Draft Impact and Roster Changes
The 2026 MLB Draft reshaped the outlook for Southern Miss baseball as the program prepares for the 2027 season. Three standout players — Joey Urban, McCarty English and Drake Meeks — were selected, while right‑hander Colby Allen earned a contract as an undrafted free agent with the Tampa Bay Rays.
All four athletes who were set to leave the program were not expected to return, leaving the roster open for new faces. Among them, Davis Gillespie, a pivotal contributor, went undrafted, a development that makes his return to the Golden Eagles increasingly probable.
Southern Miss has bolstered its outfield with the addition of transfers Cade Baker and Brock Clayton, while the infield will see a mix of familiar arms such as Seth Smith, Drey Barrett and Ty Long, complemented by newcomers Cannon Peery and Brady Waugh who will fill the gaps left by graduates.
The bullpen experienced a shuffle, losing three right‑handed pitchers but gaining fresh arms through transfers and returning players, setting the stage for a competitive relief corps.
Adding to the excitement, every 2026 high school signee will arrive on campus this year, giving true freshmen the chance to make an early impact and deepen the squad’s depth.