Mississippi State's baseball program celebrated a productive showing in the 2026 MLB Draft, with four of its recent standouts hearing their names called and agreeing to professional contracts before the July 27 signing deadline. The quartet combined to secure $4.16 million in signing bonuses, underscoring the depth of talent emerging from the university's roster.
Ace Reese's Record Deal
The ace right‑hander was selected in the first round by the Seattle Mariners and negotiated a $3.5 million agreement, the largest among the group and reflecting the high expectations placed on his fastball repertoire.
Rocco Maniscalco, a second‑round pick of the St. Louis Cardinals, followed with a $3.2 million bonus, a figure that placed him among the most lucrative deals for players drafted outside the top slot.
Other signees included fourth‑round selection Ben Davis, who agreed to a $447,500 contract with the Colorado Rockies, and Will Brick, a fourth‑round choice of the Toronto Blue Jays whose deal was worth $2.5 million. Right‑hander Aidan Teel, taken in the eleventh round by the Minnesota Twins, received $210,000, while ninth‑round pick Martin Shelar signed with the Boston Red Sox for $1.5 million. Bryce Chance, a tenth‑round selection of the Toronto Blue Jays, received a modest $2,500 bonus.
Pitcher Denton Lord, a 17th‑round pick of the San Diego Padres, opted to forgo a professional contract and instead commit to playing another season at Mississippi State, a decision that highlights the ongoing allure of college development for some prospects.
Beyond the drafted players, the university also saw a number of undrafted free agents ink agreements with various MLB clubs, further extending the program's reach into the professional ranks.