Missouri State University’s baseball program has become a notable pipeline for professional talent, with 22 former Bears currently navigating the minor and major league landscapes. The group includes everyday starters, relief specialists and power hitters who are shaping rosters from the big leagues down to independent circuits.
In the majors, Drake Baldwin of the Atlanta Braves is batting .275 with 19 home runs and 55 RBI, while Jake Burger of the Texas Rangers sits at .237 with 17 homers and 61 RBI in 98 games. Their contributions illustrate how the Bears’ alumni are not just participants but active contributors to their clubs’ success.
The ripple extends to the bullpen and rotation, where Pierce Johnson of the Cincinnati Reds has posted a 2‑1 record with 26 strikeouts in 33 relief appearances, and Hayden Juenger made a modest debut for the Oakland Athletics, allowing just one run in 2.1 innings. Drew Millas of the Washington Nationals has added two homers and 11 RBI in 130 at‑bats, showcasing the program’s depth.
A Deep Talent Pool
Beyond the headline names, a host of alumni are carving out roles across the affiliated and independent circuits. Caden Bogenpohl, the 64th overall pick in 2026, is set to begin his pro journey with the FCL Phillies, while Jake Eddington has struck out 26 batters for the Jersey Shore BlueClaws. Jackson Holmes owns a 4.28 ERA with two saves for the Stockton Ports, and Eric Loomis has fanned 49 hitters for the Frisco Roughriders, earning three saves.
Jake McCutcheon is hitting .184 with five homers and eight stolen bases for the Springfield Cardinals, and Spencer Nivens is batting .269 with 37 RBI and 11 stolen bases for the Northwest Arkansas Naturals. Nick Rodriguez slugged 25 doubles for the Rocket City Trash Pandas, and Brandt Thompson posted a 3‑3 record and 5.07 ERA with 81 strikeouts for the Glacier Range Riders.
Emerging stories include Jackson Beaman’s power surge with the Joliet Slammers, Bryce Cermenelli’s .400 average in his first 20 games, and Taeg Gollert’s two‑hit debut for the Trois‑Rivières Aigles. Gabe Roessler added a double and two RBIs for the Hagerstown Flying Boxcars, while Jason Schaaf opened his pro career with a 3‑0 record and 3.18 ERA.
Veterans like Lance Wade (2‑1, 5.07 ERA, 19 strikeouts for the Glacier Range Riders) and Riyan Rodriguez, a three‑year mainstay of the Party Animals in Banana Ball, round out a cohort that blends established MLB contributors with promising newcomers.