Jack Bauer, a left-handed pitcher from Frankfort, Illinois, will throw for Mississippi State baseball in 2026 instead of pursuing an MLB career. Bauer, who can throw up to 103 mph, was the No. 44 draft prospect but went unsigned by MLB teams. He previously committed to Virginia before joining MSU on June 16.
Bauer’s impressive pitching ability earned him a spot as the No. 21 prospect nationally in the 2025 recruiting class, according to Perfect Game. However, two other signees from his class were drafted: Landon Harmon by the Washington Nationals and Jacob Parker, JoJo Parker’s twin brother, by the Arizona Diamondbacks.
MSU signed all three of its starting pitchers – Pico Kohn, Evan Siary, and Karson Ligon – on draft day. The team also retained pitching coach Justin Parker on coach Brian O’Connor’s staff. Bauer will now join the Bulldogs in 2026 as a key player for the baseball program.
Source: https://eu.clarionledger.com/story/sports/college/mississippi-state/2025/07/14/jack-bauer-mlb-draft-mississippi-state-baseball/85199243007