of those has already come to terms and the other will finalize his contract this week. Davion Hickson had announced his transfer to State, but he will not making to campus. That was expected from the early stages of his recruitment. He will be an LA Dodger.
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With the pro picking process done, the final pieces of the roster puzzle are nearly in place. State will likely take another portal prospect, maybe even two. Once those decisions are made, then O’Connor and staff will now the full hand they have to play with. Fall semester classes at Mississippi State begin on August 20th. The Diamond Dawgs will already be in town and working by then. Many of them are already in Starkville getting a head start.
Considering the level of competition expected this fall, a few extra weeks will likely serve some players well. The season opening weekend begins February 13th. That is just 207 days from now. A lot will happen between now and then. In that respect, a lot has already happened.